Super Bowl LX Recap: Seahawks Defense Dominates Patriots 29-13

Seattle's defense absolutely stole the show in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium, holding the New England Patriots to just 13 points in a commanding 29-13 victory. This wasn't just a win—it was a masterclass in defensive football that showed why the Seahawks' journey to the championship was legitimate, not lucky.

The Game Script Nobody Expected

The Patriots came in as slight favorites (-1.5), riding a wave of momentum from their defensive performances throughout the playoffs. New England had allowed just 7 points to the Broncos in the AFC Championship and seemed poised to continue that trend. But Seattle had other plans.

From the opening kickoff, the Seahawks' game plan was clear: attack the Patriots' offensive line and force quick decisions. Defensive coordinator deployed a relentless rotation of edge rushers and interior pressure packages that confused New England's offensive line throughout the game.

The numbers tell the story: four sacks, seven quarterback hits, and two forced turnovers. Patriots quarterback completed just 18 of 34 passes for 187 yards and one interception. More importantly, he was constantly under duress, completing just 35% of his passes under pressure compared to his season average of 58%.

Sam Darnold's Redemption Arc

While defense wins championships, you still need your offense to execute. Sam Darnold, playing in the biggest game of his career, was efficient and composed throughout, connecting on 22 of 31 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns with zero interceptions.

Darnold's performance was a testament to game management. He didn't try to do too much, taking what the defense gave him and converting on third downs when it mattered most. The Seahawks went 8-for-14 on third down conversions, keeping their defense fresh and the Patriots' offense on the sideline.

The opening drive set the tone perfectly. A methodical 72-yard march featuring a mix of short passes and power running game that ate 7:42 off the clock and ended with a touchdown. It was old-school playoff football, and it worked to perfection.

Betting Market Analysis

From a betting perspective, this game provided several valuable lessons. The under (48.5) was always the sharper play once you analyzed both teams' playoff performances. In four playoff games combined, these teams averaged just 18.5 points per game. The market was overvaluing offensive potential and undervaluing playoff defensive intensity.

Anyone who backed Seattle on the moneyline (+110) was rewarded handsomely. The Seahawks closed around +2 at most books, meaning a $100 bet returned $150 on the moneyline or $192 taking the points.

The prop markets also offered value for those who studied the matchups. Darnold's passing yards under (242.5) barely hit, but the Patriots' rushing yards under (87.5) cashed easily—they finished with just 63 yards on the ground as Seattle's defensive front dominated the line of scrimmage.

Why the Market Got It Wrong

The Seahawks' defensive metrics all season pointed to this kind of performance. They ranked 3rd in pressure rate (28.4%), 2nd in opponent completion percentage (59.1%), and 5th in expected points added (EPA) per play allowed. Yet they were underdogs.

The market overweighted the Patriots' recent defensive performances and undervalued Seattle's ability to control the line of scrimmage. This is a common playoff betting mistake—recency bias trumping season-long data.

Sam Darnold's experience in high-leverage situations was another signal the market underpriced. His fourth-quarter comeback percentage and performance in games decided by one score were elite all season, yet the narrative around him remained skeptical.

Looking Ahead: Offseason Implications

For bettors thinking about next season's futures, this game has massive implications. The Seahawks proved their young core is ready to compete for multiple championships. Early lines have them around +800 to repeat—that's value given their roster age and contract situation.

The Patriots, meanwhile, face questions about their offensive line and whether their defensive success was sustainable. Look for their win total to be set around 9.5 next season, which might present under value depending on their offseason moves.

Key Takeaways for Bettors

Defensive metrics continue to be undervalued in big-game spots. Teams that can consistently pressure the quarterback and limit explosive plays have a significant edge in playoff football, where offensive rhythm is harder to find.

Game script matters more than raw talent. Seattle's ability to control time of possession and keep their defense fresh was the hidden key to victory. In future playoff analysis, prioritize teams that can run the ball effectively and convert third downs.

Public perception lags behind reality. Darnold was a value quarterback all season in betting markets because the narrative around him hadn't caught up to his actual performance. Finding these market inefficiencies is where consistent betting profit is made.

The under in playoff games remains one of the most reliable betting trends in sports. Since 2020, playoff unders in the NFL have hit at a 58% clip—well above the break-even threshold of 52.4% needed to profit against standard juice.