The path to the Super Bowl—set for Feb. 8—crystallizes Sunday. Here are three wagering opportunities to capitalize on before the Big Game kicks off.

AFC Championship: No. 2 Patriots @ No. 1 Broncos

The matchup pits second-year Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, an MVP candidate playing his first road playoff game, against a Broncos team reeling from a critical injury.

Denver claimed the AFC's top seed but will start Jarrett Stidham at quarterback after starter Bo Nix broke his ankle in the divisional-round victory over Buffalo.

Stidham's credentials are thin. He has started four NFL games across six seasons and hasn't thrown a regular-season pass in two years. Yet he has an advantage: head coach Sean Payton, who has a proven track record elevating backup quarterbacks. In 2019, backup Teddy Bridgewater went 5-0 under Payton in New Orleans. Stidham himself went 1-1 when filling in for Russell Wilson in 2023.

Payton's approach with backup quarterbacks relies on creative play-calling, unconventional formations, and high-percentage completions. Expect early passes featuring play-action, RPOs, and screen passes—concepts designed to build rhythm and confidence.

PICK: Jarrett Stidham Over 39.5 first-quarter passing yards

The Broncos' running back situation also presents an angle. RJ Harvey, a 5-foot-8 UCF rookie, has regressed sharply since December. He rushed for 75 yards against the Raiders on Dec. 7, then declined every week: 65, 50, 43, 28, then 20 yards.

The Broncos opened the practice window for J.K. Dobbins this week, and reports indicate he will play Sunday. His return significantly reduces Harvey's workload.

PICK: RJ Harvey Under 40.5 rushing yards

NFC Championship: No. 5 Rams @ No. 1 Seahawks

When these teams last met, Seattle prevailed 38-37 in a Thursday Night Football thriller. The Rams' Puka Nacua dominated in that game, catching 12 passes for 225 yards with Davante Adams sidelined.

Seattle's defensive game plan will almost certainly focus on shutting down Nacua.

Adams has returned from injury and logged 19 targets across two playoff games—13 against the Panthers and six against the Bears—but caught only seven passes. His production must improve for Los Angeles to advance.

With Seattle shading coverage toward Nacua, the Rams will be forced to feed Adams. The Rams' offense functions better when Adams exceeds his receiving yard total.

PICK: Davante Adams Over 49.5 receiving yards