Super Bowl 2015: Final Score, Fantasy Predictions for Patriots vs. Seahawks

The Super Bowl is upon us, and it is certainly more interesting to talk about the game itself than the acceptable range of pounds per square inch for footballs in past games.     

Whether you root for the New England Patriots, the Seattle Seahawks or none of the above, there is no question this matchup is about as good as fans could have hoped for this season. The game pits one of the most successful quarterback-coach combinations in NFL history against one of the best defenses the sport has seen in years.    

Additionally, both squads have been red-hot after slow starts, with the teams combining for just three losses since Week 7—one of them coming after the Patriots rested players in a meaningless Week 17 game.

The two sides are likely to create an exciting atmosphere, so here is a look at the breakdown for the game as well as some fantasy stars likely to have big games Sunday.

Game Prediction

The biggest battle of the game will be between Tom Brady and the Seahawks secondary. Although some doubted him earlier in the year, the Patriots quarterback has had an outstanding season and has only gotten better in the playoffs with six passing touchdowns in two games.

On the other hand, the Seahawks come in with the No. 1 pass defense in the league to go with the No. 1 total defense in respect to both yards and points allowed. With All-Pro players in the secondary like Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor, there aren't many places to throw the ball against Seattle.

As Scott Kacsmar of Football Outsiders noted, the entire defense simply doesn't allow big games:

After holding Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers to just 22 points when it seemed like they could have pulled away early, the Seahawks defense deserves a lot of credit.

Things will be even more difficult with receivers like Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola, who will struggle to create separation against a much more physical secondary.

As long as the Seahawks can keep the Patriots from running up the score, the offense should be able to do enough to score points on their own. Marshawn Lynch has consistently proved to be one of the top playoff running backs ever with huge plays and almost unstoppable runs.

With Russell Wilson showing he can make plays with his arm and his legs when the Seahawks need him the most, he should be able to do the same against the Patriots in the Super Bowl to pull off a narrow win.

Prediction: Seahawks 27, Patriots 24

Top Fantasy Stars

Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks

Jeff Chiu/Associated Press

It doesn't take a lot to examine what makes Lynch so good. He simply bullies his way past defenders and finds his way into the end zone at all costs.

While watching the Seahawks' comeback against the Packers in the NFC Championship Game, Michael Fabiano of NFL.com needed only a few words to sum it all up:

Lynch wasn't needed much against the Carolina Panthers and only totaled 59 yards on the ground, but he came through in a big way the next time out with 157 rushing yards to go with a 26-yard reception. Although it's difficult to count on such an effort every week, the odds are in his favor for him to put up similar numbers against the Patriots.

Teams often stay away from the run against New England after trailing early, but the Baltimore Ravens showed it's possible to move the ball on the ground against this defense, as Justin Forsett rushed for 129 yards on 24 carries.

Look for the Seahawks to get Lynch the ball close to 25 times as well, as he'll look to carry the offense in the Super Bowl.

Rob Gronkowski, Patriots

Although the Patriots could end up struggling to throw the ball, Rob Gronkowski remains a safe bet to have a big game.

The tight end has been good all year long although he has picked up his play even more lately with a touchdown in five straight games. 

Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett had high praise for Gronkowski, explaining, via Marc Sessler of NFL.com:

"

He (presents) the challenges of being (6-foot-6-plus). His body's pretty good. He's a good blocker. I think he does great. I think his run-after-catch is second to none. I think he has great hands. He's just a great player, honestly.

"

Sherman also added the All-Pro player "is pretty great."

Gronk is a physical mismatch for just about everyone, and he should be able to take advantage of this fact against a team that has allowed 11 touchdowns to opposing tight ends this season, which ranks among the worst in the NFL.

No matter who tries to cover him, the big tight end should be able to get some big numbers for the Patriots.

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