Super Bowl Odds: Five Reasons Why Patriots, Seahawks Could Win And Cover

The New England Patriots currently are one-point favorites over the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com. The line opened with the Seahawks as two-point favorites, but much like last year?s Super Bowl, it has swung to the AFC.

Five reasons the Patriots will win and cover:
1. The Patriots have a strong track record against good defenses. They played three of the NFL’s top defenses in 2014 (Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, Denver Broncos) and completely dismantled them.

2. The Seahawks lack the offensive depth to beat the Patriots’ defense. If the Patriots’ front seven can contain running back Marshawn Lynch, and cornerback Darrelle Revis can shut down wide receiver Doug Baldwin, Seattle lacks additional weapons.

3. The Patriots have a significant chip on their shoulder because of DeflateGate. When Tom Brady and Co. play angry, the Patriots seem to do well. It?s less about analytics and more about the emotion.

4. Rob Gronkowski is one of the best offensive weapons in football, and he’s healthy. He has not been healthy in the Patriots’ past three postseason losses, so this is crucial.

5. Bill Belichick arguably is one of the greatest coaches of all time. The Patriots should have the advantage in Super Bowl XLIX when it comes to in-game strategy.

Five reasons the Seahawks will win and cover:
1. The Seahawks have the best defense in the NFL. They’ve even made the league’s top quarterbacks look sub-par throughout the season and are playing their best ball right now. Their run defense was among the league’s best, too.

2. The Seahawks have offensive balance, with a strong run game and an explosive passing attack. Game-planning to contain both Lynch and quarterback Russell Wilson is incredibly difficult.

3. The Seahawks are loose. You can see it with players and coaches. They’re having fun. They’ve been here before and, for the most part, know what the week will bring. They’re confident and have swagger. This stage is not too big for them — in fact, they fully embrace it.

4. The Seahawks are deep, especially on defense. Right now, their depth on both sides of the ball is looking good.

5. The Seahawks don’t have any distractions. There’s no DeflateGate in the Seattle locker room.

Thumbnail photo via David Butler II/USA TODAY Sports Images