Super Bowl LX: Everything You Need to Know Before Kickoff
The stage is set for an epic showdown as the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks prepare to battle in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. This highly anticipated rematch of Super Bowl XLIX brings together two teams that have defied expectations throughout the 2025 NFL season. With kickoff scheduled for February 8, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. ET, football fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a classic clash between AFC and NFC champions.
The Road to Super Bowl LX
The Patriots celebrate after defeating the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game
New England Patriots: A Remarkable Turnaround
The Patriots’ journey to Super Bowl LX represents one of the most remarkable turnarounds in NFL history. After finishing the previous two seasons with dismal 4-13 records, few expected New England to contend in 2025. First-year head coach Mike Vrabel, a former Patriots player during their early dynasty years, completely transformed the team’s culture and performance.
Rookie quarterback Drake Maye, selected third overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, blossomed into a legitimate star in his second season. Maye led the AFC in passing yards (4,394) and touchdowns (31) while posting a league-best 113.5 passer rating. His dual-threat capabilities added another dimension to the Patriots’ offense, contributing 450 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground.
The Patriots’ offense, which ranked near the bottom of the league last season, surged to third in total yards and second in points scored. Key additions like veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs (1,013 receiving yards) and rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson (911 rushing yards, 9 TDs) provided Maye with reliable weapons.
Defensively, New England made similar strides, improving from 22nd in both yards and points allowed to eighth and fourth, respectively. Cornerback Christian Gonzalez earned Pro Bowl honors while leading the secondary, and linebacker Robert Spillane anchored the middle of the defense with 97 tackles.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has engineered a career renaissance in Seattle
Seattle Seahawks: From Playoff Outsiders to NFC Champions
The Seahawks’ path to Super Bowl LX has been equally impressive. After narrowly missing the playoffs in consecutive seasons, Seattle made bold roster moves that many questioned at the time. Trading away veteran quarterback Geno Smith and parting with star receivers Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf signaled what appeared to be a rebuild.
Instead, second-year head coach Mike Macdonald masterfully integrated new pieces into a championship-caliber team. The acquisition of quarterback Sam Darnold, whose career had been revitalized in Minnesota the previous season, proved to be a stroke of genius. Darnold earned his second Pro Bowl selection, throwing for 4,038 yards and 24 touchdowns while completing 67.7% of his passes.
Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerged as the league’s leading receiver with 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning first-team All-Pro honors. The addition of former Offensive Player of the Year Cooper Kupp (593 yards) provided another reliable target in the passing game.
Defensively, the Seahawks transformed from a middle-of-the-pack unit to the league’s stingiest scoring defense. Defensive end Leonard Williams and cornerback Devon Witherspoon both earned Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro recognition, while linebacker Ernest Jones led the team with 126 tackles and 5 interceptions.
Playoff Journeys
Patriots’ Path
- Wild Card: Defeated Los Angeles Chargers 16-3
- Divisional Round: Defeated Houston Texans 28-16
- AFC Championship: Defeated Denver Broncos 10-7
Seahawks’ Path
- Divisional Round: Defeated San Francisco 49ers 41-6
- NFC Championship: Defeated Los Angeles Rams 31-27
Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara will host Super Bowl LX, the second Super Bowl held at this venue
Key Matchup Analysis: Clash of Styles
| Category | New England Patriots | Seattle Seahawks |
| Total Offense | 3rd (402.3 YPG) | 8th (375.1 YPG) |
| Scoring Offense | 2nd (28.7 PPG) | 3rd (27.9 PPG) |
| Passing Offense | 4th (274.6 YPG) | 7th (252.4 YPG) |
| Rushing Offense | 9th (127.7 YPG) | 11th (122.7 YPG) |
| Total Defense | 8th (319.8 YPG) | 6th (312.3 YPG) |
| Scoring Defense | 4th (18.2 PPG) | 1st (16.4 PPG) |
| Turnover Differential | +12 (2nd) | +7 (5th) |
Offensive Showdown: Maye vs. Darnold
The quarterback matchup features two players on very different career trajectories. Drake Maye, in just his second NFL season, has already established himself as one of the league’s premier passers. His passer rating of 113.5 led the NFL, and his ability to extend plays with his legs adds another dimension to the Patriots’ offense.
