Super Bowl 60: The weekly performances that mattered most for the Seahawks and Patriots

• A myriad of important performances: Multiple players made statements for the Patriots in 2025.

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Estimated Reading Time:35 minutes

With the Super Bowl 60 matchup set — a rematch of Super Bowl 49 between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks — it’s fair to wonder how both teams got here. How did their paths merge, and more importantly, who were the standout players every week for both teams?

We take a look at the highest-graded players and the performances that mattered the most, from Week 1 to the conference championships for the Patriots and the Seahawks (min. 15 snaps).

WEEK 1

Las Vegas Raiders 20, New England Patriots 13

DI Khyiris Tonga, 81.1 grade

Though the Patriots started the season with a loss in Week 1, there was a lot to like about their season opener, including the play of Khyiris Tonga. The former seventh-round pick has been vital at clogging up the trenches and had two defensive stops while generating pressure. The Patriots held rookie Ashton Jeanty to just 2.0 yards per carry in his NFL debut, and Tonga earned a 75.4 PFF run-defense grade in what would be an individual tone-setting performance.

San Francisco49ers 17, Seattle Seahawks 13

CB Josh Jobe, 89.8 grade

Like the Patriots, the Seahawks started their season with a Week 1 loss at home, but still showed some promise against a competitive opponent. The defense held the 49ers to just 17 points, and corner Josh Jobe had an excellent day in coverage. Jobe allowed just one reception for one yard on five targets while also grabbing an interception. He allowed a 0.0 passer rating and compiled a 90.2 PFF coverage grade.

WEEK 2

New England Patriots 33, Miami Dolphins 27

S Jaylinn Hawkins, 85.4 grade

The Patriots bounced back with a late win against the Dolphins in Week 2, and Jaylinn Hawkins was the standout performer for his efforts on defense. Hawkins had six total tackles and was targeted in coverage just once to no avail. His 86.3 PFF tackling grade led the team, and Hawkins was everywhere on defense as the Patriots battled back to snatch victory.

Seattle Seahawks 31, PittsburghSteelers 17

RB Kenneth Walker, 91.0 grade

The dynamic Kenneth Walker started his contract season well and came up with the goods against the Steelers in Week 2 as the team flexed its muscle on offense. Walker carried the ball 13 times for 105 yards and a touchdown, forcing four missed tackles and breaking off three rushes of 15 yards or more. Walker’s explosiveness led the charge in Week 2.

WEEK 3

Pittsburgh Steelers 21, New England Patriots 14

EDGE Harold Landry III, 91.6 grade

The Patriots dropped their second home game of the season against the Steelers, with five total turnovers killing their momentum on offense. However, the defense played tough, and big free-agent signing Harold Landry III made his impact felt. Landry generated one pressure as a pass rusher, but provided more value against ball carriers — he had six total tackles, two big defensive stops and forced a fumble, and even dropped into coverage on six snaps. It wasn’t enough for a win, but Landry was on the road to earning his offseason contract.

Seattle Seahawks 44, New Orleans Saints 13

QB Sam Darnold, 92.7 grade

Four Seahawks earned PFF grades over 90.0 in the drubbing of the Saints in Week 3, but it was Sam Darnold that led the way. Darnold was exceptionally efficient on 18 dropbacks, completing 14-of-18 pass attempts for 218 yards and two touchdowns, adding three big-time throws. The Seahawks raced out to a 38-6 lead at halftime and never looked back, and Darnold looked supremely comfortable. The former Viking completed 11-of-12 pass attempts for 135 yards and two touchdowns from a clean pocket on a 91.0 overall PFF grade.

WEEK 4

Seattle Seahawks 23, ArizonaCardinals 20

LB Ernest Jones, 87.1 grade

The Seahawks’ defense played a vital role in the 23-20 win against the Cardinals on Thursday Night Football, sacking Kyler Murray six times and picking him off twice. One of those interceptions belonged to Ernest Jones, who compiled an  87.1 PFF grade in the win. Jones has become a pillar of the Seahawks’ defense and added a sack, six tackles and four defensive stops in an all-around destructive showing.

