Glendale, Arizona, is once again the site of the biggest game and event in the country. The 2015 Super Bowl pits the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks against each other for the right to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
Despite scandal surrounding the game for the Patriots, they have been the best team in the AFC all season. On the other side, the Seahawks made their way back to the Super Bowl as the No. 1 seed in the NFC for a second straight year.With just over a week remaining before the big game, here's a look at the full game information and a prediction.
Super Bowl 49 Information
Where: University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona
When: Sunday, February 1, at 6:30 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Live Stream: NBC Sports Live Extra
Both defenses taking the field next Sunday are capable of stopping nearly any offense. Seattle was able to limit the Green Bay Packers to just three points in the second half, while New England allowed just seven points from the Indianapolis Colts.
Following a brilliant performance against Indy, the Patriots defense will be tasked with stopping one of the best big-game backs in the NFL. Marshawn Lynch has regularly saved his best performances for the postseason, and he did the same in the AFC Championship Game.
Beast Mode rushed for 157 yards and a touchdown against the Packers, with most of his production coming in the second half. Pete Damilatis of Pro Football Focus notes just how difficult it can be to stop Lynch in the playoffs:
For the Patriots, figuring out how to stop Lynch and the Seahawks offense hasn't exactly been the top priority leading up to the Super Bowl. Instead, New England has been trying to repair its image after Deflategate.
On Saturday, Patriots coach Bill Belichick discussed the situation further, via Ian Rapoport of NFL.com:
Facing a Seahawks defense that comes in as the best in the NFL, the Patriots will have their hands full trying to find ways to get the offense going. Even against a plethora of weapons like Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski, the Seahawks have players to match up with them all over the field.
Earl Thomas, one of the biggest stars in the secondary, is dealing with a shoulder injury but should be ready to go for the big game. Coach Pete Carroll discussed Thomas' status, via Sports Illustrated:
If Thomas is able to play fully, the Seahawks will have all the tools necessary to take down the Patriots. In a game that will be decided by a tight margin, Seattle will come away with its second straight title, while New England will have even more questions after losing in a third consecutive Super Bowl.
Prediction: Seahawks 24, Patriots 20