The waiting game is finally over. On Sunday afternoon, the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks officially touched down at San José Mineta International Airport, kicking off the festivities for Super Bowl LX. As team charters taxied to their private terminals, the atmosphere in the San Francisco Bay Area shifted from anticipation to electric reality. This isn't just another championship Sunday; it is the long-awaited sequel to one of the greatest games in NFL history—a clash dubbed 'Pats-a-Hawk II' that promises to settle a decade-old score at Levi's Stadium.

Teams Land in Silicon Valley: The Countdown Begins

The arrival of the two conference champions marks the ceremonial start of NFL Super Bowl week 2026. The NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks (16-3) were the first to arrive, greeted by a raucous contingent of the "12th Man" who had already begun painting Santa Clara in shades of action green and navy. Led by head coach Mike Macdonald, whose "Dark Side" defense has terrorized opponents all season, the Seahawks deplaned with a business-like focus that suggests they are here to exorcise the ghosts of 2015.

Shortly after, the AFC Champion New England Patriots (17-3) landed, bringing with them the relentless media circus that follows their second-year quarterback sensation, Drake Maye. Under the guidance of head coach Mike Vrabel, the Patriots have returned to the mountaintop faster than many predicted, fueled by a 10-game turnaround reminiscent of the league's greatest rebuilds. The team was whisked away to their hotel in Palo Alto, while the Seahawks set up camp in downtown San Jose, establishing the geographic battle lines for the week ahead.

Quarterback Duel: The Phenom vs. The Redemption

The narrative heart of this Seahawks vs Patriots 2026 showdown lies under center. On one side stands Drake Maye, the Patriots' 23-year-old signal-caller making his Drake Maye Super Bowl debut. Maye's sophomore campaign has been nothing short of MVP-caliber, boasting a league-best completion percentage on intermediate throws and a poise that has drawn inevitable comparisons to Tom Brady. His ability to extend plays with his legs—rushing for over 400 yards this season—adds a dimension to the Patriots' offense that the Seahawks' formidable front seven must account for.

Opposite him is the season's most compelling redemption story: Sam Darnold. The veteran quarterback has revitalized his career in Seattle, steering the offense with efficiency and grit. Darnold's resurgence has been the perfect complement to Seattle's defensive dominance, proving that he can win in high-pressure environments. For Darnold, Sunday represents the final validation of a tumultuous career arc, offering him a chance to etch his name alongside Russell Wilson in Seattle lore.

The 'Dark Side' Defense

While the quarterbacks will command the headlines, the game may well be decided by Seattle's defense. Nicknamed the "Dark Side," this unit has drawn comparisons to the legendary "Legion of Boom" for its physicality and swagger. They allowed the fewest points in the NFC this season and have openly discussed their desire to shut down the high-flying Patriots offense. Their matchup against Maye's precision passing attack is the tactical fulcrum of Super Bowl LX.

Echoes of Super Bowl XLIX: A Historic Rematch

You cannot discuss this week without acknowledging the elephant in the room: Super Bowl XLIX. That February night in 2015 ended with Malcolm Butler's goal-line interception, a play that cemented a Patriots dynasty and left a scar on the Seahawks franchise. Eleven years later, the "Pats-a-Hawk II" narrative is driving the emotional stakes.

Though the rosters have turned over completely, the institutional memory remains. Fans and media alike are treating this as a legacy game. Can Seattle finally rewrite the ending? Or will New England confirm their return to dominance with a new cast of stars? The Super Bowl LX odds reflect this tight narrative, with oddsmakers setting the line at a near-pick'em, acknowledging how evenly matched these 16-win and 17-win juggernauts appear on paper.

Levi's Stadium and the Week Ahead

The focus now shifts to the Levi's Stadium Super Bowl schedule. Monday night features the chaotic spectacle of "Super Bowl Opening Night" at the San Jose Convention Center, where players and coaches will face thousands of media members in prime time. It is the first time Maye and Darnold will go face-to-face since securing their conference titles.

Levi's Stadium itself is in pristine condition, with grounds crews having prepared the natural grass surface for weeks under grow lights to avoid the slipping issues of past years. The Bay Area is buzzing, with economic impact projections soaring past $400 million as visitors flood local businesses from San Francisco to Santa Clara. With the stage set and the actors in place, the countdown to Sunday is officially on.