Conference Championship weekend is here. Four teams, two spots in the Super Bowl. The Patriots face a backup quarterback trying to keep Denver's season alive. The Rams and Seahawks meet for the third time this season with everything on the line.

Plus NBA Rivals Week features Luka's revenge game in Dallas and a UFC lightweight title fight that could be an instant classic.

Don't miss: Rams-Seahawks on Sunday night. The trilogy matchup in one of the NFL’s best rivalries that decides who goes to the Super Bowl.

Here's your weekend preview starting with the games that matter most.

The stakes: Denver's Super Bowl hopes took a massive hit when quarterback Bo Nix fractured his ankle in overtime against Buffalo last week. His replacement, Jarrett Stidham, hasn't started a game since 2023. Meanwhile, the Patriots should win this game but can’t seem to win in Denver as they’re 0-4 all-time in playoff games there. Quarterback Drake Maye has been solid but not spectacular in his first two playoff games. The pressure is all on them to get the win against a backup quarterback.

What to watch for: Stidham only has four career starts (1-3 record), and the Broncos' defense just gave up 30 points at home to Buffalo. This has to be a kitchen-sink game for Denver as coach Sean Payton will need to open up the playbook and pull out all the stops to keep this close. The Patriots should control this game, but they’ve struggled to figure out playoff football in Denver.

What Vegas thinks: Patriots -5.5. Vegas expects New England to win comfortably on the road, but with Stidham's uncertainty and Denver's home-field advantage, don't be surprised if the Broncos keep this closer than expected.

The stakes: Many consider these the two best teams left standing, and they're facing off for the third time this season. The Rams won the first matchup 21-19. Seattle won the Week 16 rematch 38-37 in overtime, which was one of the best games of the year. Now they meet with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. For the Rams, this is likely quarterback Matthew Stafford's last chance to win a Super Bowl and cement his Hall of Fame legacy. For Seattle, this could be their first Super Bowl appearance since 2014 and quarterback Sam Darnold's chance to prove he can lead a championship team after being considered a bust.

What to watch for: The Rams' offense vs. Seattle's defense. In their Week 16 shootout, Stafford threw for 457 yards and wide receiver Puka Nacua went off for 225 yards and two touchdowns. But Seattle's defense has been dominant lately as they beat San Francisco 41-6 last week. The Rams have a potent offense but have looked pedestrian in the playoffs. Which unit wins the battle?

Darnold has also struggled against this Rams team with six interceptions in their last two matchups. He’s also dealing with an oblique injury. Seattle's been taking pressure off him by running the ball and playing elite defense, but eventually he'll need to make plays.

What Vegas thinks: Seahawks -2.5. Vegas expects another tight game in this trilogy. Home-field advantage and an extra day of rest could be the difference for Seattle.

The stakes: It’s NBA Rivals Week featuring a slate of marquee matchups, and this is a big one. The Knicks have lost nine of their last 12 games. If they don’t right the ship they could drop from the top of the Eastern Conference to fighting for a playoff spot. This rivalry game is a chance to get back on track with a quality win. The 76ers have exceeded expectations this season and can solidify their position as legitimate contenders.

What to watch for: The point guard matchup. Both Tyrese Maxey (76ers) and Jalen Brunson (Knicks) were just named All-Star starters and are considered the best point guards in the conference. Both teams have star-studded rosters, but this is the matchup to watch.

What Vegas thinks: Lines don’t drop until Friday. Given the Knicks' recent struggles, Philadelphia should be slightly favored at home. With New York desperate for a win and rivalry intensity, expect this to be close.

The stakes: Luka Doncic returns to Dallas nearly a year after being traded in one of the biggest blockbusters in NBA history. This season he's been putting up career numbers and was named an All-Star starter. For Dallas, this trade has been a disaster. Anthony Davis (acquired for Luka) has barely played due to injuries. Emotions will be high as Luka faces his old team again.

What to watch for: This is a star-studded matchup featuring Luka, LeBron James, and Cooper Flagg. Flagg was the #1 overall pick Dallas lucked into (1.8% lottery odds of them getting this pick) and is a Rookie of the Year frontrunner. This is Dallas' chance to show it's not all bad and that they have a future franchise cornerstone.

What Vegas thinks: Lines don’t drop until Friday. The Lakers are the better team with star power Dallas can't match. Add in Luka's revenge narrative, and expect the Lakers to be favored to win comfortably.

The stakes: This will be the UFC's first main event on Paramount+, the first time in history it’s not exclusively featured on traditional pay-per-view. The main card features UK sensation and one of the UFC’s fastest growing stars Paddy Pimblett against elite veteran Justin Gaethje for the lightweight title. A win elevates Pimblett to superstardom. A Gaethje loss might end his career.

What to watch for: Gaethje is nicknamed "The Highlight" because he's one of the hardest hitters in the UFC. Pimblett has received five Performance of the Night bonuses as his fights are also can’t miss events. This comes down to whether Pimblett's durability (famously quoted saying "Scousers don't get knocked out.") can withstand one of the sport's heaviest hitters.

What Vegas thinks: Pimblett -230. Vegas makes Paddy a considerable favorite, but with Gaethje's pedigree and the possibility this is his last fight, look for him to give his best effort and potentially pull off the upset in what could be one of the year's best fights.

Must-watch:

Solid matchups:

— Backdrop Sports

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