First bets for AFC, NFC championship games - ESPN

The NFL divisional round has come to a close, and four teams are one win away from a trip to Super Bowl LX.

After a win over the Houston Texans, the New England Patriots will face the Denver Broncos in the AFC championship game. Bo Nix's absence due to a broken ankle is a huge blow to Denver, who will rely on their stifling defense that helped clinch an OT win over the Buffalo Bills on Saturday.

In the NFC championship, the Seattle Seahawks will host the Los Angeles Rams in an NFC West rematch. Seattle's «dark side» defense was key in its 41-6 blowout of the San Francisco 49ers, but the Rams had a stunning OT win over the Chicago Bears.

Our betting analysts have you covered with their first bets for conference championship weekend.

Odds by DraftKings Sportsbook. Odds are accurate as of time of publish.

New England Patriots -5.5 vs. Denver Broncos
Sunday, 3 p.m., CBS

Money Line: Patriots (-270); Broncos (+220)
Total: 40.5; Opened: 40.5

Kayshon Boutte over 2.5 receptions (-108)

Bowen: Boutte, who has at least three receptions in both of the Patriots' playoff wins, will see heavy man coverage from the Denver secondary on Sunday. Look for Boutte to uncover on inside breaking routes, which sets up Drake Maye to throw with location to the upfield shoulder (away from the defender's leverage).

Betting notes

Denver has won 14 of its last 15 games at Empower Field at Mile High.

The Broncos are the first team in nine years to be a home underdog in a conference championship game (2017 Eagles vs. Vikings, Eagles won by 31).

The Patriots are 14-5 against the spread this season, the best record in the NFL.

Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks -2.5
Sunday, 6:30 p.m., FOX

Money Line: Seahawks (-148); Rams (+124)
Total: 47.5; Opened: