If you’re trying to understand why Vegas has the Seahawks as 4.5-point favorites heading into Super Bowl 60, look no further than the talent gap. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah recently suggested Seattle has a two-to-one edge in overall roster talent compared to the Patriots-and the numbers back it up.
Field Gulls dove into the All-Pro and Pro Bowl voting, and the results paint a pretty clear picture: 16 Seahawks received either Pro Bowl nods or All-Pro consideration. The Patriots?
Just nine. And when you break down the top 30 players expected to suit up on Sunday, Seattle dominates the list.
Seattle’s Star Power: Loaded and Versatile
Let’s start with the Seahawks. Their roster is teeming with playmakers on both sides of the ball.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba has emerged as not just Seattle’s top offensive weapon, but arguably the most dynamic player in this game. He’s been nearly unguardable down the stretch.
Sam Darnold, who some may have written off earlier in his career, has found new life in Seattle. He didn’t earn All-Pro honors like Drake Maye, but he did pick up a Pro Bowl vote-and for good reason. Darnold played MVP-caliber football over a six-week stretch that helped fuel the Seahawks’ late-season surge.
Defensively, it’s a who’s who of rising stars and established game-wreckers. Devon Witherspoon has been a revelation at corner.
Leonard Williams is still a force in the trenches. And then there’s DeMarcus Lawrence, who continues to be a disruptive presence off the edge.
Seattle’s special teams are no slouch either. Michael Dickson remains one of the league’s most reliable punters, and Jason Myers continues to deliver in clutch moments.
But here’s where the depth really shows. Even players who didn’t receive national recognition-like offensive tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas-have been crucial to Seattle’s success.
Their ability to transition from a pass-heavy attack in the first half of the season to a punishing ground game in the playoffs speaks volumes. Pete Prisco even listed both tackles in his top 10 most talented players in the Super Bowl.
So let’s go ahead and add them to the list. That brings Seattle’s total to 18.
And if we’re being honest, it’d be criminal to leave off Kenneth Walker III, who’s been the best running back in the postseason. That gets the Seahawks to 19 of the top 30 players in this game.
New England’s Talent: Top-Heavy, But Thinner
The Patriots aren’t without stars, but the list is shorter and more concentrated. Drake Maye is the headliner-an All-Pro quarterback in his rookie season who’s already showing signs of being the next big thing. He and Christian Gonzalez, the standout cornerback, are the only Patriots to earn full All-Pro or Pro Bowl honors.
After that, the talent pool thins out. Stefon Diggs is still a dangerous receiver, and Hunter Henry remains a reliable red zone target. Michael Onwenu is worth highlighting-not just because he made the list, but because he’s the only right guard between both teams to do so.
On defense, Milton Williams and Jaylinn Hawkins have been solid contributors, and Marcus Jones brings versatility as both a linebacker and return man. Brendan Schooler also gets a nod for his work on special teams, which has been a bright spot for New England.
To round things out, Morgan Moses at right tackle and Carlton Davis at cornerback give the Patriots a total of 11 players on the top-30 list.
Matchup Implications: Seattle’s Defense vs. Maye’s Challenge
When you lay the rosters out side by side, one thing becomes clear: New England’s offense is going to have its hands full. Seattle’s defense is deep, fast, and physical. It’s a three-level unit that can get after the quarterback, lock down receivers, and stuff the run.
Drake Maye has had a remarkable rookie campaign, but he’s facing arguably the toughest defense he’s seen all year. His weapons are limited, and Seattle’s coverage unit, led by Witherspoon and Julian Love, isn’t giving up much.
Seattle’s offense isn’t stacked from top to bottom either, but they’ve got the best overall weapon in JSN and a quarterback in Darnold who’s playing with confidence and rhythm. Add in a surging run game behind Walker, and it’s clear why the Seahawks are favored.
Final Thought: A Talent Tally That Tells the Story
This isn’t just about names on a list-it’s about impact. Seattle’s roster is deeper, more balanced, and more battle-tested. When 19 of the top 30 players in the Super Bowl are wearing Seahawks uniforms, it’s not just a stat-it’s a statement.
On Sunday, talent takes the field. And if this breakdown is any indication, the Seahawks are bringing more of it.