Seattle’s Road to Super Bowl 60: A Season of Statement Wins and a Surging Sam Darnold
The Seattle Seahawks are heading back to the big stage. On February 8, they’ll take the field at Levi’s Stadium to face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60 - a showdown that pits one of the league’s most complete teams against a resurgent AFC powerhouse. And make no mistake: Seattle earned every bit of this moment.
In Mike Macdonald’s first year at the helm, the Seahawks didn’t just win - they imposed their will. A 14-3 regular-season record, an NFC West title, and a staggering +191 point differential (483 scored, 292 allowed) tell the story of a team that found its identity early and never looked back.
And perhaps the biggest plot twist of the season? Sam Darnold.
Yes, that Sam Darnold. The former USC standout, written off by many after stints with the Jets and Panthers, found new life in the Pacific Northwest.
Signed as a free agent, Darnold didn’t just manage games - he elevated Seattle’s offense into one of the most dangerous units in the league. His poise, arm talent, and decision-making gave the Seahawks stability under center and opened up the full playbook.
But Darnold wasn’t doing it alone. Seattle’s defense was fast, physical, and opportunistic, complementing the offensive firepower with a relentless edge. Let’s take a closer look at how the Seahawks punched their ticket to Super Bowl 60 - one week at a time.
The Journey to the Super Bowl
Week 1: A Wake-Up Call
Final: 49ers 17, Seahawks 13
Seattle opened the season with a hard-fought loss to division rival San Francisco. It was a defensive slugfest, and while the result stung, it laid the groundwork for what would become a season defined by resilience.
Week 2: First Win, First Statement
Final: Seahawks 31, Steelers 17
The offense started clicking. Darnold looked comfortable, and Seattle’s defense set the tone with pressure and physicality.
This was the first glimpse of what the Seahawks could be.
Week 3: Offensive Explosion in the Bayou
Final: Seahawks 44, Saints 13
This one was all Seattle. Darnold was sharp, the ground game was rolling, and the defense didn’t give New Orleans an inch.
A complete performance that sent a message.
Week 4: Surviving the Desert Test
Final: Seahawks 23, Cardinals 20
It wasn’t pretty, but it was gritty. Seattle showed they could win close, grind-it-out games - a crucial trait for any contender.
Week 5: A Shootout Slip-Up
Final: Buccaneers 38, Seahawks 35
A back-and-forth battle in Tampa ended with Seattle on the wrong side of the scoreboard. The offense was electric, but defensive lapses proved costly.
Week 6: Bouncing Back in Jacksonville
Final: Seahawks 20, Jaguars 12
Seattle responded with a composed, controlled win. The defense tightened up, and Darnold played mistake-free football - exactly what was needed.
Week 7: Taking Care of Business in Houston
Final: Seahawks 27, Texans 19
Seattle kept the momentum going, leaning on a balanced attack and timely stops on defense. They were starting to stack wins and build confidence.
Week 8: BYE WEEK
A well-timed break for a team finding its rhythm.
Week 9: Dominating the Commanders
Final: Seahawks 38, Commanders 14
This was one of Seattle’s most complete performances of the season. Darnold was in rhythm, and the defense forced multiple turnovers.
The Seahawks looked like a team ready to contend.
Week 10: Arizona, Again - Same Result, Bigger Margin
Final: Seahawks 44, Cardinals 22
Seattle doubled up the Cards in points and doubled down on their offensive identity. The deep shots were connecting, and the run game was humming.
**Week 11: A Narrow Loss in L.A. **
Final: Rams 21, Seahawks 19
Another divisional battle, another close call.
Seattle came up just short, but they didn’t lose confidence - especially with how well the defense played.
Week 12: Overtime Grit in Tennessee
Final: Seahawks 30, Titans 24
This one came down to execution in the clutch. Seattle delivered - a two-minute drill clinic from Darnold and a defense that slammed the door in overtime.
Week 13: A Defensive Masterpiece vs. Minnesota
Final: Seahawks 26, Vikings 0
Pitching a shutout in today’s NFL?
That’s rare. Seattle’s defense was suffocating, and the offense was efficient.
This was a team peaking at the right time.
Week 14: Blowing Out the Falcons
Final: Seahawks 37, Falcons 9
Seattle dominated from start to finish. The offense was explosive, the defense opportunistic.
Another signature win.
Week 15: Surviving the Colts in a Nail-Biter
Final: Seahawks 18, Colts 16
A scrappy win that tested Seattle’s resolve. It wasn’t flashy, but it showed their ability to grind out results - a key playoff trait.
Week 16: Revenge on the Rams
Final: Seahawks 38, Rams 37
One of the wildest games of the season. Seattle edged out L.A. in a shootout, avenging their earlier loss.
Darnold was clutch, and the defense made the stop when it mattered most.
Week 17: Taking Care of Carolina
Final: Seahawks 27, Panthers 10
Seattle stayed locked in, dominating on both sides of the ball. Another game, another win.
Week 18: Finishing Strong Against the 49ers
Final: Seahawks 13, 49ers 3
With the division on the line, Seattle delivered. The defense was lights-out, and the offense did just enough.
A fitting regular-season finale.
Playoffs: Turning It Up a Notch
Divisional Round: Statement Win Over the 49ers (Again)
Final: Seahawks 41, 49ers 6
If there were any doubts about Seattle’s legitimacy, they were erased here. The Seahawks dismantled San Francisco, dominating in every phase.
Darnold was surgical, the run game unstoppable, and the defense suffocating. It was the kind of playoff performance that turns contenders into title favorites.
What’s Next: Super Bowl 60
Now, it’s on to the Patriots. Seattle enters Super Bowl 60 with a roster that’s clicking on all cylinders - a quarterback playing with confidence, a defense that can take over games, and a head coach who’s pushed all the right buttons in Year 1.
This team didn’t stumble into the Super Bowl. They earned it - week by week, win by win. And if their playoff form is any indication, they’re not just happy to be here.
They’re coming for it all.