The stage is set for Super Bowl LX: Seattle Seahawks versus the New England Patriots with the general consensus being that the Seattle Seahawks are the dominant favorites.
The Seahawks are the current favorites to win the whole thing this year, with odds of -230, and the Patriots are the clear underdog with odds of +190.
Although this game appears to be a blowout to many, that cannot be said so hastily. The result of Super Bowl LX, like the matchup itself, is an anomaly, as both teams had worse than a 50-1 chance of making the Super Bowl that year.
In fact, this is the first time in 50 years that two teams with odds of 50-1 in the preseason have met in the Super Bowl.
There are many things to look at in comparison to the past, much like the strength of the Patriots’ schedule.
Many say that the Patriots and their weak schedule would reveal the cracks in their defenses come the playoffs. Although they have struggled offensively, they have played three top-five defenses in the league back-to-back-to-back.
Now they are in the playoffs.
Another team with a similar regular season was none other than ‘The Greatest Show on Turf,’ the 1999 St. Louis Rams.
That year, the Rams went 13-3 in the regular season and won the Super Bowl with odds to start the preseason at 150-1, fairly similar to the current Patriots’ odds. Funny enough, the Patriots finished 4-13 last season.
It is fairly hard to judge one of the greatest offensive teams in history retrospectively and in comparison to a modern team, but the similarities are still there.
To continue to add to the curious nature of the Patriots’ success, let’s take a look at the current standings of the AFC.
The Buffalo Bills, who took over the AFC East after Quarterback Tom Brady left for a warmer climate, have still failed to produce a Super Bowl appearance in the five seasons they had a window to do so.
Granted, quarterback Patrick Mahomes led the Kansas City Chiefs on a historic tear, being the AFC representative four out of the five years, the Bills should have at least made it once, considering the achievements given to quarterback Josh Allen.
Funny again, how as soon as the Chiefs miss the playoffs, the Patriots take their place once again.
In the last 10 years, only the Chiefs, Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals have been the AFC representatives for the Super Bowl.
It is time to talk about Drake “Drake Maye” Maye.
The Sophomore-year Quarterback has made waves, turning his team from the dregs of rebuilding into the Super Bowl. Granted, Head Coach Mike Vrabel is also a figure to praise.
Maye’s also shot himself into MVP conversations against a veteran Super Bowl-winning quarterback, Matthew Stafford.
The Patriots had always lacked offensively rather than defensively, which is one of the best in the league currently, and Maye seemed to be the spark they needed. Maye was able to net three touchdown passes against the No. 1 one defensive team in the league in a playoff game just recently.
The recent showing against the Denver Broncos in a blizzard is not indicative of Maye’s true talent, and anyone who has watched his games this season beyond that playoff game knows that.
The coaching staff kept the ball conservative in a gritty weather condition, leaving Maye to contribute by running instead, even clinching the Super Bowl that way.
Many were quick to judge the 84-yard performance as a showing of the ‘frauds’ the Patriots were, yet that is quite the contrary.
Lockdown Cornerback Pat Surtain II said in a post-game interview that the Patriots shifted their playstyle to be “conservative” in the intense weather after the first half.
The Patriots have also been notably perfect in away games, going 9-0 on the season.
It is evident that the Patriots are the ones who have to prove themselves, but that doesn’t mean it comes without resistance.
Sam Darnold, a man who is succeeding against all odds (drafted by the New York Jets), is a true success story for anyone watching.
Armed to the teeth with elite offensive weapons and backed with a stalwart defense, the Seahawks are looking to claim their first Super Bowl victory since 2014.
But of course, it is anyone’s game.
Based on the surprising success this season for both teams, it is safe to say both franchises walk away with a successful season, although a Super Bowl would be the perfect topper.
The only losers at this point are the Jets, again.