The Patriots enter Super Bowl LX with a more balanced, efficiency-driven profile, while the Seahawks arrive as the more explosive, defense-led juggernaut on a hot streak. Both teams are 14-3 and have powered through tough playoff roads, but they win in very different ways. Is the favored Seahawks that much stronger? Who do you give the Super Bowl LX advantage?
Super Bowl LX: Team Trajectories and Playoff Form
Most sportsbooks like arcanebet.ie have the Seahawks as -235 favorites on the moneyline and, depending which book you use, -4.5. Consensus for most books like PalmSlots have the over/under at 45.5.
The Patriots finished 14-3, winning the AFC East and then grinding their way to a 10-7 win over the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game. Their playoff run has leaned into defense and situational football, with low‑scoring, possession-heavy games that mirror their regular-season profile.
The favored Seahawks also went 14-3, took the loaded NFC West and claimed the NFC’s No. 1 seed before beating two division rivals on the way to the Super Bowl. They enter Super Bowl LX on a nine-game winning streak, combining an efficient passing game with a top-tier defense that has carried them through the postseason.
Patriots: Strengths
Elite offensive efficiency: New England scored 490 points (second in the NFL) and piled up 6,449 total yards (third), averaging 6.2 yards per play. They ranked first in the league in yards per pass attempt (8.9) and second in net yards per play, underscoring how explosive yet controlled their passing game has been.
Balanced production: The Patriots rushed for 2,191 yards at 4.4 yards per carry (top-10 in both volume and efficiency) while throwing for 4,459 yards, giving them credible threats on the ground and through the air. In net terms they were top five in rushing yardage differential and second in passing efficiency differential, which makes their offense hard to scheme out for four quarters.
Stout scoring defense: New England allowed just 320 points, ranking fourth in scoring defense, and held opponents to 5.2 yards per play. Their defense gave up only 5,019 total yards (third fewest), keeping games close and allowing the offense to stay on script.
Situational and discipline edge: The Patriots finished with a +170 point differential (third) and a league-best net points and yards combination, suggesting strong performance in key moments. They also held a modest edge in penalty yards over opponents, reflecting their tendency to avoid drive-killing or drive-extending mistakes.
Patriots: Weaknesses
Pass protection volatility: New England surrendered 48 sacks for 201 yards lost, ranking in the bottom third in sack rate allowed. Against Seattle’s multiple-pressure front, long down-and-distance spots could become a real issue if protection breaks down.
Explosive plays allowed through the air: While the Patriots were efficient defensively overall, they ranked middle of the pack in opponent net passing production and sack rate, which shows up when facing offenses that push the ball downfield. Facing Jaxon Smith-Njigba and an aggressive Seahawks passing attack, this could stress their back end.
Limited margin in the playoffs: Their AFC title win came 10-7, in line with a postseason where they’ve relied heavily on defense and red-zone stops. If Seattle’s defense forces them into a track meet, New England may be pushed out of its preferred tempo.
Seahawks: Strengths
Complete defensive profile: Seattle led the NFL in defensive EPA per play and scoring defense in the regular season, forming the backbone of their Super Bowl run. They also ranked near the top of the league in total first downs allowed and overall yardage prevention, forcing opponents to string long drives together.
Dominant overall yardage edge: The Seahawks compiled 5,973 total offensive yards and 339 first downs, outgaining opponents by more than 1,100 yards on the season. Their offense generated 2,096 rushing yards and 4,063 passing yards, giving them a strong run‑pass balance.
Passing game firepower: Sam Darnold had one of his best seasons, supported by Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who finished as the NFL’s leading receiver, giving Seattle a downfield element New England hasn’t consistently faced this postseason. When needed, this passing game has been “explosive-play” driven, capable of flipping games in a few snaps.
Momentum and battle-tested schedule: Seattle survived the toughest division in football, besting 12‑win Rams and 49ers teams in the NFC West. Their current nine-game winning streak includes two playoff wins over those division rivals, sharpening them against schemes that know them well.
Seahawks: Weaknesses
Offensive volatility: While the yardage and explosive metrics pop, Seattle’s offense can be streaky drive-to-drive, especially when early-down efficiency drops and they face obvious passing situations. Against a Patriots defense that limits points and thrives on third-down disguises, stalled drives and field goals could undercut their yardage advantage.
Penalties and situational discipline: Seattle has at times struggled with penalties extending opponent drives and stalling their own, which is particularly dangerous against a Patriots team that leverages field position and hidden yardage. Any sloppiness will magnify New England’s edge in methodical, short-field scoring opportunities.
Run‑game dependence on game script: Their 2,096 rushing yards underline a productive ground game, but it has leaned on playing from ahead behind their defense. If the Patriots jump out early and force Darnold into a high‑volume dropback game against a defense that mixes coverages, turnover risk rises.
Key Statistical Contrasts
In essence, New England brings the more balanced and methodical profile with top-tier efficiency on both sides of the ball, while Seattle counters with the league’s most suffocating defense and a higher-variance, explosive offense riding major momentum into Super Bowl LX.