The NFL Playoffs: A Season of Drama and Excitement

As the 2026 season draws to a close, the excitement is palpable across the sports world. While the Academy Awards are still months away, the real drama is unfolding in the NFL playoffs. We’re down to the final four teams: the Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, Denver Broncos, and New England Patriots. These teams have battled through intense competition, with several close calls from other teams like the Buffalo Bills and Chicago Bears, who both fell in overtime. The Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Green Bay Packers also had narrow losses in previous weeks.

For fans of these remaining teams, it’s a time of both anticipation and anxiety. With the AFC and NFC championship games set for Sunday, there’s plenty of action to watch before then. Local sports, NHL hockey, NBA basketball, and college hoops are all offering their own share of excitement. For those looking for guidance on where to be and when, the Thomas Gase Guide column has you covered.

NFL Playoffs: Key Matchups and Storylines

The NFL playoffs are heating up, and the key matchups are already generating a lot of buzz. Starting at noon on Sunday, the Denver Broncos will host the New England Patriots. This game marks a decade since the Broncos defeated the same team to advance to the Super Bowl in Santa Clara. Back then, Vallejo native C.J. Anderson contributed with a touchdown and a ring. This year, however, the Broncos will be without their starting quarterback, Bo Nix, who fractured his ankle last week. Jarrett Stidham, who hasn’t started an NFL game since 2023, will step in. He will become the first quarterback since Roger Staubach in 1972 to make his first start of the season in a conference championship game or later.

Meanwhile, the Patriots are preparing for Drake Maye to lead them to their first Super Bowl since 2019, when Tom Brady was still in control. Maye threw for 179 yards against Houston and is hoping for another big performance. Despite their storied histories, both teams have faced heartbreak in the past. The Broncos and Patriots have combined for nine Super Bowl wins but also 11 Super Bowl losses. Brady lost three Super Bowls, and Tony Eason and Drew Bledsoe each lost one as well.

If the Seahawks beat the Rams on Sunday, it could set up a rematch of the 2014 game if the Broncos also win. If the Patriots and Seahawks both win, it would be a rematch of the 2015 game. However, the only scenario where no rematch occurs is if the Rams and Broncos both win. The Rams have played the Patriots in the 2002 and 2019 Super Bowls, losing both times to Brady.

But if the Seahawks play like they did against the San Francisco 49ers, few can stop them.

Local Sports: High Stakes in the Tri-County Athletic League

In local sports, the Tri-County Athletic League (TCAL) standings are tightening up, especially in boys soccer. Both Bethel and Vallejo High have just one loss and a tie. Vallejo has four games left, while Bethel has three. The schedule is packed this week, with Vallejo playing at De Anza on Tuesday and Bethel facing Kennedy the same night. On Thursday, Vallejo will take on Hercules, while St. Pat’s hosts John Swett, American Canyon plays Petaluma, and Benicia faces Concord.

On the girls side, Vallejo is battling with Hercules for first place in the TCAL standings. Both teams have just one loss. Vallejo will face Kennedy on Tuesday, while St. Pat’s hosts Salesian. Benicia plays Northgate, and American Canyon takes on Casa Grande. The week continues with more matches, including St. Pat’s vs. Kennedy and American Canyon vs. Sonoma Valley.

In boys basketball, St. Pat’s faces Salesian on Tuesday, following Ronbie Ryhmes’ 50-point performance. Vallejo hosts Swett that same night, while Bethel plays Pinole Valley on Wednesday. Benicia hosts Alhambra, and American Canyon plays Casa Grande. The week concludes with more exciting matchups, including Bethel vs. St. Pat’s and Benicia vs. Concord.

NHL: A Busy Week for Hockey Fans

The NHL is also in full swing, with the San Jose Sharks entering the week tied for third place in their division. They are on a road trip, starting with a matchup against Florida on Monday and continuing against Tampa Bay on Tuesday. The Sharks return home for a Friday night game against the Rangers. If you’re a fan, don’t miss this game — it’s the only home game until February 26 due to the Olympic break.

Other notable games include the Rangers vs. Kings on Tuesday, the Red Wings vs. Maple Leafs, and the Ducks vs. Avalanche on Wednesday. Thursday brings big matchups like the Knights vs. Bruins and the Penguins vs. Oilers. The Lightning vs. Blackhawks on Friday is also worth watching.

NBA: Warriors and Lakers in a Tight Race

The NBA is also heating up, with the Warriors winning three in a row and trailing the Lakers by just two games in the Pacific Division. While Jonathan Kuminga may not play this week, the Warriors will face the Raptors on Tuesday night in a 2019 Finals rematch. After that, they travel to Dallas and Minnesota.

Other key matchups include San Antonio vs. Houston, the Lakers vs. Denver, and Oklahoma City vs. Milwaukee. The week ends with the Lakers and Luka Dončić returning to Dallas, along with the Knicks vs. 76ers and the Celtics vs. Bulls.

College Basketball: Rivalries and Big Games

College basketball is also in full swing, with the men’s season featuring a thrilling Stanford vs. Cal matchup on Saturday. Both teams are 14-5, making it a must-watch game. Other top matchups include Indiana vs. Michigan, Miami vs. Florida State, and Vanderbilt vs. Arkansas.

In women’s basketball, Cal hosts Stanford on Sunday, with both teams above .500. Purdue vs. UCLA and Iowa vs. Maryland are also standout games.

Final Thoughts

With so much happening across the sports world, there’s never been a better time to tune in. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the NFL, NHL, NBA, or college basketball, there’s something for everyone. Make sure to mark your calendars and catch all the action.