Paul Higham
Prediction Seahawks 17-20 Patriots
Seattle have lost three games this season by a combined nine points, but somebody’s got to back the Patriots haven’t they? And underdogs have won four of the last five Super Bowls.
I don’t think they can win a shootout but I’m not expecting one with these two defences – I’d like them to strike first though as Seattle are 11-0 this season when the score first.
Listen, a dominant Seahawks win wouldn’t surprise me, but I’ve just got a feeling Vrabel and Josh McDaniels with all their experience can pull something out of the bag.
The Pats are 12-0 and allowing just 14.5 points a game when defensive wrecking ball Milton Williams and shutdown corner Christian Gonzalez are on the field together, and they’ll both play on Sunday.
And if it’s close going down the stretch then it only takes one play. Give me the Pats in a nailbiter.
MVP: Milton Williams
Let’s face it, it’s a quarterback award isn’t it, but since I’m backing a low-scoring upset win I’ll go for just the 10th defender to win the MVP. Von Miller was the last, in this very same stadium, wearing all white as well! Aside from the omens, Williams did have a couple of sacks and a forced fumble and recovery on Patrick Mahomes for the Eagles last year and something similar in a tight contest could be a difference maker.
Ben Collins
Prediction Seahawks 24-13 Patriots
Seattle’s awesome defence, known as the Dark Side, has been the main topic of discussion during Super Bowl week. Drake Maye has shown the ability to scramble and escape the pressure but I think the Seahawks will bring too much heat and stifle the Patriots quarterback.
He has already taken the second-most sacks in a single post-season (15) and I reckon Seattle will force him past Joe Burrow’s record tally of 19.
New England’s defence isn’t too shabby either so I expect it to be a tight, low-scoring affair before Seattle go clear late in the third quarter or early in the fourth to clinch it.
MVP: Leonard Williams
Some 17 Seattle players registered at least half a sack this season, with their interior defence particularly aggressive. Tackle Leonard Williams has registered eight sacks and 33 quarterback pressures so I’m backing the 13-year veteran to emerge from the Dark Side and become a rare defensive MVP.
