Drake Maye's playoff surge meets Seattle's top defense. Expect a nail-biter decided by star playmakers and crucial fourth-quarter decisions.
Sunday night’s Super Bowl LX brings together two of the NFL’s most complete teams, with the Seattle Seahawks hosting the New England Patriots in a matchup that promises drama well into the fourth quarter.
Seattle enters as a 4.5-point favorite, but recent history between these franchises suggests anything but a runaway.
New England arrives at 17-3 with balance on both sides of the ball.
The Patriots rank near the top of the league in scoring offense and have been equally reliable defensively, allowing the fourth-fewest points per game.
Much of that steadiness can be attributed to quarterback Drake Maye, who has led a remarkable postseason run.
In just his second season, Maye has won his first three playoff starts, each against a top-five defense. His poise and efficiency within Josh McDaniels’ system have been the backbone of New England’s playoff surge.
Seattle counters with a team built on physicality and explosiveness. The Seahawks finished 16-3 and boast the league’s top scoring defense, complemented by an offense that can strike quickly. Running back Kenneth Walker III has been especially impactful in January, totaling 256 yards from scrimmage and four rushing touchdowns in the postseason while averaging 4.7 yards per carry.
With Zach Charbonnet sidelined, Walker has embraced a true workhorse role.
One of the most intriguing battles will be Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold versus New England’s secondary.
Darnold is coming off his best performance of the season, throwing for 346 yards and three touchdowns in the NFC Championship Game. Even while managing an oblique injury, he’ll need to be sharp against a Patriots defense that ranked among the NFL’s best at limiting passing yards and points.
Injuries will serve as a subplot.
Seattle’s offensive line has been monitored closely, with left tackle Charles Cross limited earlier in the week, while New England has a few defensive contributors listed as questionable. Both teams, however, expect their core playmakers to be available.
History adds another layer. Each of the last six meetings between these teams has been decided by one score, including Seattle’s overtime win earlier this season.
The Patriots may own the most famous result between the two franchises, but this version of the Seahawks is chasing its own legacy moment.
Expect a close, physical game where turnovers, quarterback decisions, and late-game execution ultimately decide who lifts the Lombardi Trophy.