If you want to start your Super Sunday with a bang, here are some Seahawks vs. Patriots predictions that will play out in the opening minutes of Super Bowl LX.
Here are my latest NFL picks ahead of the Big Game on February 8.
Super Bowl 60 quick-hitter picks
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Pick: Result of Patriots’ first possession - Punt (-108 at DraftKings)
The New England Patriots have navigated a defensive gauntlet to reach the Big Game, and they now face their stiffest challenge yet in the Seattle Seahawks.
Seattle allows the sixth-fewest first downs and ranks as the league’s top third-down defense, converting just 32% of opportunities. Mike Macdonald’s defense is notoriously complex, featuring a front four that consistently generates pressure, a versatile linebacker corps, and a stingy secondary in zone coverage.
Second-year quarterback Drake Maye may feel the big-game jitters, but he is unlikely to press on the opening drive. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will be patient, looking to gauge the Seahawks’ schemes early.
Through the postseason, New England has punted on all three of its opening possessions against other top-tier defenses.
Pick: Patriots’ first reception - Hunter Henry (+340 at DraftKings)
Hunter Henry is the second choice in this prop market, behind WR Stefon Diggs (+270). Several factors make the New England tight end a strong candidate to record the team’s first reception.
Offensive coordinator McDaniels will want to set up an easy pass to get Maye going, and a short throw to Henry is a safe option, as we saw on his first attempt against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round (incomplete).
With Seattle’s aggressive pass rush and the Patriots’ porous protection — giving up 15 sacks in the playoffs — Maye may not have time for a deeper throw to develop. Henry serves as a quick-pressure release when the pocket collapses.
The Seahawks have also been vulnerable to tight ends, allowing the fifth-most targets and receptions at the position.
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Pick: Drake Maye 2+ first quarter rushing attempts (-108 at DraftKings)
Maye carried the Patriots to Santa Clara with his legs, and he’ll need to keep running given what Seattle’s defense will throw at him.
The Seahawks feature an aggressive pass rush combined with a tight zone scheme that will force Maye to navigate his progressions as the pocket collapses. He’ll be quick to scramble, especially with nerves in the opening minutes.
Seattle hasn’t faced a quarterback as mobile as Maye in some time, and the Seahawks have recently allowed far fewer QBs to generate significant gains on the ground.
