SANTA CLARA, Calif. (Interstat) — A trip to the Super Bowl will be on the line Sunday when the AFC’s top-seeded New England Patriots face the NFC’s Seattle Seahawks in a conference championship game at Levi’s Stadium.

The Patriots (17-3), boasting the league’s best record, enter as a narrow favorite against the surging Seahawks (16-3) in a neutral-site clash that promises a stark contrast in styles. The game will be played at the San Francisco 49ers’ home stadium due to the NFL’s annual conference championship rotation.

New England’s path has been defined by a physical, defense-first approach, winning gritty, low-scoring contests. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye has provided a dynamic spark, most notably in a 10-7 divisional round win at Denver. In that victory, Maye’s legs were decisive, rushing for 65 yards and the game’s only touchdown while passing for just 86 yards. Over his last three games, he has rushed for 141 yards and three scores, adding a downfield passing threat.

Seattle, meanwhile, arrives with offensive momentum after a thrilling 31-27 home win over the Los Angeles Rams. Quarterback Sam Darnold is playing the best football of his career, throwing for 346 yards and three touchdowns in that victory. In his last two games, Darnold has completed 37 of 53 passes for 470 yards and four touchdowns without an interception, efficiently guiding an offense that hung 41 points on San Francisco in the wild-card round.

The Patriots’ defense, which held opponents to 16 points or fewer in three of its last four games, will face its toughest test in weeks. Containing Darnold’s connection with a balanced attack featuring running back Kenneth Walker III will be paramount. Conversely, Seattle’s defense must account for Maye’s dual-threat capability and a powerful run game led by Rhamondre Stevenson.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the Patriots are projected to win 32-22. However, with a Lombardi Trophy berth at stake, both teams are prepared for a four-quarter battle where execution in key moments will decide which franchise advances to football’s ultimate stage.

Kickoff is set for 3:05 p.m. PST on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026.