New England Patriots 42, Carolina Panthers 13

G Mike Onwenu, 86.5 grade

The big veteran guard is the highest-graded offensive lineman for the Patriots this season with a 76.8 overall PFF grade, and Mike Onwenu was at his best against the Carolina Panthers in Week 4 with a season-high 86.5 grade. Onwenu allowed just one pressure on 23 pass-blocking snaps as Drake Maye was sacked once. Onwenu also posted an 83.0 PFF run-blocking grade on top of his excellent day in pass protection, as the Patriots rushed for 104 total rushing yards.

WEEK 5

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 38, Seattle Seahawks 35

TE AJ Barner, 87.9 grade

The Seahawks were on the wrong end of a shootout in Week 5, losing 38-35 to the Buccaneers. However, it was another opportunity for the offense to flash its potential, with AJ Barner providing a standout performance in the passing game. Barner secured an 87.9 overall PFF grade, catching all seven targets for 53 yards and two touchdowns while going 2-for-2 on contested catches. The exciting 2024 fourth-round pick became a feature part of the Seahawks’ offense in 2025, and his two-touchdown outing in Week 5 certainly helped his cause.

New England Patriots 23, BuffaloBills 20

WR Stefon Diggs, 93.0 grade

The Patriots caused an upset in primetime in Week 5, beating the Bills 23-20 and turning the tide in the AFC East in the process. It was the performance that had Patriots fans believing, and it was also a massive revenge game for Stefon Diggs. The veteran receiver spent four years in Buffalo but was pivotal in their downfall in Week 5, catching 10 of 12 targets for 146 yards in a season-best performance. Diggs was inevitable, with eight first-down conversions and four missed tackles forced. His connection with Maye really kicked off here.

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WEEK 6

Seattle Seahawks 20, JacksonvilleJaguars 12

QB Sam Darnold, 94.6 grade

Darnold produced a season-high 94.6 overall PFF grade against the Jaguars in a pure gunslinging performance. The former first-round pick completed 16-of-27 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 10.9 yards per attempt and adding five big-time throws. Darnold was nails when pushing the ball downfield, completing 4-of-6 deep pass attempts for 174 yards and a touchdown, recording a 99.3 deep PFF passing grade with four big-time throws.

New England Patriots 25, New Orleans Saints 19

WR Demario Douglas, 93.9 grade

The Patriots rallied to a tough win on the road against the Saints in Week 5, with Demario Douglas stepping up even in a limited role. Douglas played just 16 total snaps on offense but was targeted four times by Maye, catching three passes for 71 yards and a touchdown while averaging 11.7 yards after the catch per reception. Douglas’s touchdown snag came on a big 53-yard bomb from Maye, too, with Douglas showing off his ability to stretch the field.

WEEK 7

New England Patriots 31, TennesseeTitans 13

QB Drake Maye, 87.0 grade

By Week 7, Maye had already put together a strong start to the season with multiple excellent performances, but his production in the 31-13 win against the Titans was nearly perfect. Maye completed 21-of-23 pass attempts for 222 yards and two touchdowns, tallying three big-time throws along with eight rushes for 62 yards. The Patriots did an excellent job protecting Maye, who was 19-of-20 for 208 yards and two touchdowns from a clean pocket — good for a 90.9 overall PFF grade.

Seattle Seahawks 27, HoustonTexans 19

WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, 90.1 grade

The Seahawks won a slugfest against the Texans in Week 7, with the offense struggling to consistently move the ball against an excellent defense. However, as he did all season long, Jaxon Smith-Njigba came up with the goods for the Seahawks. Smith-Njigba caught eight of 13 targets for 123 yards and a touchdown and was virtually the entire passing game for Seattle, converting on six first downs. Even against one of the best defenses in the NFL, and one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL in Derek Stingley Jr., Smith-Njigba made his mark — catching three of four targets vs. Stingley for 49 yards and a touchdown.

WEEK 8

New England Patriots 32, Cleveland Browns 13

S Jaylinn Hawkins, 92.1 grade

The Patriots were tasked with taking on the Browns defense in Week 8 and handled the assignment well, but it was Hawkins who was instrumental on the defensive side of the ball as the Patriots forced two interceptions. Hawkins grabbed one of those picks and allowed just one catch for four yards on three targets, adding five total tackles and a defensive stop en route to a 92.1 overall PFF grade.

