Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald. Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Super Bowl LX simulation reverses Pete Carroll's decision that doomed Seahawks

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Feb 2, 2026 5:31 PM ET

The video game "Madden NFL 26" dropped its Super Bowl LX prediction on Monday. In a twist, the simulation reversed the result of Super Bowl XLIX.

The New England Patriots face the Seattle Seahawks in Sunday's game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, at 6:30 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock). It's a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX.

Some fans will remember that near the end of the game, former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll opted to throw rather than hand the ball to star running back Marshawn Lynch when Seattle was at the New England one-yard line on a second-and-goal. That choice backfired. Ex-Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson threw an interception to cornerback Malcolm Butler, sealing a 28-24 win for New England.

If Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald faces the same situation on Sunday, "Madden" believes he will do the opposite. Strangely, its simulation featured a late-game situation that mirrored the one in Super Bowl XLIX. Except, Seattle QB Sam Darnold hands the ball off to RB Kenneth Walker III, who scores a TD and seals a 23-20 win for the Seahawks.

Game on the line. And Malcolm Butler steps up with an all-time INT.

Rewatch the @Patriots Super Bowl XLIX victory for FREE with NFL GamePass: https://t.co/3yQtk4LcnE @mac_bz pic.twitter.com/fFt3UyOe0j
— NFL (@NFL) April 14, 2020

How accurate is the 'Madden' simulation?

Historically, the virtual simulations have been accurate. According to Eddie Makuch of GameSpot.com, "Madden" correctly predicted the winner seven times between Super Bowls XLVI and LIX, including the past two Super Bowl winners (Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs). It even nailed the score of Super Bowl XLIX.

For those who aren't gamers, they should know the oddsmakers like the Seahawks as well. As of Monday, DraftKings Sportsbook lists Seattle as a 4.5-point favorite over New England.

Patriots second-year QB Drake Maye — a 2025 league MVP finalist — gives New England a decent chance of pulling off the upset. However, Seattle's stingy defense (17.1 points allowed per game, No. 1 in the NFL) may ground the 23-year-old passer.

Regardless, it wouldn't be a surprise if Sunday's game is close. If it comes down to a play near the goal line, Macdonald should run the ball as the Seahawks did in the game. And if it's in the game... well, you've probably heard EA Sports' slogan enough times to know how it goes.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

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