As the Seahawks and Patriots gear up for their game on Sunday, staff members make their Super Bowl forecasts.
Super Bowl staff predictions
Vinny Bonsignore: Seahawks 24, Patriots 17
The Patriots will keep it competitive, but I see Sam Darnold finally shaking off past demons with a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter.
Mark Cannizzaro: Patriots 27, Seahawks 23
Sure, Seattle has more offensive firepower, but the Patriots are coached well by Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels. They should keep it tight with strong defense and a solid running game. The win hinges on Drake Maye stepping up his passing game. If he can outplay Darnold, that could make all the difference.
Brian Costello: Patriots 21, Seahawks 17
I believe this game will be a defensive battle, but in the final quarter, the Patriots will make their move. Mike Vrabel has instilled confidence in his players, and with two weeks off, Drake Maye should have shaken off rust to lead New England back to the Super Bowl.
Michael Duarte: Seahawks 27, Patriots 20
I mean, for the Patriots, this could be the easiest playoff path I’ve ever seen. Meanwhile, Seattle has been noticeably steady all season, excelling at all levels. I expect Sam Darnold to bring his best performance yet, throwing for multiple touchdowns, and Jackson Smith-Njigba to rack up over 100 yards with a score. The Seahawks’ defense will tighten, potentially reviving the notorious Legion of Boom.
Ryan Dunleavy: Seahawks 27, Patriots 20
If the Patriots can utilize their two-running-back setup effectively against Seattle’s strong defense, the game’s dynamics could shift. If they struggle, they might not have enough power to challenge a formidable secondary. In the fourth quarter, Darnold could tie things up with a touchdown pass to Cooper Kupp, but Julian Love could secure the victory with an interception.
Paul Schwartz: Seahawks 23, Patriots 19
It’s clear the Patriots have faced one of the toughest schedules out there, and they haven’t had to fight through many playoff challenges. Still, they are resilient and well-coached. The Seahawks are particularly strong defensively, but their offensive game leaves something to be desired. Could Drake Maye’s youth and Darnold’s history play crucial roles in this matchup?
Steve Serby: Seahawks 23, Patriots 20
This won’t be a scoring frenzy between Darnold and Maye. Rather, expect a tough, gritty slugfest where one small mistake could turn the tide. That mistake just might be made by Drake Maye.
Mike Vaccaro: Seahawks 27, Patriots 21
In the end, Sam Darnold might just pen the final chapter in one of football’s legendary tales. It’s been a rough week for Robert Kraft, and it looks like it’s about to get a bit worse. But the Patriots will be back.