WEEK 9

New England Patriots 24, Atlanta Falcons 23

WR Demario Douglas, 94.7 grade

Douglas only had 31 catches on the season, but it feels like every grab and moment mattered tremendously. The former sixth-round pick caught four of six targets for 100 yards and a touchdown in the 1-point win against the Falcons in Week 9, with every reception turning into a first-down conversion. Douglas averaged 25 yards per catch and was an important field-stretcher for the Patriots in a gritty victory.

Seattle Seahawks 38, WashingtonCommanders 14

QB Sam Darnold, 92.6 grade

Darnold led the way for the Seahawks in their Week 9 win against the Commanders, earning his third grade of 90.0 or above in 2025 while completing 21-of-24 pass attempts for 330 yards, four touchdowns and an interception. He also added three big-time throws and was not sacked. Darnold’s connection with Smith-Njigba continued to drive the offense forward, too, with Smith-Njigba catching eight of nine targets for 129 yards. Moreover, rookie Tory Horton caught two touchdown passes from Darnold.

WEEK 10

New England Patriots 28, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23

WR Stefon Diggs, 79.6 grade

Two big runs from TreVeyon Henderson set the Patriots on their way in a 28-23 win on the road against the Buccaneers, but it was the veteran Diggs who earned the highest grade on the day. Diggs caught five of seven targets for 42 yards and a touchdown, averaging 9.2 yards per reception. It wasn’t an explosive performance from Diggs, but he was effective in moving the chains from the slot, turning four of his five catches into a first down while coming up with a one-yard touchdown grab on the final play of the first half.

Seattle Seahawks 44, Arizona Cardinals 22

LB Tyrice Knight, 93.9 grade

The Seahawks blew through their NFC West rival in Week 10, racing out to a 35-0 lead in the first half with both the offense and defense firing on all cylinders. Smith-Njigba had another monster game, but second-year linebacker Tyrice Knight paced the team with a 93.9 overall PFF grade and a dominant effort. Knight had two sacks on blitzes, forced two fumbles and recorded six total tackles with two stops. Knight also allowed just three receptions for 15 yards in coverage. Just a showing of epic proportions from Knight, who impacted the game in nearly every way possible.

WEEK 11

New England Patriots 27, New York Jets 14

LB Robert Spillane, 90.2 grade

The veteran Robert Spillane has been an ever-present figure in the spine of the Patriots’ defense in 2025. Spillane joined the team as a high-profile free agent this offseason after two seasons with the Raiders, and had one of his best games of the season against the Jets in Week 11. Spillane recorded eight total tackles, two pressures, a defensive stop and a pass breakup while compiling an 86.5 PFF coverage grade.

Los Angeles Rams 21, Seattle Seahawks 19

WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, 84.3 grade

The Seahawks’ offense imploded in Week 11, with Darnold throwing four interceptions in the first of what would be an incredible three-game series against the Rams. Despite that, Smith-Njigba still helped the offense stay alive. Smith-Njigba caught nine of 12 targets for 105 yards and converted seven first downs in the loss. Even in a loss, the Offensive Player of the Year frontrunner still left his mark.

WEEK 12

Seattle Seahawks 30, Tennessee Titans 24

WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, 91.9 grade

The Seahawks were run surprisingly closely by the Titans in Week 12, and once again, it was Smith-Njigba that played the all-important role in sealing the win. Smith-Njigba caught eight of 10 targets for 167 yards and two touchdowns and racked up 57 yards after the catch. He also caught three of four targets on deep passes, totalling 132 yards and two touchdowns. Another day, another elite showing from one of the best in the game.

New England Patriots 26, CincinnatiBengals 20

TE Hunter Henry, 92.0 grade

The Patriots' passing game excelled against the Bengals in Week 12. Maye threw for 294 yards, a touchdown and an interception, and it was his connection with tight end Hunter Henry that set the tone. Henry hauled in seven of 10 targets for 115 yards and a touchdown and averaged 8.7 yards after the catch per reception. His ability to create yards with the ball in his hand as a tight end has been extremely valuable for the Patriots, and it was on show against the Bengals.

