At a Glance
- The Patriots return to the Super Bowl after an 11-year drought, marking their 10th appearance since 2000.
- Both teams finished the regular season at 14-3.
- The game will be played on Feb. 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
Why it matters: The matchup pits a franchise in a new era against a team seeking revenge for one of the NFL’s most dramatic losses, making it a historic rematch.
The Super Bowl 60 preview sets the stage for a showdown between the New England Patriots, led by second-year quarterback Drake Maye, and the Seattle Seahawks, who have hired rookie head coach Mike Macdonald and are riding the wave of a strong season under quarterback Sam Darnold. Both teams finished the regular season at 14-3 and have earned first-round byes before dispatching their opponents in the playoffs.
Teams and Records
New England Patriots
- Head coach Mike Vrabel returned to the field after back-to-back 4-13 seasons.
- In the playoffs, the Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans, and Denver Broncos to reach the Super Bowl for the 10th time since 2000.
- Quarterback Drake Maye, in his second year, posted MVP-caliber play, leading the team to victories over the toughest defenses in the league.
Seattle Seahawks
- Sam Darnold, in his first season with the Seahawks, guided the team to a 14-3 record.
- The Seahawks earned a first-round bye and then beat the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams to secure their first Super Bowl appearance since 2015.
- The team is led by first-year head coach Mike Macdonald and a defense that ranked 1st in points allowed per game.
Head-to-Head History
The Patriots and Seahawks have met three times since their Super Bowl XLIX clash:
- 2016: Seattle 31-24
- 2020: Seattle 35-30
- 2024: Seattle 23-20 OT
These victories left the Seahawks with a perfect record against New England, but the Patriots still have a chance to break that streak.
Key Stats to Know
| Category | Seahawks | Patriots |
|---|---|---|
| Offense – Yards per game | 351.4 (tied No. 7) | |
| Offense – Points per game | 28.4 (No. 3) | |
| Defense – Yards allowed per game | 285.6 (No. 6) | |
| Defense – Points allowed per game | 17.2 (No. 1) | |
| QB Sam Darnold – Passing yards | 4,048 (5th) | |
| QB Sam Darnold – Passing TDs | 25 (10th) | |
| QB Sam Darnold – Interceptions | 14 (3rd most) | |
| QB Sam Darnold – Fumbles lost | 6 (2nd most) |
Offensive Star
The Seahawks’ offense is anchored by wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who recorded 119 catches (No. 4 in the NFL), 1,793 receiving yards (No. 1), and 10 touchdowns (tied No. 3) in 2025. Keeping Smith-Njigba contained will be a key challenge for New England’s defense.
Defensive Performance
New England’s defense has allowed only two touchdowns and 209.7 yards per game in the postseason, with 12 sacks and seven takeaways.
Patriots’ Keys to Victory
- Ball Security – Maye’s postseason ball-security record includes an interception and two fumbles (one lost) against the Chargers and an interception with four fumbles (two lost) against the Texans. He was flawless against Denver but faced a snowy AFC title game where he attempted only 21 passes.
- Shut Down Jaxon Smith-Njigba – Smith-Njigba’s 119 catches and 1,793 yards are more than double any other Seattle receiver. The Patriots must force Seattle to rely on the run, especially with Zach Charbonnet out due to injury.
- Exploit Turnovers – Seattle’s defense ranked fifth in interceptions and sixth in total takeaways during the regular season. The Patriots will look to keep the margin razor-thin.
Seahawks’ Keys to Victory
- Clean Game for Sam Darnold – Despite a turnover-heavy regular season, Darnold has avoided picks and fumbles in both playoff games. Maintaining that trend will be vital.
- Prevent Explosive Plays – Maye’s big plays in the playoffs included a 28-yard TD to Hunter Henry, a 28-yard TD to DeMario Douglas, a 32-yard TD to Kayshon Boutte, and a 65-yard rushing touchdown in the AFC Championship.
- Control the Tempo – Seattle’s defense has allowed the fewest points per game in 2025, so the Seahawks must keep the ball away from Maye and limit big gains.
Prediction
The matchup promises to be close, but the Patriots’ defensive prowess and Maye’s experience against high-pressure games give them a slight edge. If Maye keeps the ball secure and the defense continues to pressure Darnold, New England could secure its first Super Bowl title of the post-Brady/Belichick era.
The game will be a test of whether a young quarterback can maintain composure against a defense that has consistently limited points. The outcome hinges on which team can avoid costly turnovers and capitalize on the other’s mistakes.
Score Prediction: Patriots 24, Seahawks 20
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This preview is based on current season data and playoff performance up to the Super Bowl 60 game on Feb. 8.
