Backup QB Clash: Broncos-Pats Trenches Battle

Broncos-Patriots: Backup Showdown in the Trenches

The Broncos and Patriots square off in what's shaping up to be a defensive slugfest with more grit than glamour. Both teams are trotting out backup quarterbacks, and the betting markets are trying to make sense of the uncertainty. Denver's Jarrett Stidham is no stranger to Sean Payton , he was Payton’s first signing in Denver, and it wasn’t just a coincidence. Payton sees something in Stidham, and that familiarity could pay dividends in a game where every snap counts.

Stidham’s track record shows a clear trend: when he starts, he throws. We're talking 32+ pass attempts in every one of his four career starts. Add in the fact that Denver won’t be able to run against New England’s elite run defense and you’ve got the recipe for a pass-heavy game script. The Patriots are blitz-happy lately, but Denver’s offensive line is among the best in the league and should hold up well, especially against stunts and pressure packages.

On the flip side, New England’s offense is still a question mark. They're banged up, conservative, and leaning heavily on field position. If you're looking for a sneaky prop, the over on total punts (7.5) feels almost too fitting. Expect a field-position chess match that’s more about patience than pyrotechnics.

One intriguing angle: Stidham over 31.5 pass attempts. This number is low considering game flow, lack of a run game, and Payton’s disdain for running the ball twice in a row. If Denver falls behind or even sits in a tight game, expect the ball to stay in the air. There’s also value in fading Patriots wideout Kayshon Boutte. He tends to disappear against man coverage and could be lined up across from one of the league’s best corners. Under 2.5 receptions is a sharp play here.

Rams-Seahawks: Divisional Déjà Vu

Don’t let the recent blowouts fool you , this Rams vs. Seahawks tilt is far from a mismatch. Seattle might be the higher seed, and yes, they’re fresh off a 35-point win, but history hasn’t been kind to teams coming off such lopsided victories. In fact, squads winning by 35+ points are just 55-74-5 against the spread in their next playoff game over the past 25 years.

Let’s rewind to when these teams last met in Week 16. The Rams dominated most of that game, outgaining Seattle by over 150 yards and leading by 16 in the fourth quarter. A miracle two-point conversion and a few fluky bounces later, Seattle stole the win. But that was with the Rams missing key players like Davante Adams and Kevin Dotson. Now fully healthy, Los Angeles is primed for revenge.

Seattle’s schedule down the stretch hasn’t exactly been murderers’ row. Wins over the Panthers and the 49ers' practice squad don’t scream dominance. Meanwhile, the Rams have been road warriors, playing their third straight game away from home. Fatigue could be a factor, but with the better quarterback, offensive line, and playoff pedigree, the Rams might just have the edge.

From a betting perspective, this game looks like a coin flip. Grabbing Rams +2.5 (or waiting for a potential +3) is the sharp side. And if you’re hunting for player props, Sam Darnold’s longest rush under 6.5 yards is worth a look. He’s been under that mark in 14 of his last 18 starts and is dealing with an oblique injury. The Rams have enough weapons that Darnold shouldn't be scrambling unless absolutely necessary.

Other Props and Plays to Watch

Let’s not forget some of the spicy prop action floating around this weekend. Staying in Denver, wide receiver Courtland Sutton’s over 31.5 receiving yards is a solid bet. With a pass-heavy game script and backup chemistry with Stidham, he could be a reliable target, especially in the red zone.

There’s also some love for Broncos tight ends in the touchdown market. Nate Atkins has sneaky upside as a red zone target for Stidham, while Adam Troutman is undervalued as the starter. These two, along with Davante Adams, make up a long-shot anytime touchdown parlay that could pay off at eye-popping odds (800 to 1, anyone?).

Back in the Rams game, concerns loom around their travel fatigue and Sean McVay’s play-calling, which has been questionable at times. But the Rams have the tools to win on the road, particularly if their defense keeps pressure on a banged-up Seahawks offensive line. Jared Verse could feast on a third-string left tackle, and that’s not a recipe for offensive success in Seattle.

Takeaways

• Stidham’s Arm is the Key: Over 31.5 pass attempts is a strong play. Don’t expect a run-heavy approach from Payton.
• Defense Reigns in Denver: Both teams will lean on defense, making props like total punts and under on Kayshon Boutte receptions appealing.
• Rams Ready for Revenge: After a fluky loss in Week 16, the Rams are healthier and better positioned to cover the spread.
• Seattle’s Blowout Bounce-Back: History says teams coming off big wins often stumble next time out. Tread carefully with the Seahawks.
• Prop Market Popcorn: Courtland Sutton over yards, Darnold under longest rush, and some juicy tight end TD darts offer plenty of value for bettors.

Championship Sunday is stuffed with storylines, and while the quarterback names aren’t flashy, the betting angles are. Whether you’re backing backup QBs or chasing long-shot props, there’s plenty of action to keep your bankroll buzzing. Play smart, stay sharp, and enjoy the grind.