A rivalry renewed in Santa Clara

Seahawks, Patriots clash once again in Super Bowl LX

Photo courtesy of Philip Robertson/Wikimedia Commons

The biggest sporting event of the year is upon us, featuring the Patriots, Seahawks, and Santa Clara. Super Bowl LX has all the makings of an instant classic, with two powerhouse clubs looking to cement themselves as the new domineering force in the NFL. Two quarterbacks at opposite ends of their careers, two defenses looking to wreak havoc all night long, and two teams with a history of bad blood. Back in 2014, National Football League (NFL) audiences were treated to one of the most miraculous finishes in sports history. Cornerback Malcolm Butler's game-sealing interception at the goal line is a fond memory for Boston sports fans, while also a haunting nightmare for any Seattle fan.

While no member of the Seahawks or Patriots remains from those squads, it is hard not to believe that Seattle is determined to avenge that heart wrenching loss and bring the Lombardi Trophy back to the Emerald City. Buckle up, folks, as I break down each team's roster, from the stars to the underrated studs and potential X-factors, and then ultimately decide the team that can call themselves champions late Sunday night.

For New England, through three playoff games, the Patriots are averaging 18 points per game this postseason. That’s the fewest for any Super Bowl team since 1979. To be fair to the Pats, New England has played three top-ranked defenses, while also battling brutal blizzard conditions in Denver during the American Football Conference (AFC) championship. While second-year quarterback Drake Maye’s playoff stats do not jump off the page, the young signal caller has been poised and clutch in the big moments for the Patriots. Combine that with a dependable run game and a receiving core riddled with experienced vets, and the Patriots could shock many with their offensive performance.

In the case of Seattle, their offense has been absolutely percolating all postseason. The Hawks have averaged 36.0 points per game (first in the NFL) and 338 yards per game. Highlighted by a 41-6 thrashing of the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl, Seattle’s offense has the firepower to flat-out crush opposing teams. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is the engine that fuels this football team. The superstar wideout is coming off a breathtaking 10-reception, 153-yard, and one touchdown National Football Conference (NFC) championship performance. You cannot mention other weapons, such as running back Kenneth Walker and a former triple-crown-winning receiver in Cooper Kupp. Combine all these weapons with quarterback Sam Darnold playing the best football of his career, and it’s going to be an arduous task for the Patriots to get stops in this game.

While the Patriots offense has been hit-or-miss these playoffs, their defense, on the other hand, has been borderline impregnable. The Pats have only surrendered a combined 26 points across three playoff games, while limiting teams to only 3.1 yards per rushing (YPC). They have also forced a total of eight turnovers during the postseason. Needless to say, this is a confident and aggressive bunch looking to dismantle Seattle’s high powered offense. Look out for cornerback Christian Gonzalez and defensive tackle Milton Williams to make plays all night long.

Even though the Patriots' defense has been arguably more critical to their success this postseason, don’t let that take away from how historic the Seahawks defense has been this season. This unit has terrorized the NFL for the entire year. In the playoffs, their effectiveness hasn’t waned in the slightest. In the division round, the Seahawks pressured Brock Purdy on 47.4 percent of his dropbacks, which is the highest of any game in the NFL this season. They also managed a +4 turnover differential, which showcases the talents of their elite secondary that includes names such as Devon Witherspoon, Tariq Woolen, and Nick Emmanwori. X-Factor (New England): Cornerback Carlton Davis

With Christian Gonzalez alongside him in the secondary, these two shutdown corners have formed quite the duo. Look for Carlton Davis to get tested often and for him to potentially make an instrumental play for the Patriots' defense.

X-Factor (Seattle): Wide Receiver Rashid Shaheed

Rashid Shaheed is a dynamic receiver best known for his explosive return-game ability. Watch out for Shaheed to break one loose in the return game and flip the game on its head. Prediction: Seattle Seahawks 21-17 victory

While the Pats will certainly put up a valiant effort, I foresee Seattle’s explosive playmaking ability causing the Patriots fits throughout the game. I also wholeheartedly believe in Sam Darnold's talent as a signal caller, and I trust he will lean on his veteran experience to bring the Seahawks a vengeful triumph over New England. Super Bowl LX is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, California, with a kickoff at 6:30 p.m. ET on NBC.