February 8, 2026

James Pearce Jr., a rookie linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons, was taken into custody on Saturday in Florida following an alleged domestic incident involving Los Angeles Sparks player Rickea Jackson, according to police reports.

Pearce faces multiple charges in Miami-Dade County: two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, one count of aggravated stalking, as well as fleeing and evading police officers, aggravated battery against a law enforcement officer, and resisting arrest without violence.

Records show Pearce was booked at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center at 6:58 p.m. on Saturday.

Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez informed WPLG-TV that the incident involved a confrontation between Pearce and Jackson. Lopez stated that Pearce was arrested after attempting to flee the scene and crashed his vehicle during a police pursuit.

“We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr. in Miami,” the Falcons stated in an official announcement. “We are in the process of gathering more information and will refrain from further comment on this ongoing legal matter.”}

The 22-year-old Pearce was recognized as a frontrunner in the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. He achieved 10.5 sacks in the past season, marking the highest tally for a rookie since Micah Parsons in 2024. The Falcons drafted Pearce with the 26th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

CHICAGO — Nikola Jokic received yet another game ball from his Denver Nuggets teammates following yet another triple-double. yet, this one held a special significance compared to the others.

It etched his name in NBA history.

Jokic scored 22 points, dished out 17 assists, and grabbed 14 rebounds, surpassing Oscar Robertson to become No. 2 on the league’s all-time career list with his 182nd regular-season triple-double, leading the Nuggets to a 136-120 win over the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night.

“He is a legendary player,” Jokic remarked about Robertson, the first athlete to record an average triple-double for an entire season in 1961-62. “Any player entering this league understands he is a global icon.”

The three-time NBA MVP and eight-time All-Star is also making a significant impact on the game. This triple-double was Jokic’s 19th of the season and his second in consecutive games. He ranks just behind Russell Westbrook, who holds 207, on the all-time career list. Westbrook (four seasons), Jokic (two), and Robertson (one) are the only players in NBA history to average triple-doubles in a single season.

Nuggets coach David Adelman, who has been part of the organization since Jokic’s third season in 2017, notes that he is still often struck by the remarkable talent of the 6-foot-11 center.

“When your center racked up 17 assists in a game — that simply doesn’t happen,” Adelman stated. “At least, not unless it’s him.”

“It’s absolutely astonishing what he’s accomplished.”

Teammate Jamal Murray expressed his belief that there’s even more to come from Jokic, who will turn 31 on February 19.

“He’s got plenty left in the tank,” he noted. “It’s going to be a record like Usain Bolt’s when he sets it. He’ll hold that for a long time.”

The latest collective bargaining agreement proposal from the WNBA, presented on Friday, included some adjustments regarding housing and facility standards, but there was no significant advancement on the proposed revenue sharing system, sources informed ESPN on Saturday.

Under the housing concessions, players on the applicable minimum salary and those with no years of service would be granted a one-bedroom apartment for the initial three years of the new agreement, according to sources. Developmental players would receive studio apartments.

It remains uncertain how players have responded to the new CBA proposal, which was introduced on Friday, more than six weeks after the players’ association last made an offer around Christmas.

Previously, the league did not include any housing provisions in its proposals. Since the initial CBA was ratified in 1999, WNBA teams have been obligated to provide housing for players. Under the previous agreement, teams could offer housing in the form of a one-bedroom apartment or a stipend.

The primary area of contention between the two parties has centered around the mechanics of revenue sharing in a new deal.

The league proposed that players receive an average of over 70% of net revenue, defined as revenue after deducting expenses. The latest proposal includes a $5.65 million salary cap in 2026 (an increase from roughly $1.5 million in 2025) that would rise in subsequent years alongside revenue growth.

In the past proposal, maximum salaries, including revenue share payouts, would reach $1.3 million in 2026 and were anticipated to approach $2 million in 2031. The supermax in 2025 was set at $249,000. The average player salary, inclusive of revenue sharing, was projected to hit $540,000 in 2026 and $780,000 by 2031, up from $120,000 in 2025.

