New England Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson has had a quiet postseason run following an often electric regular season that earned him an Offensive Rookie of the Year Nomination, but he has a chance to make his impact felt in Super Bowl LX. The Patriots, who have played with a lead more than any team in the NFL, come into Sunday's matchup with the Seahawks as 4.5-point underdogs, putting them in a position where they may need to play aggressively and hunt for the big plays that were a staple of their 14-3 regular season. While the Seahawks have boasted one of the most formidable run defenses in the league, the strength of their defensive line resides in the middle with Byron Murphy II and Leonard Williams. If the Patriots are able to replicate some of the outside zone success that saw Blake Corum run for over six yards per attempt in the NFC Championship, Henderson has the speed to turn any play into a long touchdown, putting him in position to be one of the game's most impactful players on minimal touches.

New England Patriots second-year quarterback Drake Maye finished second in MVP voting for his brilliant regular-season performance, but he has faltered through his first three playoff appearances. For the Patriots to have any chance of defeating the Seahawks in Super Bowl LX, Maye will need to play like the regular-season quarterback who led the league in completion percentage, yards per attempt, EPA, and passer rating, making him a smart Super Bowl MVP bet for anyone taking the underdog. Maye's struggles have notably come in poor-weather games, both in the playoffs and in a rain-soaked first half against the Buccaneers in Week 10. With clear skies and a game-time temperature projected in the low-to-mid-60s, Maye and the number two-ranked Patriots offense should have Josh McDaniels' full playbook at their disposal. If they are able to hit on a handful of the explosive plays that they seemingly executed with ease in the regular season, and which Seattle struggled to defend against the Rams' number one offensive unit, New England has a puncher's chance.

Former Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr could be tempted to come out of retirement for the right situation, according to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport. The Saints still control the rights of the now 34-year-old Carr, who retired in May of 2025 following a season-ending labral tear, and New Orleans could seek trade compensation should he unretire. In his abbreviated two seasons with the Saints, Carr completed over 68% of his passes for 40 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. While Carr himself has not publicly declared any intentions of an NFL return, a weak 2026 rookie quarterback class and a higher-than-normal coaching turnover could leave several teams in search of a veteran quarterback.

Atlanta Falcons rookie defensive end James Pearce Jr. was arrested on Saturday on two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated stalking, and fleeing/eluding police. The arrest came in Florida after Pearce crashed his car, following a police chase. Pearce, whom the Falcons traded their 2026 first-round pick to acquire in the 2025 draft, was in San Francisco days earlier for the NFL Honors, where he was nominated for Defensive Rookie of the Year. The Falcons have issued a statement, saying, "We are aware of an incident involving James Pearce Jr., in Miami. We are in the process of gathering more information and will not have any further comment on an open legal matter at this time." In addition to the criminal charges he faces, Pearce is now subject to investigation under the NFL's personal conduct policy that will likely lead to suspension.