Winter storm sets up Patriots-Broncos, Seahawks-Rams to break NFL TV records

Much of the country is preparing to be hit by what is projected as a massive winter storm this weekend, with a foot or more of snow in the forecast even in many places that don't get a ton of snow.

It's also conference championship weekend in the NFL, with the AFC featuring the New England Patriots at the Denver Broncos and the NFC following with the Los Angeles Rams at the Seattle Seahawks.

Those games are both too far west to be hit by the incoming storm, although both could still see inclement weather of their own.

But there will be one major impact of the winter weather on those games, sort of.

They could set television records.

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Pundits are viewing Sunday's games, expected to be in the peak of the storm, as the one thing that everyone will be able to do that day.

People won't want to go out of their houses to other events or errands. The best they'll be able to do is throw the football games on the TV and stay cozy.

Of course, power needs to stay on, and television signals need to remain intact, but if all the technology comes through, football will be right there to provide some company through the storm.

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The AFC game is an odd one, because the Broncos will be without starting QB Bo Nix (fractured ankle) and instead be rolling with Jarrett Stidham against the Patriots' Drake Maye.

In the NFC, the Seahawks and Rams meet for a third time this season, with Sam Darnold continuing his career renaissance against the ageless Matthew Stafford.

Lots of eyes will be on both games, and they'll decide who gets to play in the Super Bowl.

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