Conversely, the players have suggested a $10.5 million salary cap and aimed to secure 30% of gross revenue—defined as revenue before expenses—stating that the league’s offer accounts for less than 15% of gross revenue.

Multiple sources reported to ESPN that the league estimates the union’s plan could lead to $700 million in losses throughout the duration of the agreement, potentially threatening the league’s financial stability. yet, the union believes its revenue sharing model would still position the league profitably, describing the league’s projected loss figure as “absolutely false,” and citing discrepancies in the accounting of expansion fees.

On Monday, the league and players’ union convened for a crucial bargaining session that also included players and owners. Presentation slides from the meeting, obtained by ESPN, indicated that the league is also proposing an increased number of allowable guaranteed contracts per team and two additional developmental player roster slots.

The slides further reveal that the league’s earlier proposal includes consent for trades involving pregnant players, the elimination of marijuana testing, enhanced team contributions to players’ 401(k) retirement plans, new team staffing requirements, and a recognition payment for current retirees.

A source indicated that, during Monday’s meeting, players stressed the significance of housing and facility standards, noting that the league’s new proposal also encompasses some of these standards, although the specifics remain unclear.

WNBPA leadership will convene in the coming days to examine the league’s proposal, another source informed ESPN. The WNBPA player body authorized the executive committee to initiate a strike in December, which the players have mentioned as a potential option.

The league’s 2026 season is slated to commence on May 8, but a new CBA must first be reached, along with a two-team expansion draft and free agency for nearly all of the league’s veterans.

ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne contributed to this report.

The kickoff for Super Bowl LX is set for 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday (NBC/Peacock), featuring the Seattle Seahawks squaring off against the New England Patriots.

New England aims to set a record by becoming the first NFL team to secure seven Super Bowl titles. The Seahawks last appeared in the championship against the Patriots in 2015 for Super Bowl XLIX, suffering a 28-24 defeat in a thrilling match. The Patriots entered the playoffs as the AFC’s No. 2 seed, and the Seahawks are in as the NFC’s No. 1 seed.

We have everything you need at your fingertips, including team previews, a look at potential Super Bowl MVPs, and expert game predictions. Our analysis from sports betting specialists and detailed stats from ESPN Research cover everything from the two quarterbacks to coaching strategies, officiating, positional matchups, and key X factors. Don’t miss our preview of Bad Bunny’s halftime performance at the end.

Let’s explore this comprehensive cheat sheet, kicking off with a matchup preview.

Jump to a section:
What to know | Meet the teams | QBs
Key questions | Matchup breakdowns
Seahawks’ winning strategies | Patriots’ winning strategies
Predictions | MVP predictions | Stats to remember
Bold forecasts | Injuries | Officiating
Previous encounters | Betting | Halftime | FAQs

Analyzing Seahawks vs. Patriots

Date: Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET
Location: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California
Broadcast: NBC/Peacock
Depth charts: Seahawks | Patriots

Dubbed the Explosive Play Bowl, both teams have prioritized explosive plays in recent seasons, making these matchups increasingly thrilling.

Defense has adjusted with a rise in two-high safety looks to steer teams toward short passes and runs. Offenses have adapted, taking advantage of opportunities afforded to them. With a league-wide inclination to go for it on fourth down, short third downs have become prime spots for explosive plays. also, the kickoff and touchback placements at the 35-yard line have complicated field positioning for defenses.

As a result, explosive plays are the defining factor in today’s game. One successful offensive explosive play post-kickoff can often set a team up in scoring range. Effective defenses either generate numerous turnovers or impede the opposing offense’s ability for big plays, relying on sacks, penalties, or negative yardage to disrupt the flow. Elite offenses challenge the two-high strategy by running effectively or making precise throws into tight spaces down the field.

