Special Edition: The Game of Games

The GIST: The last time the Patriots were underdogs entering the Super Bowl? 2001, the season they won their first-ever title and kicked off a dynastic run that included six Lombardi Trophies. Speaking of, a win today and they’ll break a tie with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the most Super Bowl victories in NFL history.

📌 How they got here: New England’s playoff journey was littered with elite defenses — Maye became the first QB ever to beat three top-five units in a single postseason, dismantling the LA Chargers 16–3 in the Wild Card Round, the Houston Texans 28–16 in the Divisional Round, and the Denver Broncos 10–7 in a blizzard-stricken AFC Championship game.

✅ Why they’ll win: It starts with the Pats’ top-tier offense, a well-balanced attack that maximizes everyone on the field. And while Maye hasn’t exactly been his MVP–caliber self this postseason, the second-youngest QB to start in the Big Game has made up for it with his legs: He’s just the fourth signal caller in the Super Bowl era to log multiple games with at least 65 rushing yards in a single playoff run.

• New England has also had plenty of success on the road, notching a perfect 9-0 record away from Gillette Stadium this season. These warriors have certainly come out to play.

❌ Why they won’t: One of the biggest knocks on the Patriots has been their strength of schedule. They’ve played the best defenses this postseason but not the best offenses. So while they’re allowing just 8.7 points per game in the playoffs, Seattle’s offense will be much harder to contain. Watch for cornerback Christian Gonzalez and defensive end Milton Williams to meet the challenge.

The GIST: The Seahawks are back in the promised land for the first time since the 2014 season (more on that later), with dreams of earning the Emerald City’s second Lombardi Trophy. Now that’s how you drive up the price of a franchise.

📌 How they got here: After winning a hotly-contested battle for the NFC No. 1 seed, the Seahawks enjoyed a first-round bye before pummeling the San Francisco 49ers 41–6 in the Divisional Round. Then came the true test: their division rival LA Rams, who they beat 31–27 in the NFC Championship to punch their Big Game ticket.

✅ Why they’ll win: The Seahawks boast the most complete team in football, but outside of All-Pro wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, there’s no bona fide superstars — just a bunch of good players who work really well together. From running back (RB) Kenneth Walker III to return specialist Rashid Shaheed, it’s complementary football at its absolute best.

• And the Seahawks’ ferocious front seven play an integral role. Headlined by the dynamic duo of defensive linemen Leonard Williams and DeMarcus Lawrence, the Hawks held opponents to an NFL–best 17.2 points per game during the regular season.

❌ Why they won’t: This team doesn’t have any fatal flaws…unless QB Darnold starts seeing ghosts again. As the signal caller knows all too well, the Pats are exceptional at disguising their defensive schemes, causing confusion for opposing QBs. And while Darnold’s been more reliable in the playoffs, he notably led the league in turnovers during the regular season.

😋🏈 Are you prepared to get your snack on? Kickoff for the Big Game is in just a few hours — plenty of time to wow everyone at your watch party with a snack that truly pushes the limits of flavour: Snyder’s of Hanover® Pretzel Pieces.

• Our pick for football’s favorite day? Gotta be Hot Buffalo Wing, a bold, salty treat that crunches like it’s nobody’s business. Find a bag at one of these convenient retailers.

There’s no time for bathroom breaks on Super Bowl Sunday because, along with the always entertaining commercials, this year’s musical performances will have us sat.

Before we highlight the evento principal, here’s who else will be serenading us today:

• This one’s for all the eyeliner icons and punk princesses because Green Day’s about to turn the Super Bowl’s Opening Ceremony into a full-blown, ahem, Holiday. Sorry, September, no one’s sleeping through this.

• Charlie Puth and Deaf artist Fred Beam will perform the American national anthem, Brandi Carlile and Deaf artist Julian Ortiz will do a rendition of “America the Beautiful,” and Coco Jones and Beam will round it out with the Black national anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

And then there’s Bad Bunny: The most-streamed artist in the world will take the Super Bowl’s iconic stage for what’s sure to be one of the most-watched performances ever. With billions (yes, with a B) of YouTube views under his belt, this set’s bound to be fuego.

Warm up your speakers with this triple-threat playlist:

1️⃣ “Tití Me Preguntó,” the ultimate pre-game anthem

2️⃣ “Dákiti” — smooth enough to make even the kickers sway

3️⃣ “Me Porto Bonito,” for when you’re trying to behave...but not really