WEEK 13

Seattle Seahawks 26, MinnesotaVikings 0

EDGE DeMarcus Lawrence, 95.5 grade

DeMarcus Lawrence played in just 20 snaps in the shutout win against the Vikings in Week 13, but it took no longer than that to make his impact felt. The veteran defensive end accrued two pressures, a sack, two defensive stops and a forced fumble as the Seahawks denied the Vikings over four quarters. Lawrence has been an excellent offseason addition.

New England Patriots 33, New York Giants 15

LB Christian Elliss, 89.9 grade

Christian Elliss had the most productive season of his career in 2025, and his 89.9 overall PFF grade in the win against the Giants on Monday Night Football was his highest grade of the season. Elliss totaled seven total tackles, a pressure and a pass breakup against the Giants. In coverage, Elliss allowed just two catches on three targets for nine yards, earning a season-high 82.1 PFF coverage grade.

WEEK 14

Seattle Seahawks 37, Atlanta Falcons 9

CB Devon Witherspoon, 95.0 grade

Devon Witherspoon has developed into one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks in just a few short years in the NFL, and the former No. 5 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft notched a season-high 95.0 overall PFF grade in the dominant victory against the Falcons in Week 14. Witherspoon recorded five defensive stops while permitting just 29 yards on four of six targets. He also added an interception and a pass breakup.

WEEK 15

Buffalo Bills 35, New England Patriots 31

RB TreVeyon Henderson, 83.3 grade

The Patriots’ second-round pick had an up-and-down rookie season, but he tallied a season-high 148 rushing yards against the Bills in Week 15 along with a season-high 83.3 overall PFF grade. Henderson flaunted his explosive rushing ability against the Bills' defense, ripping off two rushes for 15 yards or more — one for 65 yards, and another for 52 yards. Once Henderson gets going, he’s hard to stop in the open field. It wasn’t enough for the victory, but it was a step in the right direction.

Seattle Seahawks 18, Indianapolis Colts 16

LB Drake Thomas, 82.9 grade

The Seahawks eked out a close contest against the Colts in Week 15, winning 18-16 to move to 11-3 on the season. Only two Seahawks players received an overall PFF grade above 80.0 in the win, and Drake Thomas was the standout performer with an 82.9 mark. Thomas had five total tackles on 34 defensive snaps and allowed just six yards in coverage on two catches, turning in a 78.1 PFF coverage grade.

WEEK 16

Seattle Seahawks 38, Los Angeles Rams 37

DI Byron Murphy II, 84.6 grade

The second edition of Rams vs. Seahawks didn’t disappoint. The Seahawks rallied from 16 points down in the fourth quarter to win the game 38-37 in overtime with an array of exceptional performances, in particular from Byron Murphy II. The 2024 first-round pick was a disruptive presence in the trenches, pressuring Matthew Stafford six times while totalling five tackles and two defensive stops. Murphy was a force rushing the quarterback and earned a 77.5 PFF pass-rushing grade.

New England Patriots 28, Baltimore Ravens 24

WR Stefon Diggs, 88.6 grade

Luck was on the Patriots’ side in Week 16 as Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson left the game early, but there was still a lot of hard work to be done against the Baltimore defense. It was Diggs who garnered the team-high overall PFF grade against the Ravens thanks to an excellent performance. Diggs caught nine of 10 targets for 138 yards and was the go-to guy as Maye passed for 380 yards. The former Bill and Texan racked up 53 yards after the catch and averaged 3.45 yards per route run.

WEEK 17

Seattle Seahawks 27, Carolina Panthers 10

S Julian Love, 92.2 grade

After missing most of the season with a hamstring injury, Julian Love stepped back into the lineup in Week 14 against the Falcons and immediately made his impact felt. However, Love posted a season-high 92.2 overall PFF grade against the Panthers in their Week 17 victory. Love racked up six tackles and three defensive stops while intercepting Bryce Young. The former fourth-round pick played to a 90.2 PFF coverage grade.

New England Patriots 42, New York Jets 10

WR Stefon Diggs, 92.3 grade

The veteran receiver was the top performer for the fifth time in 2025, thanks to a strong performance against the Jets in Week 17. Diggs caught all six targets for 101 yards and a touchdown, averaging 16.8 yards per reception in the process. Not only that, but Diggs averaged 6.5 yards after the catch per reception and 5.32 yards per route run. His chemistry with Maye continues to lead the New England offense to victory.

