SEAHAWKS X-FACTORS FOR SUPER BOWL LX

SANTA CLARA, Calif. The Seattle Seahawks return to the Super Bowl for the first time since Super Bowl XLIX, earning a berth in Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots on Feb. 8, 2026 after a 14-3 regular-season finish and dominant playoff victories that included a comprehensive win over the San Francisco 49ers and a comeback against the Los Angeles Rams.

Seattle’s balanced roster blends veteran leadership, explosive playmakers and rising defensive talent. Five players in particular have emerged as potential X-factors who could determine the outcome in Santa Clara.

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Sam Darnold,  Career Resurgence at Quarterback

Quarterback Sam Darnold’s personal journey from NFL journeyman to NFC champion is one of the defining storylines of this season. Once the subject of criticism early in his career, Darnold has revived his reputation with Seattle, orchestrating a high-scoring offense and displaying efficiency and poise at the line of scrimmage. He finished the regular season with more than 4,000 passing yards and 25 touchdowns, anchoring an attack that ranks among the league’s most productive. Darnold’s ability to protect the football and make timely throws will be critical against a Patriots defense that excels at limiting explosive plays. 

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Kenneth Walker III,  Physical Play and Offensive Balance

Running back Kenneth Walker III remains one of the most consistent offensive weapons in the NFL. Walker eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards during the regular season and provides Seattle with a physical ground game that complements Darnold’s passing attack. His ability to gain tough yards and sustain drives will be important in a championship game where clock management and field position loom large. Walker’s presence also forces defensive fronts to remain honest, opening space for play-action and intermediate passing concepts.

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Jaxon Smith-Njigba, The Deep Threat

Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been the focal point of Seattle’s passing offense, emerging as one of the league’s most dynamic receivers. He led the NFL in receiving yards this season and has been a constantly productive target for Darnold, especially downfield, which made him this year's Offensive Player Of the Year.

Smith-Njigba’s route precision, yards after the catch and ability to stretch the field pose matchup challenges for any secondary, including the Patriots. His performance in the playoffs underscored his status as a game-breaking talent capable of swinging momentum with a single play.

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Nick Emmanwori, Defensive Versatility and Physicality

Safety Nick Emmanwori, a second-round pick in 2025, has quickly become an impactful presence in the Seahawks’ defense. Emmanwori’s unique combination of size, speed and versatility allows him to line up in multiple roles,  from deep coverage to box support. During the season, he recorded tackles for loss, an interception and a blocked field goal, showcasing an ability to make disruptive plays. As Seattle’s defense faces a Patriots offense led by a young quarterback and evolving playmakers, Emmanwori’s ability to create turnovers and close space in coverage will be a difference-maker. Unfortunately he came up on the injury report today with an ankle sprain, but the Seahawks staff is confident he can be on the field Sunday for the big game.

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Byron Murphy II,  Interior Defensive Force

Defensive tackle Byron Murphy II anchors the Seahawks’ defensive front with a blend of strength and disruptive pressure. A first-round pick in 2024, Murphy took a significant step forward in 2025, finishing the regular season with a team-leading total of approximately seven sacks and consistently pressuring opposing offensive lines. His interior presence complicates run fits and pass protection schemes, forcing quarterbacks into uncomfortable situations and creating opportunities for the front seven to generate turnovers. In a matchup where trench dominance often dictates success, Murphy’s impact could be decisive.

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Conclusion

The Seahawks’ path to a second Super Bowl title lies in maximizing production from both sides of the ball. Sam Darnold’s leadership and efficient distribution, Kenneth Walker III’s physical consistency, Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s vertical threat, Nick Emmanwori’s defensive versatility and Byron Murphy II’s interior disruption form a group of complementary X-factors poised to define Super Bowl LX.

Seattle’s combination of offensive balance and defensive depth gives it a credible chance to dethrone the Patriots and secure its first Lombardi Trophy since Super Bowl XLVIII.