Beginner’s Guide to Super Bowl LX: Players to Watch

Whether you’re hosting a party, chatting between commercials, or just getting into football for the first time, this guide will help you understand the key players who could shape the big game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

Courtesy of FOX Sports

1. Quarterbacks: The Game Changers

Sam Darnold (Seahawks)

Courtesy of Kathryn Riley/Getty Images | Quarterback Sam Darnold at Super Bowl Press Conference

Think of the quarterback as the field general; he calls the plays and makes the big throws. Sam Darnold has quietly had a strong season, earning this Super Bowl spot after big playoff performances. He’s a steady veteran who’s regained confidence and could be tough for the Patriots’ defense to stop.

Drake Maye (Patriots)

Courtesy of Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images | Quarterback Drake Maye at Super Bowl Press Conference

On the other side, Drake Maye is one of the youngest quarterbacks (23 yrs old) ever to start in a Super Bowl. He’s had a stellar regular season with lots of passing yards, though his playoff performance has seen ups and downs. This game is a huge moment for him. It's his coming-of-age story.

Quick tip: A QB having a good day usually means his team scores more.

2. Offensive Weapons: Magic Makers

Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seahawks)

Courtesy of Kevin Ng-Imagn Images | Wide Receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (JSN)

He is the most exciting wide receiver in the NFL. He’s a top target for Darnold, great at making big plays and sneaky catches, and someone even casual fans will notice when the ball swings his way.

Kenneth Walker III (Seahawks)

Courtesy of Steven Bisig-Imagn Images | Running Back Kenneth Walker III (K9)

When players run the ball, it keeps the defense guessing. Walker does just that, fast, powerful, and hard to tackle. If Seattle leans on him, he could steal the spotlight.

Stefon Diggs (Patriots)

Courtesy of the New England Patriots | Wide Receiver Stefon Diggs

Diggs is the go-to receiver for New England. Even after recovering from injury, he remains a big playmaker and reliable target for Maye when the game is on the line.

3. Defensive Standouts: The Unsung Heroes

Nick Emmanwori (Seahawks)

Courtesy of Kevin Ng / Imagn Images | Rookie Safety Nick Emmanwori

Defense stops the other team from scoring. Emmanwori, a top rookie safety, helps shut down big plays and recently dealt with an ankle issue that could be a storyline to watch on game day.

Milton Williams (Patriots)

Courtesy of Cooper Neill/Getty Images | Defensive Lineman Milton Williams

On the Patriots’ side, Williams is a dominant defensive lineman. He doesn’t always make the headlines, but his ability to pressure the Seahawks’ offense could be a difference-maker.

4. Other Fun Names & Matchups

• Rashid Shaheed (Seahawks): Electric on special teams, he can change momentum with a kickoff or punt return.

• Christian Gonzalez (Patriots): One of New England’s top cornerbacks, charged with covering elite receivers.

• TreVeyon Henderson (Patriots): A versatile running back adding another dimension to the Patriots’ offense.

Remember: In football, the deep matchups, like WR vs. CB or RB vs. LBs, are where the game is really won or lost.

RB vs. LBs - Can the Defense Stop the Run?

Kenneth Walker III (Seahawks) vs. Patriots Linebacker Group

If Seattle wants to control the game, it starts with Kenneth Walker III. He’s explosive, physical, and thrives when he gets into open space.

• Why it matters: If the Patriots’ linebackers can’t contain Walker early, Seattle can control the clock, slow the game down, and keep pressure off the quarterback.

• Beginner tip: Long, steady runs might not look flashy, but they wear defenses out, and tired defenses give up big plays later.

  
  

TreVeyon Henderson (Patriots) vs. Seahawks Linebackers

On the flip side, TreVeyon Henderson brings speed and versatility. He’s dangerous both running the ball and catching passes out of the backfield.

• Why it matters: If Seattle’s linebackers struggle in coverage, Henderson can turn short passes into momentum-shifting gains.

  
  

WR vs. CB - Can the Star Receivers Break Free?

Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seahawks) vs. Christian Gonzalez (Patriots)

This is one of the most exciting matchups on the field. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is Seattle’s top receiving threat, while Christian Gonzalez is New England’s shutdown defender.

• Why it matters: If Smith-Njigba wins this battle, Seattle’s offense opens up dramatically.

• Beginner tip: When a receiver keeps getting targeted, it usually means he’s winning his matchup, or the defense is nervous.

Stefon Diggs (Patriots) vs. Seahawks Secondary

Veteran wideout Stefon Diggs is still the Patriots’ most trusted option in big moments.

• Why it matters: On third downs and in the red zone, quarterbacks lean on players they trust. Diggs is that guy.

• Beginner tip: Watch for Diggs on key downs. If the Patriots need a big play, the ball often finds him.

Final Super Bowl Insider Tips

• Watch the QBs and big plays: Quarterbacks and top receivers often define the narrative of the game.

• Defense matters: Some of the best moments can come when a defender breaks up a big play.

• Momentum-shifting plays are fun: A big run, a goal-line stand, or a turnover often electrifies the stadium and party alike!

Today is the big day. The lights are on, the fans are ready, and all that’s left is 60 minutes of football.

LET’S GO HAWKS!!!

Edited by: Megan Livengood