To steal a mantra from Mike Vrabel and the New England Patriots: "Big dogs come out in January." After a modest regular season, my picks have rounded into form over the playoffs, and I'm coming off a clean sweep (ML and ATS) over the divisional round weekend.

The Broncos and Patriots play on Jan. 25, 2026, at the Broncos' Empower Field at Mile High in the AFC championship game.

Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold is the key.