Patriots vs. Seahawks: Early Betting Odds, Favorite, Preview for Super Bowl 2015

Coming off two completely different conference championship victories, the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks will match up in the Super Bowl. That matchup alone should make for an entertaining two weeks for bettors.

Those who have eagerly awaited the big game will no doubt be placing their bets on one of the two juggernauts. If the early line is any indication, this will be a Super Bowl that goes right down to the wire, just like it was supposed to last year.

With the Patriots and Seahawks set to kick off in less than two weeks, here's a look at the latest odds and early preview for the big game.

Super Bowl 49 Viewing 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

Betting Info (via Odds Shark):

• Over/Under: 48.5
• Spread: Seahawks -1

Super Bowl Preview

On a wing and a prayer, the Seahawks somehow made it back to the Super Bowl. Facing a 16-0 deficit against the Green Bay Packers in the first half, Marshawn Lynch led the way for Seattle in the miraculous win.

Sure, it was Russell Wilson who rushed for a touchdown and connected with Jermaine Kearse for a game-winning touchdown, but Lynch was the workhorse. Pete Damilatis of Pro Football Focus noted just how relentless Lynch was in the NFC Championship Game:

Let's just say Beast Mode was initiated against the Packers. Even with Eddie Lacy doing work on the other side, it was Lynch who made the difference for the Seahawks. He also has a chance to do so against the Patriots.

His last game against New England was back in 2012, so those numbers hardly mean anything. However, Lynch's performance against the Packers shows he's still the best big-game back in the NFL. In fact, Marshall Faulk noted how rare Lynch's NFC Championship Game showing was, via NFL Media PR:

On the other side, LeGarrette Blount will look to finish off an up-and-down season that started with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Even if Blount scores three touchdowns again, as he did on Sunday, the focus will be on Tom Brady.

The veteran quarterback started his career with three titles before falling in the last two Super Bowls. His experience is unparalleled, but the results haven't always been flawless in the final game. SportsCenter points out yet another postseason record Brady set over the weekend:

Along with the staggering numbers, Brady has also enjoyed plenty of winning with the Patriots, via Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald:

Going up against the No. 1 defense in the NFL, Brady will need to be nearly flawless to pull out a win. After posting 45 points against the Indianapolis Colts, the Pats will face a Seahawks defense that allowed just 39 in their last six regular-season games.

Sure, the Packers were able to score 22 points on Sunday, but that was a product of great field position for Green Bay. The Packers had several chances in the red zone in the first quarter but failed to capitalize.

Following the first quarter, Green Bay never reached the red zone and was held to just three points in the second half. Mike Greenberg of ESPN offered his take on what a win over Brady would mean in a historical sense for Seattle's defense:

Still several days away, the Super Bowl will be previewed multiple times with myriad players highlighted. There will be countless stars on the field, but much of the offensive load will be on Lynch for the Seahawks and Brady for the Patriots.

Whoever wins the battle between Brady and the Legion of Boom will be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. If Lynch can outshine the two-time Super Bowl MVP, Beast Mode will parade down the streets of Seattle yet again.

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