The New England Patriots will meet the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara on Sunday. Despite the underdog nature of both teams, star power will be present in abundance. Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba won Offensive Player of the Year at the NFL Honors, and Patriots quarterback Drake Maye finished second in MVP voting behind Matthew Stafford.
Stars don't always decide Super Bowls, however. The Seahawks and Patriots have built rosters that are littered with underdogs as well. Mike Macdonald and Mike Vrabel are head coaches who preach culture and toughness. Don't be shocked if an underappreciated talent swings the result via a momentum-changing play.
We’ve identified potential X-Factors for both the Seahawks and Patriots in Super Bowl LX.
Patriots: Hunter Henry, TE
Even the Seahawks' elite defense has occasionally struggled versus tight ends this season. Trey McBride recorded nine receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown versus them in November, and Kyle Pitts had his second-highest yardage total (90) against them in December. Patriots tight end Hunter Henry feels due for a big game after quiet showings in the divisional round and the AFC Championship Game. Henry could exploit the intermediate areas.
Seahawks: Rashid Shaheed, WR
Rashid Shaheed is among the greatest trade deadline acquisitions in NFL history. Shaheed registered a 51-yard reception in the NFC Championship Game win over the Los Angeles Rams, and he opened the divisional round victory over the San Francisco 49ers with a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown. The Patriots should avoid kicking and punting to him at all costs.
Patriots: Robert Spillane, LB
Patriots linebacker Robert Spillane feels like the reincarnation of Vrabel. He entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2018 and didn't even make the 53-man roster. He eventually landed himself a role with the Pittsburgh Steelers, broke out with the Las Vegas Raiders, and finally cashed in via a $33 million deal with the Patriots this past offseason. Spillane feels like a true Super Bowl underdog who is going to force a turnover.
Seahawks: Grey Zabel, LG
Seahawks left guard Grey Zabel earned Offensive Rookie of the Year votes at Thursday's NFL Honors. It was a worthy shout for an underappreciated rookie who helped change the fortunes of Seattle's offensive line this season after they were abysmal in 2024. Zabel will draw some tough matchups with Milton Williams, so his efforts are key to keeping Sam Darnold upright.
Patriots: Kyle Williams, WR
Stefon Diggs and Kayshon Boutte have been dominating reps and targets for the Patriots at wide receiver, but rookie Kyle Williams always feels one opportunity away from making a big play. The former Washington State standout has played approximately 20 snaps per playoff game, so don't be stunned if Josh McDaniels dials up a deep shot on Sunday. The Seahawks must identify Williams when he takes the field.
Seahawks: Nick Emmanwori, SAF
Seahawks rookie safety Nick Emmanwori has been Macdonald's defensive chess piece. The definition of versatility, Emmanwori moves around the formation as required while roaming the field in the "BIG NICKEL" role. A worthy Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate, he's capable of shutting down McDaniels' offense. The Patriots must get creative while trying to occasionally avoid him in coverage. Emmanwori’s own X-factor is his injured ankle.