SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JANUARY 25: Jaxon Smith-Njigba #11 of the Seattle Seahawks makes a one-handed catch in front of Cobie Durant #14 of the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter of the NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field on January 25, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) | Getty Images
One of the most underrated storylines in Super Bowl LX is the NFC conference’s recent dominance over the AFC.
The Patriots didn’t look competitive against the Seattle Seahawks and lost 13-29. Drake Maye had one of the worst quarterback performances in recent memory.
Just a year ago, the Chiefs were defeated by the Philadelphia Eagles 22-40. The game was never close.
But the Chiefs have won the last two Super Bowls before 2024. They did so by a three-point margin against each of the 49ers and Eagles. The NFC has won both world championships up to that point with the Rams and Buccaneers winning.
In short, four of the last six Super Bowl victories have gone to the NFC. The two most recent games have the largest point differentials, and those results have tilted heavily in favor of the National Conference.
Rams at Seahawks was the real Super Bowl
Did the story reach its climax during championship weekend? I asked this question leading to the Seahawks hosting the Rams, and it seems especially fitting now.
We saw the two best teams in the NFL battle it out for a trip to the Super Bowl. It seemed at the time that whoever finished on top would also be a contender for the Lombardi Trophy. This was true.
Were the Patriots frauds? Not necessarily. They were just a year too early in terms of building their squad. This was an AFC conference without the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes, as well as the Bengals and Ravens who struggled with injuries at the quarterback position for most of the season. It’s positive for New England to have been able to accumulate playoff experience for a young team. 2025 would never have been their year.
What the future holds for the Rams
The road will remain more difficult on the NFC side for the foreseeable future. THE The Seahawks probably aren’t going anywhere. The Bears, Packers, Panthers and newcomers should be tougher a year from now.
We know the Rams have some serious needs heading into the offseason. They need to rework their secondary in addition to reloading at receiver.
Even if they fill these holes, it will be an uphill battle to get back to the NFC Championship. This is how the NFL works. As a fan, you have to appreciate these moments because they are fleeting between eras.
But hey, if the Rams make it out of the NFC, they should have the upper hand on the AFC team.
