Experts Think Seahawks Will Win Super Bowl LX Against Patriots

The Super Bowl LX game is set between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. Many experts believe the Seahawks will win, but some think the Patriots could win. The game is expected to be close.
By Newsroom | American Football, Sports |

The Road to Santa Clara

Super Bowl LX is set to pit the Seattle Seahawks against the New England Patriots, a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX. The championship game marks the culmination of an 18-week regular season and a rigorous playoff gauntlet for both teams, who enter with identical 14-3 records. This highly anticipated contest, scheduled for Sunday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, has generated a flurry of predictions and analyses from various sports media outlets. The stakes are clear: one team will lift the Lombardi Trophy, while the other will ponder what might have been.

Super Bowl 2026 predictions: Picks for Seahawks v Patriots, MVP, score and winners - 1

The Contenders

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks are frequently highlighted for their defensive strength, often referred to as the "Dark Side." Several analysts point to their roster as being more talented and possessing a youthful advantage over their opponents. Their defense is noted as the best unit on the field, with the No. 1 scoring defense in the league, allowing an average of 17.2 points per game.

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Super Bowl 2026 predictions: Picks for Seahawks v Patriots, MVP, score and winners - 2

New England Patriots

The Patriots' journey to the Super Bowl has been characterized by a resilient performance throughout the season and playoffs. Key to their offensive strategy, according to some analyses, is the performance of quarterback Sam Darnold, who is seen as a consistent force in both run defense and pass rushing within the New England system. Their experience, particularly under head coach Mike Vrabel, and an underrated defense are also cited as potential advantages.

Super Bowl 2026 predictions: Picks for Seahawks v Patriots, MVP, score and winners - 3

Expert Projections: A Close Call

A broad consensus among nearly 40 polled experts from ESPN indicates a leaning towards a Seahawks victory. However, the margin of victory and the predicted scorelines exhibit significant variation.

Super Bowl 2026 predictions: Picks for Seahawks v Patriots, MVP, score and winners - 4

  • Seahawks Victory Predictions: The majority of predictions favor the Seahawks. Scorelines range widely, from a narrow 20-17 to a decisive 34-27. Several analysts have provided specific scores:

  • Seahawks 34, Patriots 27: Alaina Getzenberg (Bills reporter)

  • Seahawks 31, Patriots 21: Andrew Hawkins (NFL analyst)

  • Seahawks 27, Patriots 17: Jess Bryant (NYT Athletic), Hannah Vanbiber (NYT Athletic), David Suggs (Sporting News)

  • Seahawks 24, Patriots 20: David Suggs (Sporting News)

  • Seahawks 23, Patriots 17: David Suggs (Sporting News)

  • Seahawks 23, Patriots 20: David Suggs (Sporting News)

  • Patriots Victory Predictions: A smaller, but notable, contingent of experts foresee a Patriots upset.

  • Patriots 21, Seahawks 17: Brooke Pryor (Steelers reporter)

  • Patriots 28, Seahawks 24: Jason McCourty (NFL analyst)

  • Patriots 24, Seahawks 21: Jordan Raanan (Giants reporter), "Stanford Steve" Coughlin (commentator/betting analyst), Tim Hasselbeck (NFL analyst)

  • Patriots 20, Seahawks 17: Tedy Bruschi (NFL analyst)

  • Tight Contests: A significant number of predictions fall within a touchdown or less, suggesting an anticipated competitive matchup. The lowest predicted scoreline for a Seahawks win is Seahawks 16, Patriots 13 by Ben Solak, an NFL analyst.

Most Valued Player (MVP) Speculation

The potential MVP award is also a subject of expert debate, with two primary candidates emerging:

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  • Sam Darnold (Seahawks QB): Multiple analysts have tabbed Darnold as the likely MVP. His performance is described as crucial for the Seahawks, with one expert noting he needs to replicate his NFC Championship game performance.

  • Drake Maye (Patriots QB): Maye is also frequently mentioned as a potential MVP, particularly by those predicting a Patriots victory. His team's "storybook season" is seen as a factor in his favor.

  • Kenneth Walker III (Seahawks RB): Walker also receives some MVP consideration, though less frequently than the two quarterbacks.

Key Matchup Dynamics

The disparity in predictions is influenced by several perceived advantages and disadvantages for each team:

  • Seahawks' Defensive Prowess: The consensus on Seattle's defense being the best unit on the field is a recurring theme. How the Patriots' offense, and specifically Sam Darnold, will fare against this formidable unit is a central question. The Patriots' offensive line is viewed with concern regarding their ability to protect Maye against the Seahawks' defensive front, especially after being sacked five times in each of their last three playoff games.

  • Patriots' Offensive Strategy: For the Patriots to succeed, they are advised to "play to their strengths" and force the Seahawks to defend primarily through the air. The effectiveness of their run defense and pass-rushing capabilities is also noted as a potential strength.

  • Quarterback Performance: The expectation is that the game may hinge on the performance of the starting quarterbacks. Darnold's consistency and ability to lead will be closely watched, as will Maye's performance under pressure against a top-tier defense.

  • Coaching Experience: The experience of Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel is seen by some as a factor that could help keep the game close.

Conclusion: A Narrow Edge for Seattle

The overwhelming sentiment from the polled experts leans towards a Seattle Seahawks victory in Super Bowl LX. However, the margin is projected to be relatively close in many scenarios, indicating a belief in the Patriots' ability to compete. The MVP discussion centers predominantly on quarterbacks Sam Darnold and Drake Maye, reflecting the critical role they are expected to play. The outcome may well be decided by which team's strengths – Seattle's defense or New England's strategic play – proves more impactful on the day.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is playing in Super Bowl LX?
The Seattle Seahawks will play the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX.
Q: Who do experts think will win?
Most experts think the Seahawks will win the game.
Q: Will the game be close?
Many experts think the game will be close, with only a few points between the teams.
Q: Who might be the MVP?
Experts think the Most Valuable Player could be Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold or Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.