Sam Darnold’s career renaissance continues to be one of the NFL’s most compelling storylines. Once labeled a bust after struggling with the New York Jets, Darnold has found his groove in Seattle. However, his history against the Patriots is concerning – he’s 0-4 lifetime against New England with nine interceptions, including the infamous “seeing ghosts” game from 2019.
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye’s dual-threat capabilities have transformed New England’s offense
Defensive Battle: Top Units Collide
Seattle boasts the league’s top scoring defense, allowing just 16.4 points per game. Their secondary, led by Devon Witherspoon, has been particularly stingy, while Ernest Jones has emerged as one of the NFL’s most versatile linebackers.
New England’s defense, while not quite as dominant statistically, has been opportunistic throughout the playoffs, forcing seven turnovers in three games. Cornerback Christian Gonzalez has the potential to neutralize Seattle’s top receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, which could force Darnold to look elsewhere.
X-Factors: Players Who Could Swing the Game
Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba led the NFL in receiving yards during the 2025 season
Patriots X-Factors
TreVeyon Henderson, RB
The rookie running back has been a revelation for New England, providing balance to their offense. His ability to break tackles (led the league with 3.8 yards after contact) could be crucial against Seattle’s stout front seven. If Henderson can establish the run early, it will open up play-action opportunities for Maye.
Christian Gonzalez, CB
The Pro Bowl cornerback will likely be tasked with shadowing Seattle’s top receiver, Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Gonzalez allowed just a 52.3% completion rate when targeted this season, but Smith-Njigba presents his toughest challenge yet. This matchup could determine whether Seattle’s passing attack finds its rhythm.
Harold Landry, LB
Landry led the Patriots with 8.5 sacks this season and will be crucial in pressuring Darnold, who has struggled historically when under duress. If Landry can consistently collapse the pocket, it could force Darnold into the mistakes that plagued him earlier in his career.
Seahawks X-Factors
Ernest Jones, LB
Jones does it all for Seattle’s defense – 126 tackles, 5 interceptions, and excellent coverage skills. His ability to spy on Maye and limit the quarterback’s scrambling ability will be crucial. Jones also needs to be a factor in coverage against tight end Hunter Henry, who has been Maye’s security blanket.
Kenneth Walker III, RB
With Zach Charbonnet sidelined by a torn ACL, Walker becomes even more important to Seattle’s offensive balance. His 1,027 rushing yards led the team, but he’ll face a Patriots run defense that has been stingy in the playoffs. Walker’s effectiveness will determine whether Seattle can avoid becoming one-dimensional.
Cooper Kupp, WR
While Smith-Njigba gets most of the attention, Kupp’s experience could prove invaluable on the big stage. The former Super Bowl MVP knows what it takes to perform when the lights are brightest, and his precise route-running could exploit matchups against New England’s secondary.
Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson has provided a spark to New England’s ground game
Historical Context: Super Bowl XLIX Rematch
Super Bowl LX marks a rematch of one of the most dramatic championship games in NFL history. Eleven years ago, these same franchises met in Super Bowl XLIX, where the Patriots secured a 28-24 victory thanks to Malcolm Butler’s goal-line interception with just 20 seconds remaining.
While the franchises remain the same, the personnel has completely changed. No players from that memorable contest remain on either roster, though Seattle general manager John Schneider and Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels (in his third stint with the team) provide links to that game.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald has transformed Seattle’s defense into the league’s best unit
Uniform Selection
As the designated home team, the Patriots have chosen to wear their white away jerseys and white pants, highlighting their perfect 9-0 road record this season. The Seahawks will don their navy blue home jerseys and navy blue pants. This marks the first Super Bowl ever with both teams wearing monochromatic uniforms.
In addition to the Super Bowl LX patch, both teams’ jerseys will feature a USA 250 patch in recognition of the United States Semiquincentennial.
