Cue the NFL on NBC theme song and get your snacks ready – Super Bowl Sunday has arrived. After a year-long wait, one of the most popular days on the biggest stage in American sports has returned.
In preparation for Super Bowl LX, the Northern Star Sports Staff compiled their predictions for the big game, featuring the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots.
Kalin Schaefer, Sports Editor
Seattle Seahawks, 33-17
While neither team appeared to be at their best during championship week, it’s hard to argue with Seattle’s power on both sides of the ball. If Patriots quarterback Drake Maye returns to December form, I think the Patriots have a chance, but if not, it’s all Seahawks.
Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
Seattle Seahawks, 31-28
This entire NFL season has been eerily reminiscent of 2015: Aaron Rodgers in the playoffs, Philip Rivers spitting audibles out of shotgun formation and the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets being the league’s bottom-feeders. So it’d be only fitting that this Super Bowl XLIX rematch has a familiar ending. Only this time, the Seahawks emerge after running back Kenneth Walker III gets the ball at the goal line and rushes for the game-winning score. It’s a revolutionary concept, really.
Joseph Segreti, Sports Reporter
Seattle Seahawks, 38-17
Drake “The Schedule” Maye has had an extremely easy path so far this season, and it has shown with his extremely poor performance this postseason. Throwing for 83 yards in the AFC Championship game and barely beating the Jarrett Stidham-led Broncos is not impressive. This formidable Seahawks defense will have Maye seeing ghosts, leading to an easy win for the Seahawks’ second Super Bowl.
Logan Whittington, Sports Reporter
Seattle Seahawks, 24-17
I find it hard to believe that the Patriots have a chance at all against quarterback Sam Darnold and the Seahawks. Drake Maye threw for only 86 yards against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship, a defense that is considered a lot worse than Seattle’s. The Seahawks will get the better of New England in this 2015 Super Bowl rematch.
Kris Houston, Sports Reporter
New England Patriots, 24-17
The Patriots are going to control the game, leading by a touchdown almost the entire time. Drake Maye’s high accuracy and promising potential will shine throughout all four quarters.
Eric Avila, Sports Reporter
Seattle Seahawks, 3-2
The Patriots are going to get a safety at the beginning of the game, and then the Seahawks are going to score a field goal as time runs out. Final score: 3-2.
Abel Naranjo
Seattle Seahawks, 34-10
While Seattle and Sam Darnold were busy taking care of the NFC West in the Divisional and in the NFC title game, Drake Maye and company were squeaking out wins against the likes of Justin “If Man” Herbert, CJ Stroud led Texans and Jarrett Stidham. Considering Stidham outplayed Maye, I don’t think the Patriots have enough offense to make a real dent into Seattle’s elite defense. Sure, Santa Clara won’t be hit with a snowstorm but it won’t matter, the Seahawks will be cruising by halftime to enjoy Bad Bunny.
Claire Valenti
Seattle Seahawks, 38-29
I don’t know, and I don’t care.
Aiyana Riley
Seattle Seahawks, 30-10
The Patriots schedule this season has been extremely unimpressive, and they have struggled in games that should have been blowouts. The Seahawks are the more complete team on both sides of the ball, and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba will have a great game with 200+ yards. I think the Patriots might get a lucky touchdown at some point, but it won’t matter.