Super Bowl 2015: Patriots vs. Seahawks Location, Spread and TV Info

The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks are preparing for Super Bowl XLIX, and the oddsmakers are expecting a close game.    

For the football fans whose team isn't playing in this year's Super Bowl, they'd prefer it to be that way, especially after the Seahawks blew out the Denver Broncos 43-8 last year. Instead of watching an exciting game between two of the best teams in the NFL, people were far more interested in the commercials.

This year's Super Bowl will hopefully be different. Having said that, let's take a look at the viewing information and spread for Super Bowl XLIX, as well as some of the best matchups to watch.

Super Bowl Viewing Information

When: Sunday, Feb. 1, at 6:30 p.m. ET

Where: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona

TV: NBC

Halftime Performers: Katy Perry and Lenny Kravitz

Spread (via Odds Shark): Seattle -2

Matchups to Watch

Rob Gronkowski vs. Seattle Secondary

The Legion of Boom has been the best secondary in football the past two seasons, holding opposing quarterbacks to a league-low 185.6 passing yards per game this year. However, it will face arguably its toughest assignment all season in Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski.   

Returning from a torn ACL he suffered last season, Gronkowski has been able to play at an extremely high level once again. In 18 games this season, the 25-year-old has caught 92 passes for 1,260 yards and 14 touchdowns. 

USA TODAY Sports

Despite another Pro Bowl season from Gronk, the Seahawks apparently aren't too impressed. Seattle cornerback Jeremy Lane was on KJR Sports Radio on Thursday, and when asked about Gronkowski, he claimed that he didn't think Gronk was that good.

"Yeah. He’s OK," said Lane, according to Pro Football Talk. "But, you know, he do have a big body, and from what I’ve seen on tape, you know, he don’t like your hands being put on him, so, you know, we put our hands on him and shake him up a little bit, he won’t catch that many balls as he should."

Lane might end up regretting that statement once the game begins. According to Football Outsiders, the Seahawks had the top overall defense during the regular season but ranked just 18th in covering opposing tight ends. Look for Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor to try and contain Gronkowski, but it won't be easy, despite what Lane says about the 25-year-old tight end.

Marshawn Lynch vs. New England Front Seven

On the other side of the ball, Seattle has had success with a run-heavy offense thanks to Marshawn Lynch. While he may not be the most talkative player off of the field, his play on the field speaks for itself.

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

Teams have had a hard time containing Beast Mode this year, with Lynch rushing for 1,306 yards and 13 touchdowns in the regular season. The 28-year-old has looked even better in the playoffs, averaging 5.5 yards per carry and coming off of a 157-yard performance in the NFC Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers, adding a touchdown on just 25 carries.

New England's defense will have to find a way to slow Lynch down. Fortunately for the team, it had one of the better run defenses in the league this season, allowing just 104.3 rushing yards per game. Meanwhile, Pro Football Focus has the Patriots as the sixth-highest-graded run defense in the league.

Wrapping up Lynch will be crucial for New England because Beast Mode has been arguably the most powerful runner in the league. According to Mike Sando from ESPN.com, Lynch has led the league with 2.55 yards per carry after contact:

If the Patriots can stop Lynch, their secondary should be able to handle Seattle's passing game. If they can't, then the Seahawks could be able to control the pace of the game.