Overall: 184-99-1
SEA v. NE
Sunday, February 8 | 6:30 PM ET | NBC
To conclude a season filled with upsets, unpredictability, heartbreaks, and crazy comebacks, Super Bowl LX ironically features a top-two seed in each conference—as the Seahawks and Patriots face off in a rematch from over a decade ago when Tom Brady and Bill Belichick defeated the Legion of Boom, 28-24, in arguably the best game in Super Bowl history. Of course, both rosters have been completely turned over since then, but the current teams were rebuilt somewhat similarly, including Sam Darnold being our comparison for Drake Maye in the 2024 pre-draft process, two defensive-minded head coaches with top-tier offensive coordinators, and stout units with great secondaries that can make things difficult on the opposition.
As is usually the case, taking care of the ball is key (teams that win the turnover battle have a 40-7 record in the Super Bowl), so Darnold—who has been lights out through two playoff games—needs to prove once more he won’t throw an inopportune interception, which has really been the major flaw for him dating back to his time at USC; and Maye—who has not been at his best during New England’s playoff run—must avoid mistakes in general with two interceptions, six fumbles, and 15 sacks taken in the three postseason wins.
Seattle is favored by 4.5 points because they are the more talented roster, but the Pats being in the rare position of playing the underdog is something Mike Vrabel has surely brought up to his guys—and you never quite know how players and coaches will hold up on the biggest stage. I would assume Mike Macdonald and Klint Kubiak won’t be phased by coaching in the Big Game, but Vrabel (as a player) and Josh McDaniels having nine Super Bowl rings between them shouldn’t go overlooked.
For the Seattle offense, they’ll be playing through Jaxon Smith-Njigba (10/153/1 in the NFC Championship) and Kenneth Walker III (145 total yards and three rushing touchdowns in the Divisional Round) as much as possible if New England doesn’t have answers for them early, but Cooper Kupp has elevated his game in the postseason, and Rashid Shaheed should get a downfield shot or two after the Patriots let Marvin Mims Jr. behind them in the AFC Championship. Frankly, a blowout could be in store if Darnold has time and plays like he did two weeks ago, so keep an eye on Milton Williams generating interior pressure and someone in the secondary making a play on the ball early to perhaps drain Darnold’s confidence; but if the plan is to put top cornerback Christian Gonzalez on JSN with limited help, I’m not sure that would go well for New England.
On the other side of the ball, Ernest Jones IV is the X-factor for me, as he’ll be tasked with stopping Rhamondre Stevenson and defending the middle of the field in coverage—and he might also be used as a quarterback spy on Maye to prevent the back-breaking runs that have led to first downs, touchdowns, and chunk gains. In coverage, I like how Devon Witherspoon matches up with Stefon Diggs and how Riq Woolen’s size can potentially neutralize Kayshon Boutte on potential downfield shots, but the shifty DeMario Douglas could test rookie Nick Emmanwori (ankle) in the slot after the standout rookie was injured in practice this week.
Based on how dangerous Rashid Shaheed and Marcus Jones are as superstar returners, special teams being the determining factor—especially if the turnover battle is even—is a very real possibility. And we can’t discount how awesome of an in-game coach Vrabel has been throughout his career if the Patriots can keep it close in the fourth quarter. However, the overall talent level for Seattle and the different things Macdonald will throw at Maye could lead to a convincing win in Super Bowl LX.
Seahawks 27 – Patriots 17