The anticipation is palpable as Super Bowl LX descends upon Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, where the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks are set to clash in what promises to be an electrifying showdown. Kicking off at 6:30 p.m. ET on February 8, 2026, this year’s NFL championship game is steeped in storylines, history, and a tantalizing sense of unfinished business—especially for Seahawks fans still haunted by the memory of their last Super Bowl meeting with the Patriots.
For the Patriots, this marks their first trip to the Super Bowl since the legendary Tom Brady era. The stakes? Nothing less than a chance to claim a record-breaking seventh Lombardi Trophy, which would break their tie with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the most Super Bowl wins in NFL history. According to CBS Sports, "If they win, they'll break a tie with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the most Super Bowl wins in NFL history, with seven." The Patriots’ resurgence under new head coach Mike Vrabel has been nothing short of remarkable, catapulting the team from a dismal 4-13 record last season to an elite 14-3 finish this year.
Across the field, the Seattle Seahawks are back in the big game for the first time since the 2014 season, when they suffered a gut-wrenching loss to these very Patriots. That infamous defeat still stings, and the word "revenge" is on the lips of every Seahawks faithful. The team’s journey back to the Super Bowl has been fueled by grit, strategic overhauls, and the steady hand of head coach Mike Macdonald, whose defensive acumen has transformed Seattle into one of the league’s most formidable units.
Fans can catch the action live on NBC or stream it on Peacock, with real-time updates and analysis available via the CBS Sports App. And let’s not forget the halftime spectacle—six-time Grammy Award winner Bad Bunny will take center stage, promising a show that’s sure to keep viewers glued to their screens. The average Super Bowl broadcast, after all, is an event in itself, stretching over three and a half hours and featuring a halftime show that regularly steals the spotlight.
But as any seasoned fan knows, it’s the players and coaches who make the Super Bowl a must-watch event. On the Patriots’ side, all eyes are on quarterback Drake Maye. In just his second NFL season, Maye has taken the league by storm, leading in completion percentage, yards per attempt, passer rating, QBR, and expected points added per play during the regular season. He’s no stranger to adversity, either—while his passing has occasionally faltered in the playoffs, his running game, especially in the AFC title match against Denver, has kept New England’s offense dynamic and unpredictable.
Maye’s supporting cast is equally impressive. Running back Rhamondre Stevenson, fresh off a four-year, $36 million contract, overcame early-season struggles to reclaim the lead role, pushing rookie TreVeyon Henderson into a secondary position. Wide receiver Stefon Diggs, a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, signed a lucrative three-year deal and has rebounded from last year’s ACL tear to become Maye’s favorite target. The offensive line, anchored by rookie Will Campbell, has had its ups and downs, particularly in pass protection, but remains a crucial factor in Maye’s success.
On defense, New England boasts a trio of impact linemen: Milton Williams, who joined on a massive free-agent deal and has been a game-changer; Khyiris Tonga, a budget signing turned run-stopping revelation; and Christian Barmore, who returned from a 2024 season derailed by blood clots to anchor the line. Cornerback Christian Gonzalez is tasked with shadowing the opposition’s top receivers and could play a pivotal role in containing Seattle’s aerial attack.
Meanwhile, the Seahawks’ offense is helmed by Sam Darnold, whose career renaissance has been one of the season’s most unexpected stories. Darnold, once written off after stints with the Jets and Panthers, led Minnesota to a 14-3 record last year before signing with Seattle and repeating the feat. His performance in the NFC title game against the Rams was, by many accounts, the best of his career.
Darnold’s favorite weapon is wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who turned heads all season with 119 catches, 1,793 yards, and 10 touchdowns. Smith-Njigba’s versatility and precise route-running make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Running back Kenneth Walker III, now the feature back after Zach Charbonnet’s injury, is a home-run threat every time he touches the ball, though consistency remains an area for improvement.
Seattle’s defense, orchestrated by Macdonald and coordinated by Aden Durde (though Macdonald calls the plays), is a force to be reckoned with. The front line—Leonard Williams, Demarcus Lawrence, Uchenna Nwosu, and Byron Murphy—has terrorized offenses all season, and many analysts believe this group holds the key advantage over New England’s offensive line. Defensive backs Devon Witherspoon and rookie Nick Emmanwori have been instrumental, with Witherspoon splitting time between the outside and slot, and Emmanwori excelling in a hybrid safety/linebacker role. Wide receiver and return specialist Rashid Shaheed, acquired midseason from New Orleans, adds extra spark to both the offense and special teams.
Coaching, as always, could tip the scales. Mike Vrabel’s return to New England has been a homecoming of sorts for the former Patriots linebacker, who won three Super Bowls as a player. He’s a CEO-style coach, favoring a defensive philosophy and delegating play-calling to his staff. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, a familiar face from the Brady years, has been tasked with furthering Maye’s development, while defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, battling cancer, is expected to attend the game with inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr handling play-calling duties.
On the Seahawks’ sideline, Mike Macdonald’s rapid defensive rebuild has drawn league-wide praise, and his decision to replace offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb with Klint Kubiak has paid dividends. Kubiak’s run-heavy, play-action offense has revitalized the Seahawks, and he’s considered a top candidate for head coaching vacancies this offseason. Defensive coordinator Aden Durde, hailing from London, brings a unique perspective, though Macdonald remains the architect of the unit’s schemes.
So, what should fans be talking about at their Super Bowl parties? For Patriots supporters, it’s the chance to cement their legacy as the NFL’s most successful franchise post-Brady. For Seahawks fans, it’s all about redemption—finally avenging that infamous loss in Super Bowl XLIX. "Revenge!" as the guide puts it, is the rallying cry in Seattle.
With so much talent on both rosters and high stakes for both franchises, Super Bowl LX is shaping up to be a classic. As the countdown ticks closer to kickoff, the only certainty is that football fans everywhere are in for a treat. Stay tuned—this one’s far from over, and the drama is just beginning to unfold.