NFL Conference Championships: Highest-graded plays of the AFC, NFC title games

Leonard Taylor calls game: Games like the AFC championship, played in difficult conditions for much of the second half, are often decided by the thinnest of margins. Taylor’s tipped field goal proved to be one of the defining moments Sunday, as he got just enough elevation to deflect the kick and force a miss with fewer than five minutes remaining. The play earned Taylor a +1.5 PFF grade.

Puka Nacua’s touchdown grab: Despite coming in a losing effort, Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua delivered another impressive touchdown grab in the NFC championship game loss to the Seahawks. He beat cornerback Riq Woolen downfield with sharp footwork before going up to secure a slightly underthrown pass at the pylon for the score, earning a +1.5 PFF grade on the play.

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This season, we launched a weekly series at PFF that provides a behind-the-scenes look at our grading process. Each week, we have broken down some of the highest-graded individual plays, complete with tweets to show you the action.

Here are a few standout plays from the AFC and NFC championship games.

Christian Barmore’s quick win for the sack

A little Bama on Auburn action! Christian Barmore beats #77 Quinn Meinerz and gets the sack on Stidham! #NEPats pic.twitter.com/T0KEcDuOO6
— Follow: @ThrowbackPATS (@ThrowbackPATS) January 25, 2026

The Patriots generated key interior pressure Sunday in the AFC championship game, and this sack by Barmore stood out as one of the best examples. He earned a +1.5 PFF grade after beating All-Pro right guard Quinn Meinerz with a quick inside win before finishing the play by bringing down Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham.

Leonard Taylor’s game-winning tipped field goal

The @Patriots tip the field goal and hold the lead!

NEvsDEN on CBS/Paramount+
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/po1jTYFYYR
— NFL (@NFL) January 25, 2026

Games like the AFC championship, played in difficult conditions for much of the second half, are often decided by the thinnest of margins. Taylor’s tipped field goal proved to be one of the defining moments Sunday, as he got just enough elevation to deflect the kick and force a miss with fewer than five minutes remaining. The play earned Taylor a +1.5 PFF grade.

Sam Darnold’s touchdown pass to Jake Bobo

Did someone order a Jake Bobo touchdown?

LARvsSEA on FOX/FOX One
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/kQXCvLVIty
— NFL (@NFL) January 26, 2026

Seattle’s defense has driven much of the Seahawks’ success throughout the 2025 season, but this game demanded a big-time performance from quarterback Sam Darnold — and he delivered. This throw was one of three big-time throws from the former third overall pick, as he placed the ball precisely where it needed to be for Bobo to secure the catch.

Puka Nacua’s acrobatic touchdown grab

Just throw it up for Puka.

LARvsSEA on FOX/FOX One
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/xPlqQyznpl
— NFL (@NFL) January 26, 2026

Despite coming in a losing effort, Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua delivered another impressive touchdown grab in the NFC championship game loss to the Seahawks. He beat cornerback Riq Woolen downfield with sharp footwork before going up to secure a slightly underthrown pass at the pylon for the score, earning a +1.5 PFF grade on the play.