This year’s NFL championship — Super Bowl LX (60) — pits two teams with identical 14–3 records against each other in a marquee matchup that blends NFL history with new-era narratives. The Seattle Seahawks, champions of the NFC, will face the New England Patriots, champions of the AFC, in what’s shaping up as both a tactical chess match and an emotional showdown.  Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026

• Location: Levi’s Stadium — Santa Clara, California
• Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. ET
•  TV: NBC (also streaming on Peacock)
• Commentators: Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth, Melissa Stark, Kaylee Hartung, Terry McAulay 

This matchup is a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX from the 2014 season, when the Patriots famously defeated Seattle on a last-minute play. But this time, both rosters and coaching brains are different — and the stakes are just as high. 

How They Got Here

Seattle Seahawks (NFC Champions)

The Seahawks punched their ticket to Super Bowl LX by outlasting the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game, winning 31–27 behind a career night from quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold threw for 346 yards and three touchdowns and led Seattle’s balanced attack to close out the Rams in dramatic fashion. 

Seattle finished the regular season 14–3, earning the NFC’s top seed and showcasing one of the league’s best defenses and a high-powered offense that frequently overwhelmed opponents. Their path through the playoffs was defined by efficient quarterback play, explosive big-plays from their skill-position group, and timely stops when it mattered most. 

New England Patriots (AFC Champions)

New England’s journey was a different kind of grind. The Patriots emerged from a 10–7 AFC Championship Game win over the Denver Broncos in snowy, brutal conditions that tested every ounce of toughness and discipline on both sides of the ball. In that game, rookie quarterback Drake Maye provided the lone touchdown with a gutsy 6-yard run — showcasing his dual-threat capabilities and calm under pressure. 

Like Seattle, the Patriots also finished 14–3, but their rise this season represents a remarkable turnaround from prior years. Under first-year head coach Mike Vrabel, New England redistributed its identity around tough defense, physical play, and an offense that has grown more confident each week. 

Betting Lines & Odds

Betting markets currently favor the Seattle Seahawks as roughly 4.5-point favorites over the Patriots, with the over/under set around 46.5 points. Seattle’s moneyline sits around –230, meaning you’d need to bet $230 to win $100 on them, while New England’s underdog price hovers near +190. 

Despite being underdogs on the board, the Patriots are no strangers to big-game upsets — and the gap is tight enough that either team could realistically emerge with the Lombardi Trophy. 

Currently MyBookie Sportebook has Seattle at -5 -242 O45.5.

Key Storylines & What’s at Stake

A Historic Rematch — With New Faces

This Super Bowl matchup is threaded with history. Eleven years after the iconic Super Bowl XLIX ending, the Patriots and Seahawks cross paths again — but with different rosters and storylines. While that 2014 finish looms large in franchise lore, this year’s edition isn’t about revenge as much as it is about legacy and evolution. 

For Seattle, this is their fourth Super Bowl appearance and pursuit of a second Lombardi Trophy — their first since winning Super Bowl XLVIII. For New England, this marks an opportunity to claim a record-extending seventh Super Bowl title and to solidify a remarkable rebuild under Coach Vrabel and 23-year-old Maye. 

QB Matchup: Sam Darnold vs. Drake Maye

The spotlight will be on the quarterbacks:

• Sam Darnold — Seahawks: After a resurgence that saw him post over 4,000 regular-season passing yards and deliver clutch playoff performances, Darnold’s poised playmaking — especially his NFC title game performance — has made him one of the top MVP candidates for this Super Bowl. 
• Drake Maye — Patriots: Maye’s rookie season has been one of dramatic growth. Despite some early struggles with turnovers earlier in the playoffs, he finished strong and showed his scramble ability and arm talent in Denver. At 23 years old, he could become the youngest QB ever to win a Super Bowl if New England prevails. 

This contrast in quarterback experience — a veteran journeyman versus a rising young star — adds major intrigue to the game’s narrative.

 Defenses Will Decide

Both teams boast elite defenses:

• Seattle’s D: One of the league’s stingiest units all season, Seattle’s defense has been exceptional both against the run and in creating turnovers. Their disciplined fronts and opportunistic secondary give them a chance to control the pace early. 
• New England’s D: The Patriots’ defense has been relentlessly physical, allowing just seven points in the AFC title game and rising to elite levels in the playoffs. Their ability to limit big plays and pressure the quarterback will be crucial. 

Expect both defenses to be aggressive early — probing for mistakes and trying to flip field position in a game where every yard will matter.

Offensive Matchups to Watch

 Seattle Seahawks

• WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba: The league’s top receiver leader and favored target in big moments. His route-running and hands make him a primary threat whenever Darnold drops back. 
• RB Kenneth Walker III: A dynamic runner who can break tackles and change momentum with explosive gains. 

Seattle’s offense is built on balance — top-tier passing production and a capable rushing game that keeps defenses honest.

 New England Patriots

• Rhamondre Stevenson: The workhorse back who grinds out tough yardage and helps set up play-action. 
• Drake Maye’s Mobility: Maye’s ability to extend plays with his legs adds a dimension that Patriots coordinators will leverage against the Seahawks’ pressure scheme. 

While New England’s offense isn’t as explosive statistically as Seattle’s, its rhythm and clock-control tendencies could keep Seattle’s defense off balance.

X-Factors & Strategic Angles

Clock Control vs. Big Plays

Seattle often thrives in vertical offense and chunk plays, while New England derives strength from methodical drives and sustained clock possession. The team that dictates tempo — especially in the first half — may win the strategic battle.

Turnovers & Pressure

Super Bowls historically tilt toward the defense that forces turnovers. Seattle’s knack for takeaways could tilt the field, but New England’s defensive discipline means this likely won’t be a shootout — expect gritty football. 

Prediction Points & Talking Numbers

• The Seahawks hold a slight edge in betting markets as favorites on both the spread and moneyline. 
• Patriots’ defense has allowed remarkably few points in their playoff run — a hallmark of championship teams. 
• Seattle’s offense ranks among the NFL’s highest in scoring efficiency, making them a constant threat to flip field position. 

These factors make for a fascinating clash — and one where every possession matters in the quest for Vince Lombardi’s coveted trophy.

Final Thoughts

Super Bowl LX is more than a title game — it’s an emblem of NFL storytelling:

>> Seattle, rising back to the big stage with a hungry roster and defense that snaps at every opportunity.
>> New England, embodying resilience and tradition under a new generation while chasing historic glory.

Whether you’re tuning in for the gridiron drama, the halftime spectacle, or the pure football narrative, this season culminates in a matchup rich with history, heart, and high stakes. 

Game day is Sunday, February 8 — and with both teams peaking at just the right time, this Super Bowl could go down as one of the most tactical and memorable in recent memory.