Super Bowl XLIX Picks and Predictions

Some of the UP staff give their predictions on Super Bowl XLIX

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seaWesley Wright: Just like last year, the Seattle Seahawks found their stride at the right time. Even after losing cornerback Brandon Browner (to the Patriots, no less), their defense looks every bit as formidable as it did last postseason.

Russell Wilson and the Seattle offense will score enough to win. They don’t wow anyone, but they don’t usually give up possession either. The oft-mentioned Marshawn Lynch is an advantage at the running back position that can’t be ignored.

New England has a tremendous advantage under center — a guy named Tom Brady — but that Seattle defense is really humming. I’m trusting that Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas will be healthy enough to bolster the Seahawks’ defense on the back end.

If they can manage to confound the Pats early, they may be able to force Brady and company to try and move the ball through the air, which plays right into Seattle’s hands.

Final Score: Seahawks 24, Patriots 20


 

nweJosue Simplice: The Patriots will prevail in a hard-fought defensive low-scoring game. The biggest factor in who wins this game is whether the Legion of Boom (Seattle’s safeties and cornerbacks) can contain Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. If New England wants to win, it has to slow down Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch and find a way to keep quarterback Russell Wilson inside the pocket.

Final Score: Patriots 28, Seahawks 23.


 

seaRyan Lynch: I believe the Seahawks will defeat the Patriots in the Super Bowl. Russell Wilson will overcome a disastrous game against Green Bay, Marshawn Lynch will continue to provide points for the offense, and Kam Chancellor and Richard Sherman will turn out big performances for the Seahawks’ defense. Deflate-gate won’t be the only thing Tom Brady will have to worry about.

Final Score: Seahawks 31, Patriots 17.


 

seaIan Beausejour: I’m picking the Seattle Seahawks to beat the New England Patriots and be the repeating Super Bowl champions. Tom Brady and company in their last two Super Bowl appearances were shut down by stout defenses. Meanwhile, the Seahawks are looking to submit their bid for being one of the best defenses in history. Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch are a terrifying rushing tandem and will carry Seattle offensively to a win.

Final Score: Seahawks 28, Patriots 20.


 

seaJosh Taleros: The Seattle Seahawks will beat the New England Patriots with the strength of their defense. New England is an outstanding team in all facets of the game and not to mention Tom Brady is arguably the best quarterback to ever play. But as the old saying goes, “Defense wins championships.”

FInal Score: Seahawks 30, Patriots 17.


 

nweBrendan Feeney: Russell Wilson and his Seahawks are 2-4 this season when needing to score at least 21 points to win. The Seattle Seahawks defense thrives on forcing turnovers, and their biggest weakness this year in their four losses has been covering the tight end position. Tom Brady will limit the turnovers and Rob Gronkowski will be the x-factor of this Super Bowl, leading New England to a 23-20 victory in Super Bowl XLIX

Final Score: Patriots 23, Seahawks 20.