In terms of explosive-play differential, which measures the variation between the rate of explosive plays generated and allowed, all four teams in this year’s conference championships ranked in the top five during the regular season. The Patriots stood at fourth with a differential of 2.8 percentage points, propelled by the best explosive creation rate in the league at 13.6%. by contrast, the Seahawks boasted a differential of 4.7 percentage points, leading the NFL and reaching the ninth-highest figure in the last 25 years. They excelled defensively, setting up a captivating face-off between the premier explosive offense and top-tier defense come Sunday.

It’s essential to note that one game’s outcome can sway regular season stats dramatically. In the last 25 years, the six best teams in explosive-play differential reaching the Super Bowl ultimately lost. The Patriots’ defense, which performed average during the regular season in advanced metrics, has only permitted six explosive plays across three postseason contests against compromised offenses. Conversely, the Seahawks allowed 12 explosive plays against the Rams in the NFC Championship but secured a victory as quarterback Sam Darnold delivered a standout performance after a rough patch. His counterpart, Drake Maye, has been inconsistent in the playoffs despite a regular season that featured an MVP-caliber performance.

Throughout this postseason, unexpected injuries, fumble fortunes, missed kicks, and unpredictable weather conditions have impacted games. One of these wild factors could influence Sunday’s final outcome. Nevertheless, this Super Bowl appears poised to be an exciting matchup between two of the league’s explosive-play powerhouses. Whichever team manages that element effectively might just end up hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. — Bill Barnwell, NFL analyst

Read more: Barnwell’s Super Bowl preview … Path to the conference championship for the Patriots and Seahawks

Introduction to the Teams

2025 Season Record: 14-3
FPI Ranking: No. 1

Head Coach: Mike MacDonald

Having sustained injuries that cut his playing career short, MacDonald embodies the physicality of an NFL fullback, which helps alongside his analytical mentality. His appointment as Seahawks’ head coach following Pete Carroll’s departure in 2024 aimed at affirming his defensive prowess. Over time, he has developed leadership skills, with players recognizing how his honesty fosters a better working relationship between them. If victorious, at 38 years old, he would make history as the third-youngest coach to achieve a Super Bowl win.

Path to the Super Bowl:

Team owner Jody Allen made the tough decision to part ways with Carroll following the 2023 season, after he had led the franchise to its only Lombardi Trophy (XLVIII). General manager John Schneider then appointed MacDonald, who has continued on a successful personnel trajectory.

One of Schneider’s standout moves was trading quarterback Geno Smith for Sam Darnold, resulting in a revamped offense with coordinator Klint Kubiak overseeing a stunning turnaround. Meanwhile, MacDonald’s defense became even more robust in its second year, surrendering the fewest points per game (17.2) in the league. With six players selected for the Pro Bowl, the Seahawks have showcased impressive talent, with MacDonald fostering a sense of unity that propels their performance. — Brady Henderson, Seahawks reporter

2025 Season Record: 14-3
FPI Ranking: No. 10

Head Coach: Mike Vrabel

As a three-time Super Bowl champion linebacker with the Patriots in the 2000s, Vrabel still demonstrates impressive physicality. He engages players during practice, even letting them tackle him. He has a solid grasp of the rulebook and an empathetic coaching approach, believing that a coach’s effectiveness is tied to his players’ abilities.

Path to the Super Bowl:

The Patriots’ playoff journey came quicker than anticipated. Players attribute much of their success to Vrabel’s leadership, which fostered a strong bond through shared experiences, including their “4 Hs” — history, heartbreak, hope, and hero. This tight connection motivates players to perform for each other. plus, having MVP candidate QB Drake Maye, who thrived under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, bolstered their journey. — Mike Reiss, Patriots reporter

Further reading: What makes MacDonald’s defense so effective? … The framework of the team that Vrabel built … Significant moments with Vrabel from past to present … Why Vrabel was the ideal coaching choice

Quarterback Analysis

Darnold’s regular season exhibited two distinct phases. Throughout the first 10 weeks, he thrived with a league-leading 77.9 QBR and 9.3 yards per dropback. yet, his efficiency severely declined in the latter half, ending up with a shaky 35.3 QBR (27th) and 6.3 yards per dropback (15th). In the playoffs, we’ve seen flashes of his early season brilliance, raising questions about which version will take the field during the Super Bowl.