Broadcast Information
Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth will call Super Bowl LX for NBC
Super Bowl LX will be televised by NBC, with kickoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET on February 8, 2026. Mike Tirico will handle play-by-play duties alongside analyst Cris Collinsworth, with Melissa Stark and Kaylee Hartung reporting from the sidelines.
The game will also stream live on Peacock and NFL+. Spanish-language coverage will be available on Telemundo.
Halftime Show
Puerto Rican rapper and singer Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show. This marks his second Super Bowl appearance, having previously performed as a guest during the Super Bowl LIV halftime show headlined by Shakira and Jennifer Lopez.
Bad Bunny will headline the Super Bowl LX halftime show
Pregame Ceremonies
The pregame festivities will include performances by Charlie Puth (national anthem), Brandi Carlile (“America the Beautiful”), and Coco Jones (“Lift Every Voice and Sing”). East Bay rock band Green Day will lead a special ceremony honoring past Super Bowl MVPs, continuing a tradition that began with Super Bowl XX.
Venue: Levi’s Stadium
Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers, will host its second Super Bowl
Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, will host Super Bowl LX, marking the second time the venue has hosted the NFL’s championship game. The stadium, which opened in 2014, previously hosted Super Bowl 50 in 2016, where the Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers.
With a seating capacity of approximately 68,500 (expandable to 75,000), the stadium offers modern amenities and excellent sightlines. The venue is notable for its sustainability features, including solar panels and a green roof.
The Super Bowl Experience, an interactive theme park featuring games, exhibits, and autograph sessions, will be hosted at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.
Prediction: Who Will Win Super Bowl LX?
The Patriots and Seahawks last met in the regular season in 2024, with Seattle winning 24-20
Key Factors
After analyzing both teams’ strengths, weaknesses, and playoff performances, several factors stand out as potential game-changers:
Patriots Advantages
- Drake Maye’s efficiency and decision-making (league-best 113.5 passer rating)
- Perfect 9-0 road record this season
- More balanced offensive attack (4th in passing, 9th in rushing)
- Psychological edge over Sam Darnold (4-0 all-time vs. Darnold)
Seahawks Advantages
- League’s top scoring defense (16.4 PPG)
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s explosive playmaking ability
- More dominant playoff run (average margin of victory: 19.5 points)
- Perfect 6-0 record in all-navy uniforms this season
Final Verdict
Super Bowl LX shapes up as a classic battle between New England’s efficient offense and Seattle’s dominant defense. While the Seahawks have been more impressive in their playoff run, the Patriots have shown remarkable resilience and adaptability.
The key matchup will be Drake Maye against Seattle’s pass rush. If Maye can evade pressure and make quick decisions, New England’s offense should be able to move the ball effectively. Conversely, if Seattle can force Maye into rookie-like mistakes, the Seahawks will have the advantage.
Sam Darnold’s history against New England cannot be ignored. Despite his career renaissance, the Patriots have consistently been his kryptonite. Look for New England defensive coordinator Jerod Mayo to design schemes that confuse Darnold and force him into difficult situations.
Prediction: New England Patriots 24, Seattle Seahawks 20
In a tightly contested game that comes down to the fourth quarter, Drake Maye will cement his status as the NFL’s next superstar quarterback by leading a game-winning drive in the final minutes. The Patriots’ perfect road record continues on the biggest stage, and New England captures its record seventh Super Bowl title.
Conclusion
Super Bowl LX promises to be a fitting conclusion to what has been one of the most unpredictable NFL seasons in recent memory. Both the Patriots and Seahawks have defied expectations to reach this point, transforming from playoff outsiders to conference champions in just one season.
Whether you’re rooting for New England to extend its dynasty with a seventh championship or for Seattle to capture its second Lombardi Trophy, Super Bowl LX has all the ingredients for an instant classic. The rematch of Super Bowl XLIX, the compelling quarterback storylines, and the clash of contrasting styles should provide football fans with a memorable conclusion to the 2025 NFL season.
The Vince Lombardi Trophy awaits the winner of Super Bowl LX
