Writer Overlooks Patriots By Calling NFC Title Game Real Super Bowl
'It was actually Super Bowl 60 when the Seahawks defeated the Rams'
Several media voices are writing off the New England Patriots’ chances of completing a storybook season with a Super Bowl LX win over the Seattle Seahawks.
The Seahawks are 4.5-point favorites to defeat the Patriots on DraftKings and FanDuel, but one writer is ready to hand Seattle the Lombardi Trophy now. USA Today’s Nick Brinkerhoff didn’t show New England much respect when predicting a 34-17 Seahawks victory.
“It might be officially known as the NFC championship game, but it was actually Super Bowl 60 when the Seahawks defeated the Rams,” Brinkerhoff wrote. “Seattle’s matchup against New England will now be a two-week-long coronation for the new champions of the league, who shouldn’t have to break a sweat to knock off the AFC champion Patriots, who barely beat the Chargers, Texans and Broncos en route to Santa Clara.”
The Patriots aren’t garnering much public support to win the Super Bowl. Brinkerhoff was one of five USA Today writers to unanimously pick a Seattle win. Meanwhile, ten ESPN analysts and reporters all predicted a Seahawks triumph.
Each conference champion ended the regular season with a 14-3 record, but the Patriots still face doubts about their strength of schedule despite besting three top-five defenses in the playoffs. On the other hand, the Seahawks notched six wins over playoff teams before throttling the San Francisco 49ers and winning a high-octane bout over the Rams on Sunday.
Seattle’s offense is far more dangerous than the AFC units New England has encountered this postseason. Then again, Sam Darnold must combat a defense that’s allowed 415 combined passing yards and 26 points in three playoff victories.
Despite Brinkerhoff’s insistence, the Patriots will play for the Super Bowl crown on Sunday, Feb. 8.
