By Steven Jones | February 9, 2026
The “East Coast Bias” took a massive hit on Sunday night as the Seattle Seahawks brought the Lombardi Trophy back to the Pacific Time Zone, dismantling the New England Patriots 29–13 in Super Bowl LX as a 4.5 point favorite according to OddsTrader.
Played under the lights of the sustainably-powered Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, the game was more than just a championship; it was a statement. For years, the NFL narrative has been dominated by the Chiefs and the NFC East, but on Sunday, the West Coast reminded the world that the best brand of football is still played on the left side of the map. Tyler McKenna of TheRx.com had a great article on how the Seahawks would cover the -4.5 and go Under the total of 45.5.
A Home Game for the “12s”
While the game was technically held at a neutral site, the atmosphere in the Bay Area felt decidedly like a Seahawks home game. The “12th Man” traveled south in droves, turning Levi’s Stadium into “Lumen Field South.”
That energy translated to the field. The Seahawks’ defense, channeling the spirit of the “Legion of Boom” era, suffocated the Patriots’ offense, holding them to just 13 points and forcing multiple turnovers in the second half.
Walker Runs to MVP Honors
The night belonged to running back Kenneth Walker III, who was named Super Bowl MVP.
In an era where the Quarterback is king, Walker turned back the clock with a gritty, physical performance that wore down the New England front seven. His ability to control the clock in the fourth quarter didn’t just seal the win—it kept the Patriots’ comeback hopes on the sideline.
A Win for the Public (and the Planet)
For those watching the game with a financial interest, the West Coast victory was sweet in more ways than one. The website tasked with following the best offshore sportsbooks is reporting the bettors made a handsome profit thanks to the Seahawks defense.
Zach Taylor of online sportsbook BetOnline reported heavy action on Seattle, with the betting public overwhelmingly backing the Seahawks to cover the 4.5-point spread. When the clock hit zero, it wasn’t just fans in Washington state celebrating; it was anyone who believed in the West Coast resurgence.
While the bettors cashed in on the spread, the “Under” also hit, perhaps a nod to the defensive prowess that has long defined the NFC West.
The Greenest Super Bowl Yet?
It is fitting that a Pacific Northwest team won in Santa Clara, a venue known for its environmental leadership. Levi’s Stadium, the first NFL stadium to achieve LEED Gold certification, powered the event with a mix of solar energy and renewable credits, setting a standard for how mega-events can minimize their carbon footprint.
As the confetti—made from biodegradable materials—rained down on Geno Smith and Pete Carroll’s successors, the message was clear: The West is back on top.
Final Score: Seattle Seahawks 29, New England Patriots 13.
