Patriots chase a record seventh ring

The New England Patriots will seek a record seventh Super Bowl against the Seattle Seahawks tomorrow morning (Thai time) in a wide-open clash between two teams nobody expected to reach American football's biggest stage.

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UNLIKELIEST SHOWDOWN: The Vince Lombardi Trophy is framed by the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots helmets.

A franchise once so dominant they were dubbed the “Evil Empire,” New England have floundered since the departure in 2020 of Tom Brady, who is widely considered the NFL's greatest ever player.

But they defied all expectations with a spectacular season. Drake Maye led the resurgent Patriots to a league-best 17 wins, including playoffs, and at 23 would be the youngest quarterback to win the coveted Lombardi Trophy.

Capping a season remarkable for upsets and under-performing giants, they face a Seahawks side led by journeyman quarterback Sam Darnold, who passed through four NFL clubs before a revitalised debut year in Seattle.

The Seahawks proved themselves by topping the ultra-tough NFC West, and possess the NFL's tightest defence. They are the marginal bookmakers' favourites for Sunday's showdown at the 75,000-capacity Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.