Strength: At his peak, Darnold demonstrates accurate deep throws, averaging 9.4 air yards per attempt (highest among QBR qualifiers) and displaying a top-ranked completion percentage over expected, while successfully avoiding sacks during that earlier period.

Weakness: Turnovers plagued Darnold during the regular season, with a turnover rate of 3.5%, the worst for top QBR-qualifying quarterbacks. Encouragingly, he hasn’t turned the ball over in both playoff games so far, yet that past issue remains a looming concern. — Seth Walder, analytics writer

Drake Maye, despite finishing as the MVP runner-up, had a stellar regular season. Even facing a mediocre offensive line and receiving corps, he led the league in QBR (77.1) by a considerable margin despite an opponent-quality adjustment. The Patriots have heavily relied on him, with a notable plus-4% pass rate over expected.

Strength: Maye excels in accuracy. His plus-9% completion percentage over expected is not only the highest this season but also one of the best since tracking began in 2016. His off-target rate aligns at a commendable 12%, while averaging 8.7 air yards per throw, ranking third in the league.

Weakness: even with contributing factors like the quality of the offensive line, the quarterback’s influence stands significant in sack rates. Maye was brought down 47 times during the regular season, placing him fourth in the NFL, with an 8.8% sack rate that ranks fifth-worst. plus, he had a 1.8% fumble rate, earning third worst honors. — Walder

Further reading: Personal stories from high school featuring 13 Super Bowl stars … Maye’s shoulder is feeling good, showed activity at practice … Darnold reports his oblique “feels great”

Key Questions

How can Seattle better incorporate wide receiver Rashid Shaheed into their passing strategy?

While the Seahawks may not need to force feed him targets, increasing his involvement could be beneficial. Early in the NFC Championship, he secured a 51-yard reception behind the Rams’ defense utilizing his remarkable speed. His contributions have mainly come on special teams, showcasing his talent with three return touchdowns since joining from the Saints midseason.

yet, prior to the championship game, Shaheed’s impact on offense mostly came through short to intermediate routes. The Seahawks run-heavy approach makes targets scarce, particularly with star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba commanding attention within the offensive scheme. But Shaheed’s speed presents opportunities for impactful plays. — Henderson

Can the Patriots’ offensive line effectively protect Maye from Seattle’s pass rush?

Vrabel acknowledged that the Seahawks are likely the most formidable in executing stunts to generate pressure, causing challenges for the Patriots’ offensive line throughout the season. New England’s unique position with multiple rookie starters in the Super Bowl necessitates first-round draft pick Will Campbell (left tackle) and third-rounder Jared Wilson (left guard) to deliver strong performances beyond their experience level. This is a significant challenge against a defense recognized for creating pressure utilizing conventional four-man rush strategies. — Reiss

Highlighted One-on-One Matchup

Jaxon Smith-Njigba vs. Christian Gonzalez

Initially a slot receiver, Smith-Njigba has evolved beyond that role. Across both the regular season and playoffs, 24% of his routes, and 20% of his targets, have been in the slot. Should the Patriots seek to have Gonzalez directly matched up with Smith-Njigba, he need not follow him inside consistently. yet, it remains to be seen if he will shadow him in this match-up.

Previously, Gonzalez traveled with the opposing team’s best receiver during his first two seasons, but this season’s scheme allowed him to stay on one side of the field, as he excelled as the right cornerback 72% of the time. Expect some instances where Gonzalez shadows Smith-Njigba, but it won’t be a primary component of the Patriots’ game plan.

