Pat Surtain II, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, made a bold prediction for Super Bowl LX, forecasting a decisive Seattle Seahawks win over the New England Patriots with a final score of 35-7. His prediction came during his participation in the Pro Bowl on February 2, where he was asked for his take on the upcoming championship game.
This prediction stands out because players often root for the team that eliminated them to claim the title, especially after a close playoff loss. However, Surtain II’s outlook appears to align with the strong feelings of frustration and disappointment within the Denver Broncos organization after their narrow defeat to the Patriots in the AFC Championship game.
Denver’s Playoff Hopes Impact Surtain II’s Perspective
Several Broncos players and fans believe their team deserved to play in the Super Bowl this season rather than the Patriots, who edged them out 10-7 in difficult weather conditions at Mile High Stadium. The loss was bitterly felt, especially since the Broncos had a chance to reach the championship after a hard-fought Divisional Round win against the Buffalo Bills, a team many thought was destined to advance now that top quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow were out of the picture.
Compounding Denver’s woes was the loss of quarterback Bo Nix, who fractured his ankle during the win over Buffalo, sidelining him for the remainder of the playoffs. This absence has fueled the belief among Broncos players that if Nix had been healthy, the outcome against New England could have been very different.
Could Bo Nix’s Availability Have Changed the AFC Championship Outcome?
The AFC Championship game’s tight 10-7 score reflected how challenging the conditions were, with wind and snow severely limiting scoring opportunities. Both teams missed multiple field goals, highlighting the defensive struggle and harsh weather impact. Many in Denver feel that without the injury to Nix, they might have had a better chance to defeat the Patriots and advance to face the Seahawks.
There is a strong sense that Denver could possibly have been favored in the betting odds had Nix been active that day. This speculation is intensified by the historical postseason rivalry between the Broncos and Patriots, rooted in the famous Peyton Manning versus Tom Brady matchups, adding emotional weight to the recent loss.
The Potential Seattle-Denver Super Bowl Rematch and Its Historical Echo
Had Denver advanced, the Super Bowl matchup would have set up a rematch against the Seattle Seahawks, recalling Super Bowl XLVIII, where Seattle overwhelmingly defeated Denver 43-8. Surtain II’s prediction of a 35-7 victory for Seattle suggests that he expects a similarly dominant performance this time around, albeit against the Patriots.
This forecast not only reflects Surtain II’s assessment of the Seahawks’ strength but also underscores Denver’s disappointment and preference to see their rival Patriot squad suffer a significant loss in the big game.
Implications of Surtain II’s Prediction and What’s Next
Surtain II’s straightforward projection highlights the lingering frustration felt by the Broncos and their fans, while also emphasizing the high expectations for the Seahawks’ performance in Super Bowl LX. The prediction sets the stage for a high-stakes contest where momentum and confidence could play critical roles.
As fans await kickoff, the interplay of past rivalries, injuries, and playoff results adds layers of narrative to the championship, promising an intense and emotionally charged showdown under the spotlight of football’s biggest stage.
Nik Bonitto said it’s sickening because “Knowing we’re definitely the better team.“ pic.twitter.com/eW3incCxir
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) January 25, 2026
🗣️Pat Surtain II when asked about his score prediction for Super Bowl 60:
"35-7 Seattle." 😂#BroncosCountry | #ProBowlGames pic.twitter.com/k4VHxD7n3q
— Guerilla Sports (@guerillasports) February 2, 2026
