Super Bowl 2026: Seahawks vs Patriots – Live Score Predictions
David will be joining shortly. Meanwhile, here are the score predictions from our writers:
The Final Score Will Be …
Seahawks 27-24 Patriots. The strongest unit on the field is Seattle’s defense. Beyond that, other aspects appear evenly matched. Seattle’s pass rush is relentless and deep; six different players recorded at least 35 pressures this year, while no other team had more than four such players. The Patriots’ offensive line is vulnerable, and pass rushers often determine championship games. It will require a special performance from Maye, and possibly a trick play to steal a possession, to keep the Patriots competitive.
Oliver Connolly
Seahawks. By a lot. Seattle is a comprehensive powerhouse capable of winning in multiple ways. New England’s success with a high blitz rate has brought them this far, but Seattle can counter in many ways: quarterback protection, a strong running game, and a high-octane passing attack. Seattle’s offense is essentially quarterback-proof, especially when the quarterback can compartmentalize effectively. Conversely, New England’s offense is less resilient, and Maye’s mistakes could hurt the Patriots more than in their previous three encounters. It is easy to imagine Maye forcing poor throws under pressure from Seattle’s defense, while Vrabel and McDaniels might resort to overly creative strategies when trailing.
Melissa Jacobs
Seahawks 27-17 Patriots. Darnold is expected to settle down and deliver another clean playoff game, potentially earning MVP honors and securing the signature win of his career in a redemption narrative that may increase criticism of the Jets for hindering his development. Mike Macdonald is credited with revitalizing defensive coaching, and the departure of Kubiak—reportedly headed to Las Vegas after this game—could trigger a talent exodus from Seattle’s coaching staff. The Patriots will mount a valiant effort, but Maye’s arm strength may ultimately fall short. However, this loss could set the stage for an epic revenge campaign, potentially bringing them back to this same matchup next year.
Andrew Lawrence
Seahawks 17-27 Patriots. Gonzalez is predicted to win his matchup against Smith-Njigba, limiting Darnold’s options and causing him to regress visibly. This is not a reflection of Darnold’s talent—he is an excellent quarterback with an inspiring story—but he will face an upstart coaching staff equipped with a game plan and personnel designed to unsettle him, leading to frustration and mistakes. Maye is expected to have just enough to score twice, aided by an interception returned for a touchdown by Gonzalez. This scenario would likely result in more postgame appearances by Robert Kraft amid the red, white, and blue confetti.
David Lengel
Seahawks 31-32 Patriots. The rise of a team initially dismissed as 70-1 rank outsiders is a compelling narrative often overshadowed in a sport dominated by wealth, statistics, and hot takes. Although their schedule was considered "easy" and they suffered a loss to the Raiders, they have reached this point. No team with preseason odds longer than 40-1 has won the Super Bowl since Tom Brady’s first championship in the 2001 season. Is this a coincidence?
Graham Searles
Drake Maye or Sam Darnold will win their first Super Bowl title when the Patriots and Seahawks meet on Sunday. Photograph: Thearon W Henderson/
