Super Bowl 2026 Preview: Will The Seahawks’ 50th Season Have A Dream Come True?

Feb 6, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; The Seattle Seahawks logo is projected on the Ferry Building. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

It all comes down to this.

What would’ve sounded like a cruel joke back in August, the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks have gone from afterthoughts to 14-3 beasts who will do battle on Sunday in the Super Bowl.

The Seahawks, one of the most quiet and unassuming, yet dominant teams I can remember in recent NFL history, are currently 4.5-point favorites over the Patriots, whose former dynasty looks to be reborn with the return of Mike Vrabel and their young star quarterback Drake Maye.

In this special pregame edition of Four Down Territory, we’re gonna break down the key matchups and storylines, and I’ll give my predictions. Let’s do it!

First Down: Storylines galore

As is tradition during the two week build up to the Super Bowl, the storylines add tension, excitement, and some frustration to the biggest game of the year. This year’s Super Bowl is no different.

The rematch- Despite what both teams are saying, it’s impossible not to see these two teams again, in the biggest game in sports, and not be brought back to the darkest moment in Seahawks history, and the birth of the second Patriots dynasty.

He Maye rise to the moment- The Patriots return to prominence was rapid, and due in large part to the near MVP level play of second year pro Drake Maye. Maye will be the second youngest quarterback to start a Super Bowl (Dan Marino, 1984), and would pass Ben Roethlisberger as the young champion with a win.

Sam’s storybook ending?- Sam Darnold’s career is an incredible story, from the lowest of low’s, to the highest of high’s. Ghost talk to seeing New England in the Super Bowl, slaying Matt Stafford and the Rams, Darnold has one last demon to slay, from becoming one of the truly elite quarterbacks in the league.

JSN vs Gonzalez- The offensive player of the year, going against arguably the best cornerback in football. There’s no doubt in my mind that at some point in this game, we will see these two go against each other in a key moment in the game. Who you got?

A special teams masterclass- These are two of the best teams in football when it comes to special teams. If this game is close, who’s secret weapon will come up big?

One last ride?- While I would be surprised, it’s not out of the question that this could be Cooper Kupp’s last game. What a career it has been, and what a “ride off into the sunset” it could be for the Yakima native.

Who’s the unsung hero going to be?- Feels like almost every year, someone comes out of nowhere to swing the biggest game. From Timmy Smith to Malcolm Smith, and Malcolm Butler to Larry Brown, the hero can be anyone.

Who gets to begin the dynasty talk?- Both teams look to have an insanely bright future, but whoever wins this game will be the heavy favorite to win the Super Bowl next year. Money, ego, and injuries matter, but it’s hard not to think both of these teams could be back here soon and multiple times.

Second Down: Seahawks D vs Patriots O

I feel like this is the matchup that is getting the most attention. The best defense in football, against the most efficient quarterback and the most experienced offensive coordinator in Super Bowl history.

Josh McDaniels is smart, even if he is an asshole, and he’s been here before. He has a talented quarterback who has been rattled in these playoffs against good defenses and a leaky offensive line. That will only be exemplified against the Darkside defense. How will he try to protect Drake, but also find a way to score enough to win?

I expect a conservative start, as long as the Seahawks don’t ambush the Patriots defense. Expect to see the Pats commit to Rhamondre Stevenson early on, as well as getting Maye moving, both on designed runs, and some easy passes to start. I’m not sure if there are easy passes against a Mike Macdonald defense, but check downs to the running backs have been a problem for the Seahawks.

From the Seahawks perspective, I feel confident that Stevenson can be held in check, but it’s the screen passes and check downs to TreVeyon Henderson that has me nervous. This is an area that McDaniels loves, but this defense has been spectacular against screens, Henderson just has that explosive potential.

Maye is going to get some rushing yards, but those need to come from scrambles and not designed runs. It’s one thing for the Seahawks pass rush to put pressure on Maye, but they have to finish, or else he will make them pay.In the passing game, Stefon Diggs and Hunter Henry are his safety valves, while Kayshon Boutte is more of his deep threat. I expect to see Devon Witherspoon on Diggs frequently, with Riq dealing with Boutte on the deeper routes. As part of the matchup game, I expect to see McDaniels trying to get Diggs on Josh Jobe as much as possible.

It’s impossible to not talk about the Super Bowl, and not think about trick plays. Maybe I am wrong, but my gut tells me that New England will be far more aggressive with trick plays than Seattle would, just based on their team likely being more desperate in finding avenues to victory than Seattle will. I fully expect Vrabel to be the more aggressive coach, as the game evolves. Don’t be surprised to see a trick play, or a fake punt on Sunday, to find points.

From an injury perspective, the Patriots look healthy and ready to go on paper, but their offensive line looks like the weakest playing unit, potentially at any position group. If Macdonald’s defense can get to Maye, and without needing to blitz, the Patriots will suffocate.

