At a Glance
- Super Bowl 60: Patriots vs. Seahawks on February 8
- Both teams finished the regular season 14-3
- Patriots are making their 10th Super Bowl appearance since 2000
- Seattle seeks revenge for the 2015 loss
- The game will be held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.
The upcoming championship pits the New England Patriots, led by second-year quarterback Drake Maye, against the Seattle Seahawks, who are starting rookie quarterback Sam Darnold. Both teams finished the regular season with identical 14-3 records, setting the stage for a high-stakes rematch of the 2015 Super Bowl XLIX, in which the Patriots secured a 28-24 victory over Seattle.
History of the Matchup
The Patriots and Seahawks have faced each other three times since their 2015 clash. Seattle won all three encounters: 31-24 in 2016, 35-30 in 2020, and a 23-20 overtime win in 2024. The 2015 loss remains the Seahawks’ most dramatic defeat, and the franchise is eager to reverse that outcome.
Season Recap: Patriots
The Mike Vrabel-led Patriots rebounded from back-to-back 4-13 seasons to finish 14-3. Drake Maye, in his second year, performed at an MVP-caliber level. New England’s playoff run saw them defeat the Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans, and Denver Broncos, earning their 10th Super Bowl appearance since 2000. In the postseason, the Patriots’ defense allowed only two touchdowns and 209.7 yards per game, while recording 12 sacks and seven takeaways.
Season Recap: Seahawks
Seattle also finished 14-3 in their first season under rookie quarterback Sam Darnold. Head coach Mike Macdonald guided the team to a first-round bye, then victories over the San Francisco 49ers and L.A. Rams. The Seahawks’ offense ranked tied for No. 7 in yards per game (351.4) and No. 3 in points per game (28.4). Their defense ranked No. 6 in yards allowed per game (285.6) and No. 1 in points allowed per game (17.2).
Key Stats Table
| Category | Patriots | Seahawks |
|---|---|---|
| Regular-season record | 14-3 | 14-3 |
| Total yards per game | 351.4 | |
| Points per game | 28.4 | |
| Yards allowed per game | 285.6 | |
| Points allowed per game | 17.2 | |
| Playoff yards allowed per game | 209.7 | |
| Playoff sacks | 12 | |
| Playoff takeaways | 7 |
Key Players
- Drake Maye – Patriots’ quarterback, MVP-caliber performance, 65-yard rushing touchdown in the AFC Championship.
- Sam Darnold – Seahawks’ rookie quarterback, 4,048 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, 14 interceptions.
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba – Seahawks’ star wideout, 119 catches, 1,793 yards, 10 touchdowns.
- Kenneth Walker – Seahawks’ running back, key postseason performer.
Patriots Strategies
- Ball Security – Maye must avoid interceptions and fumbles; he has one interception and two fumbles (one lost) in the playoffs.
- Contain Smith-Njigba – The defense needs to limit the 119-catch, 1,793-yard receiver.
- Run Game Pressure – Force Seattle to rely on the run, especially with Zach Charbonnet out.
Seahawks Strategies
- Clean Play for Darnold – Avoid turnovers; Darnold has not thrown a pick or lost a fumble in the postseason.
- Explosive Plays – Limit Patriots’ big-play opportunities; Maye’s ability to make big plays in key moments.
- Defensive Focus – Seattle’s defense allowed the fewest points per game; it must maintain that performance.
Prediction
The Patriots’ strong defensive record and Maye’s clutch performances suggest an edge for New England. If Maye keeps the ball, the Patriots can capitalize on the Seahawks’ turnover history. Seattle will need Darnold to stay flawless and limit explosive plays. The game is expected to be close, but the Patriots’ advantage in ball security and defense could secure a seventh championship.
Key Takeaways
- Both teams finished 14-3; the Patriots are making their 10th Super Bowl appearance.
- The game will be played on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium.
- Patriots’ defense has limited postseason offenses to 209.7 yards per game.
- Seahawks’ offense is led by Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s 1,793 yards.
- The matchup is a chance for Seattle to avenge the 2015 loss.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 8 | Super Bowl 60: Patriots vs. Seahawks |
| 2025 | Seahawks’ offense ranked No. 7 in yards per game |
| 2025 | Patriots’ defense allowed only two touchdowns in playoffs |
| 2025 | Sam Darnold’s rookie season: 4,048 yards, 25 TDs |

The 2025 season saw both teams rise from challenging starts to finish with identical 14-3 records, setting up a dramatic showdown that could reshape the legacy of both franchises.