WEEK 18

Seattle Seahawks 13, San Francisco 49ers 3

G Grey Zabel, 93.4 grade

The Seahawks’ rookie guard was instrumental in his first year in the NFL. Zabel played a pivotal role in helping the team clinch the NFC West along with the top seed in the NFC in Week 18 against the 49ers. The Seattle defense did a lot of the heavy lifting, but Zabel was near-perfect in pass protection on the day, surrendering zero pressures. He was also a force in the run game with a 91.6 PFF run-blocking grade, as Kenneth Walker averaged 7.7 yards per carry when rushing behind Zabel.

New England Patriots 38, Miami Dolphins 10

RB Rhamondre Stevenson, 92.9 grade

Stevenson missed three games in the middle of the 2025 season, which allowed Henderson to cut into his role and make an impact. But once Stevenson was back in the lineup, he proved his worth. The former fourth-round pick rushed seven times for 131 yards and two touchdowns in the blowout victory against the Dolphins, adding two receptions for 22 yards and a receiving touchdown. Stevenson forced four missed tackles and ripped off three rushes of at least 15 yards.

WILD-CARD ROUND

New England Patriots 16, Los Angeles Chargers 3

DI Cory Durden, 90.7 grade

The Patriots’ offense couldn’t muster much against the Chargers in the wild-card round, but thanks to their defensive performance, that didn’t matter all too much. A host of defenders made their impact felt, but none more so than former undrafted free agent Cory Durden. Durden’s performance was that of an unsung hero, pressuring Justin Herbert seven times from his interior spot on the defensive line and hitting Herbert twice. Durden registered three total tackles and rarely put a foot wrong, as he added a 75.3 PFF run-defense grade.

DIVISIONAL ROUND

Seattle Seahawks 41, San Francisco 49ers 6

RB Kenneth Walker, 90.6 grade

The Seahawks blew the brakes off the 49ers in the divisional round, flexing every available muscle in one of the most dominant playoff performances in recent history. The one-two punch of Walker and Zach Charbonnet had been impressive in recent weeks, but Walker had to carry more of the load against San Francisco after Charbonnet suffered a torn ACL during the game. He did so with aplomb. Walker carried the ball 19 times for 116 yards and three touchdowns in the lopsided victory, forcing four missed tackles while adding three rushes of 10 yards or more. Two of those carries also went for over 15 yards. This was Walker at his best.

New England Patriots 28, Houston Texans 16

T Morgan Moses, 94.2 grade

The Texans’ defense, arguably the best defense in the NFL, made its mark on the game by sacking Maye five times and pressuring him eight times. However, the majority of the pressure came on the left side of the offensive line.Morgan Moses, the team's right tackle, was an impenetrable force for four quarters. Moses allowed zero pressures on 34 pass-blocking snaps and complemented that with a 94.9 PFF run-blocking grade.

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS

New England Patriots 10, DenverBroncos 7

CB Carlton Davis III, 84.2 grade

Throughout the playoffs, the Patriots’ defense has been the difference-making unit, while the offense has failed to find its feet against three very good defenses. Even before the snow set in, the New England offense struggled against the Broncos in the AFC Championship Game, but Carlton Davis III was the standout performer on the defensive side of the ball. Davis collected seven total tackles and three defensive stops against the Broncos, allowing just two of four targets to be caught for just five yards while tallying a pass breakup. Davis was targeted the third-most on the team but was reliable in the secondary.

Seattle Seahawks 31, Los Angeles Rams 27

WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, 92.2 grade

Special players come up with special plays in the most important moments. Throughout 2025, Smith-Njigba has been one of the game's elite players, and he made his case as the NFL’s best wide receiver in the NFC Championship Game. Smith-Njigba caught 10 of 12 targets for 153 yards and a touchdown against the Rams, breezing past any defender who tried to slow him down. The former first-round pick snagged a one-handed catch early in the game, caught a touchdown out of the backfield late in the first half and made a clutch play in the fourth quarter to earn a first-down while keeping the clock rolling — effectively putting the game to bed. Special players make special plays.