The Seahawks are likely to send Smith-Njigba in motion frequently, especially in the game’s early series. If Gonzalez marks him, the Seahawks might move him into the slot, thus forcing nickel corner Marcus Jones into a one-on-one situation. While Jones is a skilled slot corner, the Patriots will likely have to double-team Smith-Njigba if he begins dominating that matchup.

Currently, the matchup appears to favor Smith-Njigba, with Gonzalez’s ability to hold his own at the line of scrimmage potentially forcing Darnold to risk lengthier dropbacks and alternate targets. That scenario could serve the Patriots’ defensive strategy well. — Ben Solak, NFL analyst

Read more: Five key matchups to keep an eye on

Seahawks Winning Strategies

Positional Edge: Secondary

The Seahawks’ secondary is characterized by its speed and physicality. With a league-high 815 snaps in nickel sets, they allowed only 5.5 yards per pass attempt. They can utilize Cover 2 to limit Maye’s vertical opportunities while also incorporating man schemes that test New England’s timing in the passing attack.

With cornerbacks Devon Witherspoon and Josh Jobe on the outside, and rookie Nick Emmanwori effectively disrupting plays from the slot, the Seahawks can seal throwing lanes while also excelling in run defense. Their safeties, Julian Love and Coby Bryant, possess the instincts to make impactful plays in the secondary. — Matt Bowen, NFL analyst

X Factor for the Seahawks: Rashid Shaheed, WR

Shaheed is the player on the Seahawks roster most likely to create a significant play, whether on offense or special teams. Having arrived midseason from the Saints, he stepped up his performance on returns with strong blocking in Seattle, leading to three return touchdowns in 11 games, including the postseason.

Though Shaheed has seen limited action in the passing game, catching just 15 passes for 188 yards and no touchdowns, cornerback Carlton Davis III is set to cover him, having tallied six defensive pass interference penalties in 2025, providing a potential opportunity for Shaheed to shine. — Aaron Schatz, NFL analyst

Rookie to Watch: Nick Emmanwori, S

Emmanwori has rapidly become one of the standout defensive players on the Seahawks. Playing primarily in a hybrid role, he plugs into the nickel position yet is capable of switching roles seamlessly. Emmanwori’s high energy and knack for making solid tackles have made a substantial impact on the team. Though he sustained an ankle injury recently, he has returned to full practice and remains in contention for the Super Bowl. — Jordan Reid, NFL draft analyst

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Patriots Winning Strategies

Positional Edge: Running Backs

The Patriots’ offensive game plan must emphasize running the ball effectively, leveraging both Rhamondre Stevenson and rookie TreVeyon Henderson in the ground game, while finding ways to include them in the passing attack. Stevenson has demonstrated short-area burst, leading the league with 2.8 yards after contact per carry. Meanwhile, Henderson adds significant speed and big-play potential, evident in 18 rushes of 10 or more yards this season. With the Seahawks’ zone coverage tendencies, both backs can serve as valuable underneath receiving outlets for Maye. — Bowen

X Factor for the Patriots: Marcus Jones, CB

Primarily acting as the Patriots’ nickelback, Jones will spend significant time covering receiver Cooper Kupp. yet, due to Seattle’s offensive tactics, Jones might also find himself against Smith-Njigba, especially when #11 moves to the slot or backfield to create advantageous matchups. While Jones has shown solid coverage this season, his adjusted coverage DVOA (defense-adjusted value over average) is more middle-of-the-road when factoring receiver quality.

Jones has also made pivotal plays defensively, tallying 23 defeats this season—a statistic combining turnovers, tackles for loss, and game-changing plays on vital downs. His contributions include three fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and two interceptions, alongside a touchdown recovery against Houston in the divisional round. He has additionally recorded two sacks and four pressures within blitz packages.

also, Jones is impactful in the kicking game, earning All-Pro honors as a punt returner, averaging 17.3 yards with two touchdowns this season. — Schatz

Rookie to Watch: Will Campbell, OT

Campbell faces a challenging task against a Seattle defense known for varying its pressure approach rather than relying on a traditional four-man rush. He will need to manage not only the right defensive end but be agile in countering delayed blitzes and pressures against Maye. His decent poise as a pass protector earned him recognition as the top tackle selected in 2025, but this match-up serves as a considerable test of his skills. His performance could significantly influence Maye’s success and the overall offensive flow. — Matt Miller, NFL draft analyst

ESPN’s FPI has the Seahawks trending towards a 59.6% win probability in simulations, with an average margin of 3.6 points in their favor.

