The Seattle Seahawks will face off against the New England Patriots for Super Bowl LX, a showdown between journeyman quarterback Sam Darnold and rookie Drake Maye.
As the Super Bowl approaches, the Seahawks, led by a dominant quarterback in Darnold and bolstered by a legendary defense, are a clear favorite. While the Patriots boast an inspiring turnaround story and a promising young rookie, their softer schedule may take the credit for bringing them this far. Ultimately, Seattle appears ready to bring home its first Lombardi Trophy in more than a decade.
After winning three of the last six, this contest marks the first time since 2021 that the Kansas City Chiefs will miss the Super Bowl. With the Boys in Red out of contention, Vegas odds and most NFL fans favor Darnold’s birds.
On Jan. 31, the Seahawks were favored by DraftKings 4.5 points over the Patriots, with a total points over/under set at 45.5. Through two games, the Seahawks have outscored their playoff opponents 72–33.
Sports bettors say they appreciate the safe track record.
“I’ll probably bet double what I usually do,” senior Bobby Lindau said. “I’ll probably put down five to 10 bucks; usually I’m only putting one or two dollars.”
Part of Seattle’s strength lies in its opponent’s weaknesses. Out of the 14 teams to make the 2026 playoffs, the Patriots had the weakest strength of schedule, allowing them to jump from a 4–13 season last year to a record of 17–3, including the playoffs.
While New England’s reversal makes for an inspiring comeback story, it has already wavered in the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl.
“Drake Maye barely beat the Broncos, a team without their starting quarterback,” Lindau said.
The Patriots ultimately defeated the Broncos by only 3 points.
The shift against the Patriots has occurred both on and off the field.
Five days after his former team made the Super Bowl for the first time since his departure, six-time Super Bowl champion coach Bill Belichick was blocked from entering the Pro Football Hall of Fame, allegedly over his role in various cheating scandals. With the Patriots only three days from competing in the biggest sporting event of the year, the news could not come at a worse time, and may cost them some fair-weather fans heading into Sunday.
With the odds in their favor, the Seahawks have added many playoff fans to their ranks.
Junior Luke Jones is not a fairweather fan, despite usually rooting for the Dallas Cowboys.
“I’ve lived in Portland since I was 4,” Jones said. “So they’re the local team.”
Jones said he’s excited for his local team’s chances.
“This team’s defense reminds you a lot of the Legion of Boom – they hit hard and hustle the football,” Jones said.
Even with a stellar defense, it all comes back to the quarterback.
“Darnold is a top QB and has been nearly perfect in the playoffs,” Jones said. “He just has to play a clean game.”
If Darnold maintains the lead heading into the final quarter, the Patriots may never stand a chance. While leading the Minnesota Vikings in the playoffs last year, Darnold fell apart early and saw his team lose to the Los Angeles Rams, 27–9.
Freshman Mich Horn said he predicts the Seahawks will win if Darnold doesn’t start seeing ghosts.
“If we’re leading by a touchdown in the fourth quarter, that’s game,” Horn said.
Another ally Seattle may have is, oddly enough, the Vatican. Every time a new pope has been elected this century, the Seahawks have made the Super Bowl, losing in 2005 and winning in 2013. With the election of the first American pope last Easter, the uncanny trend may continue in Seattle’s favor.
