At a Glance
- The Patriots return to the Super Bowl for the first time since 2018, facing the Seahawks in a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX.
- Both teams finished the regular season at 14-3, entering the playoffs as the top seeds in their conferences.
- The game will be played at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California on February 8, 2025.
Why it matters: The matchup pits a young Patriots squad led by quarterback Drake Maye against a Seahawks team that has been the most consistent in the league, offering a fresh chapter in a historic rivalry.
The Patriots and Seahawks are set to collide in Super Bowl 60, a game that will bring the two franchises back to the championship stage after a decade apart. The Patriots are looking to secure their first title since the Tom Brady era, while the Seahawks aim to avenge their heartbreaking loss in Super Bowl XLIX.
Context
The Patriots finished the 2025 regular season at 14-3, a dramatic turnaround from back-to-back 4-13 campaigns. Quarterback Drake Maye, in his second year, posted MVP-caliber numbers that helped New England defeat the Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans, and Denver Broncos in the playoffs.
Seattle also finished 14-3 in its first season under rookie quarterback Sam Darnold. Head coach Mike Macdonald guided the Seahawks to a first-round bye and victories over the San Francisco 49ers and L.A. Rams, earning their first Super Bowl appearance since the 2014 season.
Recent Head-to-Head
Since Super Bowl XLIX, the Patriots and Seahawks have met three times:
| Year | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Seahawks win | 31-24 |
| 2020 | Seahawks win | 35-30 |
| 2024 | Seahawks win (OT) | 23-20 |
Seattle has won all three regular-season matchups, but the Patriots still seek to overturn the 28-24 loss that defined Super Bowl XLIX.
Key Stats to Know
| Category | Patriots | Seahawks |
|---|---|---|
| Yards per game (offense) | N/A | 351.4 (tied No. 7) |
| Points per game (offense) | N/A | 28.4 (No. 3) |
| Yards allowed per game (defense) | N/A | 285.6 (No. 6) |
| Points allowed per game (defense) | N/A | 17.2 (No. 1) |
Quarterback Sam Darnold’s 2025 season saw him rank fifth in passing yards (4,048) and 10th in passing touchdowns (25). He also threw the third-most interceptions (14) and had the second-most fumbles lost (six).
The Seahawks’ offense relies heavily on wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who recorded 119 catches (No. 4), 1,793 receiving yards (No. 1), and 10 touchdowns (tied No. 3) in 2025.
Patriots’ Keys to Victory
1. Take Care of the Football
Maye’s ball-security record has been mixed. He threw an interception and fumbled twice (lost one) against the Chargers, and added another interception with four fumbles (two lost) against the Texans. He played a clean game against Denver but only attempted 21 passes in the AFC title game.
The Patriots’ defense has been stingy in the playoffs, allowing only two touchdowns and 209.7 yards per game while racking up 12 sacks and seven takeaways.
2. Shut Down Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Smith-Njigba is Seattle’s most productive receiver, more than double the next best in the league. The Patriots must force the Seahawks to rely on the run, especially with running back Zach Charbonnet sidelined by injury.
3. Exploit Seattle’s Turnover Tendencies
Seattle’s defense led the league with 18 interceptions and 25 total takeaways. A single mistake by Maye could swing momentum dramatically.
Seahawks’ Keys to Victory
1. A Clean Game for Sam Darnold
Despite a turnover-laden regular season, Darnold has been flawless in the playoffs, throwing no picks or losing a fumble in two games. If he maintains that level, the Seahawks’ offense will be difficult to stop.
2. Prevent Explosive Plays
Maye has made big plays in clutch moments: a 28-yard touchdown to Hunter Henry in the Wild Card, a 28-yard TD to DeMario Douglas in the Divisional, and a 32-yard TD to Kayshon Boutte in the Conference. The Patriots must limit those opportunities.
3. Control the Clock
Seattle’s ability to keep the ball away from the Patriots’ offense will be critical. Darnold’s two-quarterback strategy has already kept the Patriots’ offense off the field in key moments.
Prediction
The matchup is expected to be close. The Patriots’ defensive dominance against elite quarterbacks and their ability to force turnovers give them a slight edge. However, if Sam Darnold avoids mistakes, the Seahawks could tilt the game in their favor.
The game is set to be a showcase of two contrasting styles: a disciplined, defense-first Patriots team versus a high-scoring, opportunistic Seahawks squad.
Key Takeaways
- Super Bowl 60 will feature a Patriots team led by Drake Maye and a Seahawks team led by Sam Darnold.
- Both teams finished the regular season at 14-3, highlighting their elite status.
- Seattle’s offense is built around Jaxon Smith-Njigba, while the Patriots’ defense has been a playoff powerhouse.
- The outcome will hinge on ball security, turnover margin, and the ability to limit explosive plays.
The Patriots aim to secure their first title since the Brady era, while the Seahawks seek revenge for their 2015 loss. The stage is set for a dramatic showdown on February 8.
