The Seattle Seahawks are 4½-point favorites over the New England Patriots in Sunday’s Super Bowl, and the total is 45½. A survey of 52 media members, oddsmakers, pro bettors and handicappers reveals a lopsided consensus: 40 pick the Seahawks to win outright, while only 12 favor the Patriots.
Against the spread, Seattle gets 30 votes to New England’s 22. The over/under leans heavily under, with 42 picks for under and just 10 for over.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is a common reason cited. “This will be the completion of the Sam Darnold redemption tour,” said Bill Bradley of the Review-Journal, predicting a 31-14 Seattle win. “He will learn the Patriots defense in the first half and dominate in the second half, finishing his comeback from draft bust to Super Bowl champion.”
Several experts pointed to Seattle’s top-ranked defense. “The best team in football makes Drake Maye uncomfortable all game long,” said Steve Cofield of ESPN Las Vegas, picking the Seahawks 24-13. Jay Kornegay of the Westgate SuperBook added: “Seattle’s top-ranked defense should be able to rattle and sack Maye and force a couple of turnovers.”
Patriots supporters leaned on underdog trends. “It’s well publicized that underdogs have covered 18 of the last 24 Super Bowls,” said Doug Fitz of Systemplays.com, picking New England 24-20. Bernie Fratto of FoxSportsRadio noted: “Teams who enter the Super Bowl having allowed an average of less than 10 points per game are 13-3 ATS. New England allowed 8.6 ppg in January.”
Notable Seahawks backers include Mick Akers (27-20), Clay Baker (23-19), and Nick Bogdanovich (21-20). Patriots picks came from Frank Carulli (23-17), Chip Chirimbes (23-20), and Todd Dewey (20-17).
“Both defenses should have the edge in this game,” said Chuck Edel, predicting a 24-17 Seahawks win. “Two solid units.”