On the Seahawks side, the only question will be about the most famous sprained ankle in the world right now, Nick Emmanwori’s. There was a collective sigh and groan across Seahawks nation when news of his injury. All reports indicate the injury was a little overblown, and while I still think the Seahawks defense should feel confident without Emmanwori, but with him on the field healthy, it could be difficult for Maye to extend plays and find his tight end Hunter Henry.

Speaking of Hunter Henry, I think he’s in for a rude awakening with the speed of this Seahawks defense, and specifically their speed in the middle of the field. For all of Maye’s excellence this season, the playoffs tape shows someone that is looking to run first, and is much better attacking outside and deep, than over the middle.

Mike Macdonald may blitz a little more than usual, but don’t expect a spy to watch Maye. They didn’t spy on Jayden Daniels, and their speed neutralized him. Maye is not the runner Daniels is. I expect Mike will trust in his traditional rush, and will attempt to shut the valve off on throws to the outside that are seven or eight yards down the field.

If you want to beat Seattle Maye, you need to be patient, and be a surgeon over the middle. How many 10+ play drives does New England and Drake have the patience for? Every team other than the Rams completely collapsed under this defensive system and identity. If Maye is not Dr. Maye on Sunday, then you could see the Seahawks linebackers and safeties get their hands on a few balls. I think Julian Love and Ernest Jones are prime candidates if you believe in a defensive player nabbing MVP honors.

This matchup feels pretty simple on the surface. Can the Patriots run on Seattle, when no one has? If not, then Drake Maye will need to be Superman. If Mike Macdonald’s pass rush can get after Maye, then it could be really difficult for the Patriots to find their way to 20 points.

Third Down: Seahawks O vs Patriots D

For me, this is where the game will be won. The Seattle defense is too good to get lit up, and Maye is talented enough that he should find some points for his offense. This game will be decided by the Seahawks offense against the Patriots defense.

Despite the undeniably weak schedule and fortuitous playoffs that Mike Vrabel’s team has experienced, they still have a fantastic defense, ranked 4th in PPG allowed. They have great corners in Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis III, and a dominant defensive tackle in Milton Williams, with Christian Barmore a solid Robin told Milton’s Batman. Robert Spillane has been a very good linebacker for New England, but he is questionable for the game. These are really good players, but the rest of the defensive roster leaves a lot to be desired.

The Patriots lack a true elite edge pass rusher, someone that would make me nervous about getting a sack fumble against Sam Darnold, to flip a game. Yes, their outside corners are good, but the safeties and nickel back Marcus Jones feel extremely gettable. If Spillane is injured or limited, the tight ends (Elijah Arroyo on track to play) could be a major advantage, and any run that could get to the second level is going to be a real problem for the Pats.

For New England to have a chance, these star players are going to have to play great, mask their weaknesses, and keep the Seahawks under 20 points. The Seahawks are 14-1 when they score 20 or more points. So how does Seattle find itself in a position the Patriots are hoping for? Not to belittle New England, but the first place I look to is self harm by Seattle.

I’m honestly surprised this has not been a bigger topic of discussion, but I understand the concern some fans have about Klint Kubiak’s focus ahead of the Super Bowl, with his inevitable departure to Las Vegas on Monday. There’s a checkered past when it comes to Super Bowl teams with coordinators leaving immediately after the championship.

Seattle experienced this with Dan Quinn, who had the clamps down on Tom Brady in SB XLIX before injuries decimated the Seahawks late. He left for Atlanta the next day. Kyle Shanahan put on a masterclass against Bill Belichick in SB LI, until he forgot basic clock management and played a pivotal role in the biggest Super Bowl choke in history.

Shane Steichen and Jonathan Gannon had mixed showings as they were both heading out of Philadelphia in SB LVII, while Eric Bienemy and Kellen Moore were fantastic in Super Bowl winning efforts for the Chiefs and Eagles. Klint Kubiak obviously has a relationship with his father, Gary. Kubiak and Mike Shanahan were on the 1994 49ers Super Bowl team that dropped 49 points on the Chargers in the Super Bowl before they headed to Denver to start an incredible decade of excellence.

I believe that Klint is going to be successful with the Raiders, but I choose to believe that the majority of his focus has been on winning a Super Bowl, and I am confident Mike Macdonald has not let this be a distraction, but only time will tell.

Back on the field, the Seahawks from Week 1 to their mid November loss to the Rams were a team full of big plays, and big turnovers. In their three losses, they combined to score over a touchdown less a game than their season average, while committing eight turnovers. That loss was a turning point for this team, and potentially this franchise. They knew they could beat the Rams, and that a Super Bowl was a very real possibility. They needed to lean on their defense, but also find an offense that could be sustainable to win three playoff games amidst all the variables postseason football can provide.

A few weeks after the loss to the Rams, the Seahawks handed the running game over to Justin Outten, after Kennedy Polamalu took a leave of absence, which has since turned into a parting of ways. Under Outten, the running game has drastically improved, Sam Darnold has played the position overall better, and the Seahawks have played “boring” championship football. In their nine game winning streak that has led them to Santa Clara, the offense is averaging 29 PPG and has only eight turnovers in nine games.

