There's an adage in the NFL: defense wins championships. That's debatable, since if you don't score any points, you'll lose. Regardless, defense is key, and both the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots have good ones.
Bleacher Report thinks the Patriots' defense is the better one right now and gives the Patriots the nod to win Super Bowl LX. It's a far cry from ESPN's analysts who unanimously chose the Seahawks.
Bleacher Report has correctly analyzed the significant uptick in the Patriots' defense's effectiveness. This has come after the return to action of star defensive lineman Milton Williams and top tackler Robert Spillane. However, Spillane's availability for the big game is unclear at the moment. If he is on the shelf, it will be a significant hit to the Patriots' D for sure.
Regardless, the Patriots' defense has stepped up to compensate for an offense that has sputtered in the playoffs, perhaps due to a shoulder injury suffered by MVP candidate quarterback Drake Maye. It will take a stellar defensive performance to beat the Seahawks.
The Patriots defense could be the difference-maker in Super Bowl LX
Some analytical outlets, like ESPN, have given the Patriots little chance of beating the Seahawks on February 8. That's a nice incentive for the team to prove the network wrong.
Yet, Erik Beaston of Bleacher Report believes the Patriots will win their next Lombardi because of their defense.
"The outcome of the Super Bowl match-up will likely be determined by the defense...the Seahawks defense is susceptible to the pass and can be run on. New England's defense is also formidable, confusing opponents with unique looks and schemes that have not previously been committed to tape.
That does not bode well for Darnold, who can wow fans with explosive throws but will also turn the ball over when pressured or confused. While the name of the game in 2026 is offense, defense still wins championships. New England's is the better unit at this point in time."
Bleacher Reports gets it. They have seen the Patriots' defense evolve and mature over the season, get healthy, and take their game to a new level in the playoffs. An old saying goes, "Timing is everything."
For the Patriots and their chances to cart home their seventh Lombardi Trophy, the defense's coalescence couldn't have come at a better time.
The Patriots defense will tame the Seahawks offense and win the Super Bowl
The Patriots' offense is in question now, with quarterback Drake Maye dealing with a sore shoulder and an illness. Yet, there's no doubt Maye will be ready to go when the whistle blows on February 8 to lead the team.
The defense, on the other hand, is ready, and if Spillane is cleared to play, they'll be poised to shut down Sam Darnold and his offense. The Seahawks' best player is arguably the NFL's best wide receiver, Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He had a stellar 2025 season and will be a handful for any Patriots' defensive back.
Fortunately, the Patriots have just the talented cornerback who'll be up to the task in their own Pro Bowler, Christian Gonzalez. It's a matchup of strength vs. strength and may very well determine the game's outcome.
The guess is that the Patriots' Drake Maye-led offense will get its job done, and the defense will complement Maye and company. Led by defensive tackle Milton Williams, Robert Spillane, edge K'Lavon Chaisson, and Christian Gonzalez and his defensive backfield mates Carlton Davis III and Marcus Jones, the Patriots D will shut down the Seahawks' offense.
The Patriots will win their seventh Lombardi Trophy.