Super Bowl LX top 10 difference-makers: Will Christian Gonzalez feature?

Players such as 2025 OPOY Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Patriots quarterback Drake Maye enjoyed standout seasons and have remained central to the Seahawks’ and Patriots’ postseason runs.

Each is capable of winning Super Bowl LX almost single-handedly, but there are plenty of others whose performances could prove decisive.

DAZN News tabs the following 10 difference-makers, including Smith-Njigba and Maye, whose impact could swing the balance on Sunday.

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Seattle Seahawks

Sam Darnold, QB

Sam Darnold ranked third in interceptions thrown this season with 14. However, the veteran quarterback has not tossed a single INT during this postseason.

Plus, he is coming off a monstrous 346 passing yards and three touchdowns in the NFC Championship Game.

The New England Patriots’ pass defense has only allowed 138.3 yards per game during the playoffs, but Darnold has the explosive wide receivers at his fingertips to shatter that stat drastically.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR

Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Jaxon Smith-Njigba led all wideouts in receiving yards this regular season with 1,793. He also hauled in 10 touchdowns.

That dominance carried over into the playoffs where he has recorded 13 catches for 172 yards and two touchdowns in two games.

As solid as the Patriots’ secondary has been this postseason, they’re going to have their hands full with the stellar Smith-Njigba on Super Bowl Sunday.

Kenneth Walker III, RB

Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

A 1,000-yard rusher during the regular season, Kenneth Walker III has been an absolute force during the playoffs, piling up 178 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 38 carries, while hauling in seven receptions for another 78 yards through two games.

The Patriots’ run defense has been ultra stingy this postseason, only allowing 71 yards on the ground per game. However, Walker has the tools to cause them damage, whether on the ground or as a receiver.

Rashid Shaheed, WR

With so much attention on star Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Rashid Shaheed has the chance to bust loose and fly under the radar for some breakout plays.

His 51-yard reception in the NFC Championship Game offered just a taste of that big-play potential. In addition, Shaheed is a special teams threat every time he returns the ball.

DeMarcus Lawrence, DE

The veteran defensive end has wreaked havoc with two sacks and three forced fumbles in two playoff games.

Considering the Patriots’ offensive line has allowed quarterback Drake Maye to be sacked 15 times through three playoff games, Lawrence could be in line for a big performance.

Lawrence will be lined up against Patriots’ rookie offensive tackle Will Campbell, who has struggled down the stretch. That matchup only adds to that feeling that the Seahawks' veteran could be a true difference-maker.

New England Patriots

Drake Maye, QB

The New England Patriots’ quarterback enjoyed a breakout regular season, but had problems during these playoffs.

Maye has been sacked 15 times and fumbled six times through three postseason games this year.

Still, the Seattle Seahawks’ secondary can be defeated through the air and with Maye airing it out for 31 touchdowns this regular season, the 23-year-old MVP candidate has the tools to exploit them.

Hunter Henry, TE

Stefon Diggs is the big-name wide receiver for the Patriots, but tight end Hunter Henry led the team with seven touchdown receptions during the regular season.

The fact that the veteran has been contained to five catches and without a touchdown in the Patriots’ last two games could mean the Seahawks' defense overlooks his potential impact.

While the Seahawks’ defense is lights out against the run, it is vulnerable through the air where it has been allowing an average of 246.5 yards per game during these playoffs.

As a proven threat in the end zone, Henry could make some noise on Sunday.

Rhamondre Stevenson, RB

The Seahawks’ defense allowed 17.2 points per game this season, ranking first in the NFL. Seattle also held teams to an average of just 91.9 yards on the ground per game.

That said, Rhamondre Stevenson gives New England a dangerous, rugged presence in the backfield. And one capable of testing the Seahawks' run defense like few others can.

Whatever the Patriots can get from Stevenson will help supplement Maye’s passing game, especially in red-zone situations.

Christian Gonzalez, CB

A first-time Pro Bowler, Christian Gonzalez’ ability to cover and contain Jaxon Smith-Njigba, especially vertically down the field, will be key to the Patriots' efforts to lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy by the night’s end.

Elsa / Staff

Gonzalez will have plenty of support from fellow corner Carlton Davis, but New England will still need him to make his mark - breaking up passes, finishing tackles in space, or even stealing a possession with an interception.

Jaylinn Hawkins, S

Sam Darnold was prone to interceptions in the regular season, and that bodes well for Jaylinn Hawkins who had four picks this year.

Expect the safety to make excellent reads on Darnold, frustrating the likes of Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp along the way.