This contest involves two esteemed teams in FPI standings: the Seahawks reigning at No. 1 (7.0) and the Patriots in the tenth position (2.6). The Patriots’ offense ranks ninth, while Seattle follows closely at 11th. On the defensive front, the Seahawks lead the league while the Patriots sit at 11th.

The Seahawks began the season with a modest 2.6% chance of reaching the Super Bowl, rated as 21st, whereas the Patriots were in a similar boat at 25th with a 2% chance. Seattle’s title-winning odds were initially pegged at 1.1%, while New England’s were at 0.9%.

Expert Predictions

Among 58 experts, the Seahawks were favored by 48 of them (82.8%) while the Patriots received 10 votes (17.2%). The most common score forecast was a 27-17 win for Seattle (four experts chose this).

Further reading: Predictions from ESPN staff

From the 58 experts, 23 (39.7%) predicted Darnold as the eventual Super Bowl MVP. Darnold (+115), Maye (+240), and Smith-Njigba (+550) are the current favorites, per DraftKings Sportsbook. Several analysts provided insights into their MVP picks.

Jason Reid, Senior writer at Andscape: Darnold. He has displayed consistent performance recently, notably in the Seahawks’ crushing 41-6 victory against the 49ers and during the NFC Championship Game against the Rams. His composure in the pocket has developed greatly, which will be evident on Sunday.

Liz Loza, fantasy and betting analyst: Darnold. My selection aligns with my prediction of a Seattle victory. A quarterback from the winning team has claimed the MVP title in 34 of 59 Super Bowls, including seven out of the last nine.

Todd Archer, Cowboys reporter: Maye. even with potential issues with his shoulder, the Patriots are protected from inclement weather that affected their previous games against Houston and Denver. I expect Maye to step up late and lead his team to a seventh Lombardi Trophy.

Eric Moody, fantasy and betting analyst: Smith-Njigba. He was instrumental throughout the season, finishing with 119 catches for 1,793 yards and earning All-Pro first-team recognition. His performance against Los Angeles, where he caught 10 passes for 153 yards and a touchdown, underscores his capability. If he continues that trend on such a grand stage, he has a strong chance for MVP.

Matt Miller, NFL draft analyst: Smith-Njigba. Given his legendary status as a matchup nightmare, his contributions throughout the season and playoffs should designate him as the best receiver in football if he has a standout game here.

Ben Solak, NFL analyst: Shaheed. I’m predicting a low-scoring matchup, meaning a lone crucial touchdown may secure the MVP. Shaheed’s unique abilities allow him to score in numerous ways—receiving, returning, or even taking handoffs—making him a valuable long-shot candidate.

Further reading: Expert predictions for Seahawks-Patriots score, MVP … Could it be the first decade without a defensive MVP in the Super Bowl?

Stats and Information to Remember

Team Statistics: Seahawks | Patriots

Seahawks

• Seattle boasts a nine-game winning streak, the longest in the NFL currently and second longest in franchise history (11 in 2005).

• Darnold is currently 0-4 lifetime against the Patriots, ranking second as the QB with the most losses without a win against this opponent ahead of the Super Bowl.

• Including postseason games, Smith-Njigba is bidding for his 11th game with a minimum of 100 receiving yards—tying for the third most in single-season history in the NFL.

• Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence has recorded a sack and forced fumble in each of the Seahawks’ playoff victories—achieving this feat would mark the first such occurrence in two decades.

