Super Bowl LX promises to deliver an exciting clash as the AFC champion New England Patriots face off against the NFC champion Seattle Seahawks this Sunday. This matchup, a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX from the 2014 season, adds a layer of intrigue as both teams were not considered finalists at the start of the 2025 season. Notably, it’s the first Super Bowl matchup since Super Bowl XVI in the 1981 season where both participants entered with preseason odds of 50-1 or longer.
As anticipation builds for this unexpected showdown, bold predictions for the game suggest a potentially thrilling and unpredictable affair.
One striking prediction lays out that rookie quarterback Drake Maye may face significant pressure, potentially setting a playoff record with ten sacks. With Maye having already been sacked 15 times this postseason, his awareness in the pocket will be crucial against a formidable Seahawks defense. Seattle’s roster boasts standout defensive players, including Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy III, who have proven to be efficient in pressuring opposing quarterbacks.
Conversely, Sam Darnold, the quarterback for the Seahawks, might experience his first turnover of the postseason with a possibly disastrous strip-sack. His impressive postseason performance—leading all quarterbacks in various metrics, including touchdown-to-interception ratio—has been underscored by his susceptibility to sacks. The tension around his performance builds as he grapples with the Patriots’ defensive strategies.
Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is expected to have an underwhelming game, failing to surpass 70 receiving yards for only the third time this season. He faces a tough matchup against Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who has allowed minimal yards this season. The Seahawks’ offensive scheme might avoid labeling Smith-Njigba as the focal point to navigate Gonzalez’s defensive prowess effectively.
A thrilling prediction centers on Seahawks Pro Bowl return man Rashid Shaheed, who is poised to score the first-ever punt return touchdown in Super Bowl history. Shaheed, known for his game-breaking speed, has already made a mark with a kickoff return touchdown this postseason and could exploit the Patriots’ past struggles in special teams.
Additionally, Cooper Kupp, the Seahawks’ reliable receiver, is projected to win a second Super Bowl MVP award, becoming the first non-quarterback to do so. With the Patriots’ defense likely focused on limiting Smith-Njigba’s impact, Kupp could find opportunities to shine and attract the MVP voters’ attention with significant plays.
Overall, Super Bowl LX is gearing up to be a captivating contest filled with unexpected outcomes and pivotal performances that could redefine careers and legacies in the NFL. As fans await kickoff, there’s a sense of excitement for the history-making potential that this game holds.