The Big Game Preview 2026

If you're confused by the name of this post, it's because I legally can't call this weekend's game by its official name in the title of this post without paying royalties. That's why everyone just calls it the Big Game. We're in for a great matchup despite many people (myself included) wanting a Rams vs. Bills championship, and we unfortunately have to settle for this Patriots vs. Seahawks rematch instead. The last time these two teams faced off in 2015 (for the 2014 season), it ended with the infamous Malcolm Butler interception to seal the win for New England and Tom Brady's 4th championship ring. This time, the Patriots roll up with a new franchise QB and their signature, standout defense, but the Seahawks roster reloaded and reinvented the old "Legion of Doom." They now call themselves "The Dark Side." (Pretty lame if you ask me!) Will the NFL's Evil Empire march on to a record-setting 7th title, or will the Seahawks win just their 2nd in franchise history on the heels of QB Sam Darnold's career revival?

Sunday Feb. 8th: The Big Game!

New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks (6:30 PM)

We're at the dawn of a new NFL era. At least, that's what we thought when the Rams and Bengals faced off in 2022. It's still weird to think that that was the last time the Big Game didn't feature Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Patrick Mahomes, or the 49ers since Rodgers vs. Roethlisberger in 2011. That's a long time for this league to be dominated by just a few names, and I have a feeling that QB Drake Maye will command the next Patriots dynasty that nobody wants. I guess it's not much of a new dawn after all. It feels more like the boss you always hated finally left but then came back years later to boss you around again. The Pats' new reign of terror may only just be getting started right here and now. Unfortunately for them, their first Big Game in the Drake Maye era is a true David vs. Goliath matchup. I actually don't like that expression for this scenario because David won that battle. Maybe the better analogy is the 300 Spartans vs. the entire Persian army. It was an honorable battle, but they were outmatched from the beginning. The Seahawks are a juggernaut on both sides of the ball. They're taller, stronger, faster, larger, and just better athletes all-around. The only team to give them somewhat of an issue this season were the mighty LA Rams, and even they came up just short.

Now let's talk numbers. The Patriots are currently only averaging 18 points/game this postseason. Granted, they've run up against some very good defenses, but they got some help from their opponents playing so poorly on offense. The Seahawks, however, are averaging 36 points/game. Seattle has absolutely steamrolled everyone they've played so far, even if the final numbers looked a lot closer than how the games actually unfolded. They boasted the best defense in the league throughout the regular season, and their offense was ranked #3 overall to boot. They beat both the Rams and 49ers twice this year (including their playoff matchups), and they bested other playoff teams like the Steelers, Jaguars, Texans, and Panthers. And for the Patriots? Well, they didn't really play anybody. They had the easiest strength of schedule this season and played three injured or otherwise incompetent opponents in the playoffs. I'll be pulling hard for New England in this one as a bitter and petty 49ers fan who doesn't want to see our rivals win another championship, but my better judgment predicts a complete and total landslide victory for Seattle. Remember when they beat the Broncos 43-8 in 2014? I wouldn't be surprised if we see them do that once again.

My Pick: Seattle Seahawks

P.S. The Seahawks have gone to the Super Bowl every time a new Pope was elected since 2000. Pope Leo XIV was elected before this season started. Coincidence? I think not.