For some fans, Super Bowl LX (60) may evoke memories of another, some 41 years ago, Super Bowl XIX (19), which was hailed as a match-up of two gunslinging quarterbacks, San Francisco’s Joe Montana and Miami’s Dan Marino.

The similarity is starkest between Marino and New England’s QB, Drake Maye. Marino, like Maye, was in his second year in the NFL. Montana had completed his sixth season (Sam Darnold, 8th season), leading the 49ers to a 15-1 record in the regular season. Marino, the 1984 NFL MVP, threw for 5,084 yards and Miami finished at 14-2.

Long story short, Montana (331) and Marino (318) both threw for over 300 yards, but Montana and the 49ers blew the Dolphins away, 38-16. While “Joe Cool” tossed three touchdown passes, “Dan the Man” had only one, and the 49ers defense picked off two. The resounding aftermath of that clash was that Montana, who had already won a Super Bowl after the 1981 season, would win two more, in 1989 and 1990, and never lost one. Montana, who was arguably one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, would never play in another Super Bowl. Hopefully, the talented Drake Maye will not suffer the same fate.

There are other similarities, such as NFC vs. AFC, San Francisco’s dominant defense versus a good, but not great one in Miami and the betting line. The 49ers were 3.5-point favorites.

Seattle’s defense has been a strength all season and the Seahawks have a roster full of veterans. The youthful Patriots lack post-season experience, and while head coach Mike Vrable has played in three Super Bowls, he’s never coached in one. On the other hand, neither has Seattle’s Mike Macdonald, though he did set a franchise record of 14-3 in just his second season as a head coach.

Statistically, it’s close, Seattle’s defense led the league in points allowed, 17.2 per game. New England was fourth, allowing an average of 18.8. Seattle allowed 91.9 yards rushing per game during the regular season, New England, 101.7. Passing stats are pretty even. Average passing yards allowed: Seattle: 193.9; New England: 193.5.

Turnovers favor the Patriots slightly. They had 19 takeaways and turned the ball over 16 times. While the Seahawks were more opportunistic, with 25 takeaways, they gave the ball up 28 times.

Offensively, it can’t get much closer. New England finished second in points scored, at 28.8 per game. Seattle was third, 28.4. The Patriots were also better yardage-wise, with 250.5 yards passing and 128.9 rushing per game, to Seattle;s 228.1 and 123.3, respectively.

There is a caveat to these stats, however. While both teams posted 14-3 records, New England played a much softer schedule than did Seattle. Through the 17-game regular season, the Patriots faced teams that made the playoffs just four times: Pittsburgh, Carolina, Buffalo twice, and finished 2-2 in those games.

Seattle, out of the heady NFC West, played eight playoff teams (Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, Houston, Carolina, and San Francisco and the Rams twice). They went 6-2 in those games. Against similar opponents, the Seahawks topped Pittsburgh, 31-17, and Carolina, 27-10, both on the road. New England lost to Pittsburgh, 21-14, and buried Carolina, 42-13. Both games were at home.

Those comparisons point to a big edge for Seattle.

Injuries also favor Seattle. Other than the loss of running back and returner, Zach Charbonet, they are almost perfectly healthy. Only fullback Robbie Ouzts is listed as questionable. For New England, Drake Maye injured his should in the AFC championship win at Denver, but is getting regular practice and reportedly, “feels great.” Wide receiver, Mack Hollins and tight end Hunter Henry are both listed as questionable, as is right tackle Morgan Moses. On defense New England lists linebackers Harold Landry III and Robert Spillane as questionable.

Strategy, as always, will be key to who wins this Super Bowl. Both teams would like to establish the run, but Seattle probably has a better chance of doing so, only because their defense is very stingy when it comes to giving up yards on the ground.

Both teams will find some success throwing the ball. The quarterbacks are sound and receivers on both sides are excellent. The QB battle between Maye and Sam Darnold is fairly even. Both will have some nerves to deal with, but that’s natural. Darnold has more pressure on him, given that chip on his shoulder from his release by Minnesota last season. He’s proven his critics wrong so far. This is the ultimate test, but he doesn’t have to do it alone.

Bottom line, barring weather issues or unforeseen injuries, Settle’s defense should prove the deciding factor, limiting end zone excursions by the Patriots to only one or two. If Seattle gets a lead, it could be lights out for New England, as Darnold and the offense could dictate field position, time of possession, and, eventually, the score.

Coin Flip: New England

Fearless Rick’s Pick: Seahawks 31 Patriots 17