• The Seahawks are the first team to lead the NFL in regular-season scoring defense and reach the Super Bowl since the 2016 Patriots—with teams leading in scoring defense in regular season having an overall Super Bowl record of 14-4.

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Patriots

• New England’s postseason average stands at 18.0 points, marking the fourth-lowest average entering the Super Bowl and the least since the 1979 Rams (15.0 points, lost 31-19).

• The Patriots are the first team since the 1970 merger to defeat three top-five defenses (in terms of yards allowed) to reach the Super Bowl (Chargers were fifth, Texans first, and Broncos second).

• Maye has racked up 129 rushing yards on scrambles, ranking fourth for any QB in a single postseason in the last two decades.

• For the Patriots this season, while integrating players Christian Gonzalez and Milton Williams, they are 12-0 (allowing 14.5 PPG) in games they’ve participated in together.

Further reading: Records, statistics, and facts for the Seahawks and Patriots … Historical Super Bowl records, stats, and facts … How investing in Milton Williams benefited the Patriots

Bold Predictions for Stats

Shaheed will surpass 100 all-purpose yards and secure a touchdown. His recent form has seen him return a punt for a touchdown in Week 16, a kickoff in the divisional round, and a notable 51-yard catch in the NFC Championship Game, indicating his explosive potential. Smith-Njigba will likely draw significant attention, paving the way for Shaheed to capitalize. — Eric Moody, fantasy and betting analyst

Smith-Njigba will exceed 100 receiving yards. My forecast includes 14 receptions for 186 yards and three touchdowns, which would certainly position him for MVP honors. This performance could affirm his place as the premier WR in football. — Mike Tannenbaum, NFL analyst

Kenneth Walker III will accumulate over 150 yards from scrimmage. Over the past five games (including playoffs), Walker has averaged 120-plus yards, and with Zach Charbonnet’s injury, he is set to take on the primary RB role. His advantages include an elite WR in JSN and a QB in Darnold, both amplifying offensive capabilities through their skills. — Stephania Bell, fantasy and injury analyst

Maye will accumulate 300 passing yards and multiple touchdown passes. After recently experiencing a breakout regular season, his production thus far in the playoffs has been modest against excellent defenses, including the high-performing Seahawks. While significant yardage might seem unattainable, Maye possesses remarkable poise and the skillset to make impactful plays when required. — Field Yates, NFL analyst

Injury Updates

Injury Status: Seahawks | Patriots

Darnold’s availability for the Super Bowl is secure. While he has been managing a left oblique injury during the playoffs, he showcased no signs of distress while throwing three touchdown passes in the NFC Championship. “It feels fantastic,” Darnold noted regarding his oblique injury earlier. His practice participation was complete on Thursday and Friday.

Emmanwori faced an ankle injury during Wednesday’s practice, sidelining him the next day. yet, he has since been cleared and listed as a full participant by Friday. Left tackle Charles Cross also returned to full practice after dealing with a foot issue.

Fullback Robbie Ouzts remains questionable for the Super Bowl due to a neck injury, and if sidelined, Brady Russell will take his place. — Henderson

Maye’s right shoulder caused limited participation in practice on Jan. 29, while an illness also kept him off the field the following day. While he’s ready for the game, there’s uncertainty over how those issues may influence his gameplay. still, he’s off the injury report entirely.

Starting linebacker Robert Spillane (ankle) and veteran edge rusher Harold Landry III (knee) are both currently questionable but have expressed optimism about playing. — Reiss

Officiating Insights

The NFL appointed Shawn Smith as the referee for the Super Bowl, breaking from the tradition of utilizing a small group of familiar officials for this significant game. Previous referees like Carl Cheffers, Bill Vinovich, and Ronald Torbert have officiated two of the last six Super Bowls.

