Super Bowl 2015: Date, Kickoff Time and Patriots vs. Seahawks Favorite

We're about to get a heavy dose of both the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, as the spectacle known as Super Bowl Media Day has arrived. This showcase is always good for at least one interesting quote from one of the competing teams' players, further increasing drama for the big game.   

This year, media is already buzzing about Deflategate and how it may affect New England's preparations for the NFL's championship. Although, according to Seattle's Richard Sherman, via Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com, the Patriots shouldn't be worried, as he thinks the relationship between owner Robert Kraft and commissioner Roger Goodell will hold off any kind of punishment.     

Rest assured, we'll be hearing more about this in the near future.

So, before things continue to intensify between these two squads, let's take a look at the Super Bowl's essential viewing information, odds and preview what promises to be a highly compelling contest.

Super Bowl XLIX Viewing Info

When: Sunday, February 1

Where: University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona

Time: 6:30 p.m. ET

Channel: NBC

Live Stream: NBC Sports Live Extra

Betting Info (via Odds Shark):

• Over/Under: 47.5
• Spread: Patriots -1

Preview and Prediction

This matchup has unpredictability written all over it, as these two teams haven't faced off since Week 6 in 2012. They also have plenty of differences, as each takes a completely different approach to running an offense—New England likes to score points in a frenzy, while Seattle wears its opponents down over the course of a game.

New England is a difficult team to figure out. The Patriots are a pass-first team, opting to throw early and often; however, they aren't afraid to lean on the run when a defense gives them the opportunity. Their two playoff contests are a testament to that, as New England rushed for just 14 yards against the Baltimore Ravens and turned around to gain 177 yards on the ground against the Indianapolis Colts.

NFL Philosophy tweeted his take on why running back LeGarrette Blount will prove to be a key to the Patriots' success:

Adding to the offense's mysterious ways is the play-calling of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. The team has been highly successful confusing opposing defenses by creating unbalanced lines with an ever-changing rotation of eligible receivers.

Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett spoke of another factor regarding the Patriots offense that has a tendency to cause issues for opposing defenses, via Mark Sessler of NFL.com:

Defensively, the Patriots' strength has come in the secondary thanks to the resurgent Darrelle Revis. However, while the team fared well against the run at times during the regular season, it has struggled in the playoffs, allowing 5.4 yards per carry to Justin Forsett in the divisional round and 5.1 yards per rush to Daniel Herron in the conference championship.

That's not a good omen, as the team must now face the league's top-ranked rushing offense led by running back Marshawn Lynch. The ball-carrier is coming off a big workload against the Green Bay Packers, carrying 25 times for 157 yards and a touchdown in the conference championship. That average of 6.3 yards per carry could be devastating against a suspect Patriots run defense.

Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork knows what Lynch brings to the table. Here's a telling quote courtesy of Sessler:

Although, Seattle will need a huge game from Lynch, as the team doesn't have a favorable matchup through the air. Ranked 27th in the league in passing yards by season's end, the Seahawks aren't a team to air it out. Making matters worse, Russell Wilson is coming off a career-worst four-interception performance against the Packers. Rest assured, Revis is chomping at the bit to get to a potentially rattled quarterback.

Still, the difference-maker here is Seattle's defense. This has been the league's most complete unit for the last couple of seasons. The team finished the regular season ranked first against the pass and third against the run. With Sherman and Earl Thomas practicing and appearing ready to play, according to Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com, this secondary is poised to give Tom Brady some issues.

So, here's the big question: Will Brady, Rob Gronkowski and Co. be able to find a way to circumvent a dangerous Seahawks defense that just shut down Aaron Rodgers for the second time this season? Not for a full 60 minutes.

Prediction: Seahawks 27, Patriots 24