If the Seahawks lose this game to turnovers, it’d be a drastic change in philosophy and execution from a team that has found its championship formula over the past three months.During their Divisional Round massacre of the 49ers, Tom Brady said that if Seattle doesn’t turn the ball over, he doesn’t see a scenario where this team loses. I love that picture, but the offense will still need to go out and win this football game.

The longer this game goes, the more you run the risk of feeling that “underdog” momentum turn against you. This is a game where I think you could see the Seahawks try to wear down the Patriots, like a boxer, with consistent body blows, both physically and mentally.

I expect the Seahawks will be deliberate and devout in running the football. Milton Williams is their game wrecker, and I would not be surprised to see New England try to get him lined up on Anthony Bradford. Bradford needs to hold up on Sunday, but look for the Seahawks to lean heavily into their outside zone concepts. How much is Williams willing to work to get his, when the Seahawks consistently running away and around him? How much is he willing to take on double teams and pulls? What impact can he have if Seattle gives Rashid Shaheed two or more jet sweeps, or if he’s asked to chase multiple screen passes to Kenneth Walker?

The outside actions aren’t even just about tiring out Williams, but seeing what kind of speed the injured linebackers of New England have. These outside runs could be a massive advantage for the Seahawks as well, with JSN, Cooper Kupp, and Jake Bobo all being world class run blockers.

Speaking of the wide receivers, I expect the JSN v Gonzalez battle to be epic. These are two alphas, and if New England wants to shut down the Seattle offense, keeping JSN sealed off from taking over is a must for the Pats.

In the event that Gonzalez wins his battle against Smith-Njigba, Sam Darnold will need to look elsewhere for wins. Against injured linebackers, Sam can be effective taking the easy check downs to Walker and hitting his tight ends over the middle, as long as Williams and Barmore don’t overwhelm the interior o-line.

If JSN is getting premium focus, and the Pats refuse to let Shaheed beat them over the top, then the running game should succeed, but where does Seattle finish drives through the air?

Hello, little Marcus Jones.Marcus Jones is the nickelback for the Patriots, and he has had a fantastic season on special teams, while securing three interceptions on the year. He’s also been lit up, with his 5-8 188 lbs build being a real hindrance. On the year, Jones has given up a completion percentage of 68% for over 10 yards per reception, and seven touchdowns.

Jones is gettable. Cooper Kupp is playing his best football of the season, and is coming off two bye weeks in the past three games. He is five inches taller and nearly 20 lbs heavier than Jones. Jake Bobo, who came up big in his moment against the Rams, is EIGHT inches taller and 20 lbs heavier.

The Seahawks should use the run game, getting Shaheed the ball in space, and the tight ends plus K9 with quick passes over the middle against wounded linebackers, to move the ball between the 20’s. Be patient, and your shots deep will naturally develop. But when you get to the 3rd and medium, or in the red zone, Kupp/Bobo need to post up Marcus Jones, and physically bully him.

You will see one of those two, if not both, score a touchdown on Sunday.

Fourth Down: So who’s winning the Super Bowl?

When the NFC Championship ended, the score that immediately popped into my head was Seattle 34-17.

I believed in Sam Darnold, I believed in Mike Macdonald, and I believed that this roster was a year ahead of most traditional championship windows. The 2001 New England Patriots and the 2015 Golden State Warriors understand this opportunity and what can become possible with a win.

Whoever wins this game on Sunday, is going to put themselves on that path. The Patriots, even with their schedule merchant claims, earned the right to be in this Super Bowl. They have earned the right to experience this Seahawks machine. They have earned the right to experience the full power of the Darkside (defense).

I expect this game will be close in the first half. I expect the Seahawks to pull away through their commitment to what has made them unbeatable for the past three months. Maye will eventually slip up, and the avalanche feels inevitable.

I’m not sure if Shaheed will return a kick for a score, but I think he will greatly affect field position. The Seahawks will lean on K9 to get into the red zone, and that is where Sam Darnold will continue his ascension to elite, as he will pick apart the Patriots, with three touchdown scores on his way to MVP honors.

The defense will suffocate the New England offense, claiming three sacks, three turnovers and a defensive score. They will find themselves among the all-time great defenses, and among the titans of all-time NFL teams.

This quiet force will no longer be hidden in the shadows of the Pacific Northwest. It won’t be their talking that brings them to the spotlight, like the LOB era, but their play on the field.

This team will have crushed three proud franchises en route to hosting the Lombardi Trophy. This team will erase the Great Pain that has haunted this franchise since February 1st, 2015. Every day after today will feel like a fresh start for the Seahawks and their fanbase.

The Seahawks are inevitable.

The Seattle Seahawks will win their second Super Bowl, 34-13.

The dream season will be complete.