Treveyon Henderson’s muted playoff role contrasted sharply with Jaxon Smith‑Njigba’s breakout as the Seahawks beat the Patriots. Bettors may back Seattle’s passing totals and Smith‑Njigba anytime‑TD props, while Henderson’s rushing/receiving props look volatile until he earns a more consistent role in 2026.
Patriots’ Super Bowl Run Stalls as Seahawks’ Stars Shine
New England’s surprising march to the Super Bowl ended in a flat performance against Seattle, leaving Patriots fans to wonder if the run was a one‑off. The game spotlighted a poignant reunion: former Ohio State teammates TreVeyon Henderson and Jaxon Smith‑Njigba meeting on the field after the final whistle.
Henderson’s Rookie Season: Big Plays, Spotty Usage
Henderson burst onto the scene midway through his rookie year and closed with solid season totals — 180 carries for 911 rushing yards and 9 rushing TDs, plus 35 catches for 221 receiving yards and 1 TD. Yet in the postseason he became an afterthought, with Rhamondre Stevenson taking the lead in New England’s backfield. Henderson’s game still flashes home‑run ability, but his inconsistency on a play‑by‑play basis is an offseason talking point.
Smith‑Njigba’s Breakout and Accolades
Smith‑Njigba capped a breakout campaign in Seattle, finishing with eye‑popping numbers — 119 receptions, 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns — and earning league recognition as the Offensive Player of the Year. His willingness to find Henderson after the loss underscored their shared Ohio State roots and mutual respect now playing out on the NFL stage.
Veteran Guidance: Diggs’ Straight Talk
Veteran Stefon Diggs offered blunt, team‑first advice to the rookie, the sort of mentorship that can accelerate development. For Henderson, the message is clear: convert flashes into daily consistency. At 2026 season age and trajectory, a focused offseason could turn promise into dependable production.
What This Means for Betting and 2026 Outlook
From a wagering perspective, Seattle’s passing attack looks like a safer play moving forward — target team totals and Smith‑Njigba player props. Henderson’s lines (rushing attempts, receptions) carry more variance; bettors may prefer taking unders on volume or steering clear of receiver/rusher combo props until his role stabilizes. If Henderson tightens his game over the offseason, expect New England’s offensive profile to become more attractive to bettors in 2026.
Bottom Line
The Super Bowl loss hurt, but the narratives are clear: Smith‑Njigba is ascending to superstar status, Henderson remains a high‑upside but inconsistent rookie, and the Patriots’ young core has time to develop. For fans and bettors, the offseason will be the barometer for whether New England’s run was a glimpse of something sustainable or a short‑lived surge.
The New England Patriots‘ magical run to the Super Bowl ended with a dud, as the team turned in a lifeless performance against the Seattle Seahawks.
Ex-Tom Brady rival reached out to Drake Maye with Super Bowl LX advice
After the game, TreVeyon Henderson was paid a visit by his former Ohio State Buckeyes teammate, Jaxon Smith-Njigba. After a quiet start to his rookie season, Henderson turned a [...]
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