Santa Clara, California – The Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots are set to clash in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium, a contest that has surprised many given the preseason odds. The matchup represents the most unlikely Super Bowl pairing in NFL history, according to combined preseason projections.
The Seahawks secured the NFC’s top seed with a record of 14-3, while the Patriots claimed the 2-seed in the AFC, also finishing with a 14-3 record. Both teams have navigated challenging playoff brackets to reach this stage, setting the scene for a highly anticipated championship game.
Heading into the Super Bowl, a significant consensus among NFL experts favors the Seahawks. ESPN’s analysis of predictions from 58 experts revealed that 48 – a substantial 82.8 percent – are forecasting a Seattle victory. Only 10 experts have predicted a win for the Patriots. The most frequently predicted scoreline is 27-17 in favor of the Seahawks, appearing in four of the expert forecasts.
The experts also offered insights into potential individual accolades. Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold received 22 votes for Super Bowl MVP, while Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba garnered 19 votes. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye received six votes.
The Seahawks are currently favored by 4.5 points, reflecting the widespread expectation of a Seattle win. More than half of the surveyed experts – 35 out of 58 – anticipate a closely contested game, predicting a final margin of seven points or less.
Beyond the on-field predictions, the Patriots are facing internal challenges. Reports indicate that the team is navigating distractions related to Drake Maye’s injury status, the absence of Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick from the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, and Kraft’s involvement in legal proceedings. Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and his team are reportedly focused on minimizing the impact of these external factors.
Analysts suggest that the Patriots’ success will heavily rely on the performance of running back Rhamondre Stevenson. Stevenson has consistently exceeded his rushing yardage totals throughout the playoffs, clearing the mark in his last eight games. He accounts for 77% of New England’s rushing yards during the postseason and handled 90% of the running back opportunities against Denver in the previous round.
The Seahawks, meanwhile, are expected to maintain a balanced offensive approach. Predictions suggest that Kenneth Walker III will be heavily involved in the running game, while George Holani is anticipated to contribute as a receiving threat out of the backfield. The game script could see the Seahawks establishing a running game while the Patriots are forced to rely more on passing.
One potential strategic element highlighted by analysts is the possibility of a “Seattle runs, New England passes” game script. This scenario would likely see both Walker and Holani receiving significant carries and targets, respectively, while Maye would be tasked with leading the Patriots’ passing attack. Mack Hollins is projected to be a key target for Maye, potentially leading the team in receptions.
The Super Bowl matchup presents a compelling contrast in team narratives. The Seahawks have emerged as a dominant force throughout the season, consistently demonstrating strong performance across all phases of the game. The Patriots, despite their impressive record, have faced scrutiny and internal challenges, adding an extra layer of complexity to their Super Bowl bid.
The game is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams possessing the talent and coaching to compete at a high level. The outcome will likely hinge on key individual matchups, strategic adjustments, and the ability to capitalize on opportunities in critical moments. The Seahawks’ strong showing in expert predictions and their status as betting favorites suggest they enter the game with a slight advantage, but the Patriots’ resilience and experience cannot be discounted.
The Super Bowl LX represents not only the culmination of the NFL season but also a significant moment for both franchises. For the Seahawks, a victory would solidify their position as a league powerhouse. For the Patriots, it would be an opportunity to overcome adversity and add another championship to their storied history.