Smith has delivered commendable performance metrics, earning playoff assignments for five consecutive seasons. even with his rapid ascent—being hired as an umpire in 2015 and upgrading to referee in 2018—he is among the least experienced Super Bowl referees in recent years. Support from seasoned officials, namely umpire Roy Ellison and side judge Eugene Hall, who have each officiated three Super Bowls, will aid his officiating.”),

Revisiting Their Last Super Bowl Encounter

This encounter remains etched in the hearts (and nightmares) of Patriots and Seahawks supporters. The Seattle squad was just 26 seconds away from clinching back-to-back Lombardi trophies when, instead, quarterback Russell Wilson threw a pass intended for Ricardo Lockette from the 1-yard line, which was intercepted by rookie cornerback Malcolm Butler.

Butler’s interception was stunning, as was the decision made by Coach Pete Carroll to have Wilson throw rather than hand the ball to Marshawn Lynch, who was instrumental that season with his impressive 1,306 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. The Patriots were trailing by 10 points at the fourth quarter’s onset before Tom Brady orchestrated two touchdown drives to secure his fourth championship title. — Lindsey Thiry, national NFL reporter

Betting Insights for Super Bowl LX

Current odds from DraftKings Sportsbook: Seahawks -4.5, O/U 45.5

This matchup stands as one of the NFL’s biggest surprises—marking the first instance since at least 1977 when both teams possessed 60-1 odds entering the season. still, sportsbooks have taken a clear stance on the matchup.

Initially, the Seahawks opened as 3.5-point favorites, quickly adjusting to 4.5 points. They stand as the most favored team in a Super Bowl since the 2021 Rams (-4.5), yet history shows that significant favorites sometimes stumble. The last seven teams favored by at least 4 points struggled to cover the spread, with five losing altogether.

Surprising underdogs have prevailed in the last three Super Bowls, each time covering the spread. hence, the Patriots are embracing a “road warrior” mentality in Santa Clara, as AFC teams stand at 8-3 ATS over the last 11 Super Bowl appearances.

Best Bet: Patriots +4.5

Darnold’s performance varies considerably depending on the pressure he faces. With a clean pocket, he operates efficiently, while that drops dramatically when pressured, reaching a completion rate of just 50% with a poor 6.4 yards per attempt. Given the Patriots’ dependence on blitzing and their capability to limit explosive passes, this could force Darnold into situations where he falters. Coupling this with their strategic clock management through a steady run game, New England stands a strong chance of keeping the match tight. Seahawks can secure a victory, but the value lies with the Patriots and the points. — Pamela Maldonado, betting analyst

Further insights: Sixty bets to consider for Super Bowl 60 … Betting predictions on announcers’ commentary during the Super Bowl … Overall betting trends leading to Super Bowl LX

Halftime Show Performer

Bad Bunny has been chosen to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. He is a celebrated six-time Grammy winner and has won 17 Latin Grammy Awards. His album “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” won Album of the Year at the 68th Grammy Awards.

Some of Bad Bunny’s top hits feature “Dákiti,” “Titi Me Preguntó,” and “Me Porto Bonito.” He has also collaborated with major artists including Cardi B and J. Balvin on “I Like It,” as well as with Drake on “Mia.”

Further reading: The NFL’s reasons for supporting Bad Bunny … The influence of Up with People on Super Bowl lineups … Notable Hispanic figures during Super Bowl halftime … Bad Bunny as the headline performer for Super Bowl LX

FAQs about the Super Bowl

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Various Insights

The 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics continue on Sunday with the comeback of a champion.

Just days after suffering a severe knee injury that resulted in a complete tear of her left ACL, Lindsey Vonn is pushing through the challenges to compete in the women’s downhill skiing final. In figure skating, Team USA aims to maintain a fragile lead in the mixed team final.

Key events (all times ET)

• 5:30 a.m. — Women’s downhill skiing (final)

• 7:00 a.m. — Snowboarding (men’s and women’s giant slalom final)

• 1:30 p.m. — Figure skating (mixed team final)

MORE: Medal tracker | Full schedule of events | Olympics 101

Here are the highlights from Sunday’s events.

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