Phoebe Schecter, a former assistant coach with the Buffalo Bills and current NFL pundit, also represents Great Britain in flag football.
The Conference Championships are upon us, with a Super Bowl berth on the line.
Predicting the outcomes of both Sunday’s matchups is challenging, particularly the contest between the Los Angeles Rams and the Seattle Seahawks.
As divisional rivals in the NFC West, they’ve already faced off twice this season, splitting the series with a win apiece on their home turf. The margins in those games were incredibly tight.
The Rams prevailed in the first encounter by a mere two points, while the Seahawks edged out a victory in the second by a single point in overtime. The cumulative score stands at 58-57, and total yardage at 830-829, both narrowly favoring the Rams.
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Highlights from the 2025 Seahawks-Rams series
Midway through the season, many would have confidently predicted a Rams Super Bowl appearance. However, recent struggles for Matthew Stafford and his team allowed Seattle to seize the NFC West title and the conference’s top seed.
I attended the Rams’ wildcard game in Carolina, where they faced considerable adversity. Now, they must contend with Seattle’s formidable defense, which is performing at a high level across the board. Key players include DeMarcus Lawrence on the defensive line, linebacker Ernest Jones, and cornerback Devon Witherspoon.
Seattle boasts the fewest points allowed this season and leads the league in third-down defense, showcasing their status as one of the league’s elite defensive units.
This defensive prowess is a product of [Seattle head coach] Mike Macdonald’s system, honed during his tenure in Baltimore. The Ravens developed a distinct defensive identity that has now translated to Seattle’s success.
Defensive coordinator Aden Durde has also played a significant role. I have immense respect for Aden. I had the opportunity to coach alongside him, and it’s inspiring to witness his journey as a British coach, progressing through the player pathway system with stints at the Dallas Cowboys and Atlanta Falcons. Now in Seattle, he’s even drawing attention as a head coach candidate.
While Mike Macdonald calls the defensive plays, Aden maintains leadership within the unit. He ensures the players are fundamentally sound, mentally prepared, and aligned with the team’s culture. This defense is a reflection of Aden’s influence as well. His background as a linebacker and his similar defensive philosophies to Mike Macdonald were key factors in his selection, and we’re seeing the results on the field.
This defensive strength alleviates the pressure on Sam Darnold to deliver extraordinary performances. Seattle favors a run-heavy approach with play-action passes, looking to connect with Jaxon Smith-Njigba over the middle. I believe this will be a key aspect of their game plan.
However, Darnold has been prone to turnovers this season, leading the league with 20 giveaways. Furthermore, the Seahawks’ running back duo has been disrupted by Zach Charbonnet’s knee injury.
Kenneth Walker will likely shoulder a heavier workload than usual, and the Rams defense will aim to force the Seahawks into predictable passing situations.
NFL play-offs: 2025 season
10 January – 8 February 2026
Live text commentary on all play-off games on the BBC Sport website and app, plus live radio coverage of New England at Denver on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Sounds. The Whole 10 Yards, BBC Sport’s weekly NFL programme, will also follow the road to Super Bowl 60
Darnold has struggled in these scenarios in the past. Chris Shula, the Rams’ defensive coordinator, has had success against Darnold before, both earlier this season and in last year’s play-offs against his former team, Minnesota.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is a leading MVP candidate. He has a wealth of receiving talent, including Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and impactful tight ends.
Stafford possesses immense confidence and the ability to make throws all over the field. I believe he will be the decisive factor in this game.
Coach Sean McVay has already guided the Rams to a championship, and his experience in high-pressure situations will be crucial in finding a solution to contain Darnold.
While I would be thrilled to see the Seahawks advance, I predict a Rams-Broncos Super Bowl matchup.
With Bo Nix sidelined for Denver, Jarrett Stidham will be making a rare start. I was present at New England’s game last weekend and observed Drake Maye’s struggles with decision-making against a Houston defense that mirrors the Broncos’ style.
Mile High Stadium is a notoriously difficult venue to play in, and I anticipate that coach Sean Payton and the Broncos defense will do just enough to secure the victory.
Denver’s overtime triumph against the Buffalo Bills last week was a painful way for the Bills to conclude their season, and just two days later, coach Sean McDermott was relieved of his duties.
While coaching changes are part of the profession, it was disheartening to witness. Sean made significant contributions to the Buffalo community and the Bills organization, revitalizing the team. The players’ testimonials about his leadership speak volumes.
He provided me with an opportunity, as well as many others throughout the years, and he is a genuine advocate for diversity, not just in words but in action.
I spoke with Sean’s wife, Jamie, who is an amazing person. She has even become involved in coaching flag football in Buffalo. The McDermotts have received a tremendous outpouring of support from the organization as a whole. I’m confident that he will secure another head coaching position elsewhere, given his outstanding track record.
There’s considerable speculation and pressure surrounding the organization at present, but I’ve known the Pegulas for a long time, and they are not prone to rash decisions. They are accomplished businesspeople, which explains their sustained success. I’m eager to see what the future holds and how it impacts Josh Allen.
I expect they will seek an offensive-minded head coach, given their reliance on Josh Allen’s exceptional talent. However, the level he’s currently playing at isn’t sustainable forever, so they’re likely operating on a shorter timeline.
He’s had Sean McDermott as a head coach probably longer than anyone in his life so who do you bring in to, essentially, take you to a Super Bowl, because you’re now saying that’s the standard.
Phoebe Schecter was speaking to BBC Sport’s Ben Collins.
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