Kenneth Walker III led the Seattle Seahawks to a big victory in Super Bowl LX against the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. This win gave the Seahawks their second championship title and showed their powerful defense and strong offense, all while attracting nearly 125 million viewers.
However, as the team celebrated their success, people began discussing whether the stadium’s location gave one team an advantage over the other.
Dave Portnoy claims of an uneven field on West Coast
Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports and a dedicated Patriots supporter, shared his thoughts in a video on X soon after the February 8, 2026, matchup. He argued that hosting the game on the West Coast gave the Seahawks a clear edge, as they avoided the time zone adjustments that burdened the East Coast-based Patriots.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and running back Kenneth Walker III (9) celebrate with the Vince Lombardi trophy after defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and running back Kenneth Walker III (9) celebrate with the Vince Lombardi trophy after defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
This, he suggested, contributed to New England’s 29-13 defeat, in which travel fatigue might have played a role.
“I think it’s a huge advantage for Seattle playing the Super Bowl on the West Coast where they live and not having to adjust to the time difference,” Portnoy said. “I’m still all out of whack. I was out of whack when I got there. Patriots had to be out of whack… I won’t make excuses.”
I’m not going to say it because I’m not an excuse guy, but it’s bullshit that Seattle got to play a Super Bowl on the west coast #DDTG pic.twitter.com/Lus4MeV3RZ
— Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) February 12, 2026
Portnoy’s view aligns with some NFL data on travel impacts. Studies indicate that West Coast teams win about 68 percent against the spread when facing Mountain Time opponents, dropping to 44 percent against Eastern teams due to circadian disruptions.
Eastward travel, which involves a 3-hour phase advance, can reduce sleep efficiency by up to 48 hours, according to PubMed research.
In Super Bowl LX, the Patriots arrived early but still managed only 50 yards in the first half, with quarterback Drake Maye throwing for 295 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Seattle’s defense sacked him six times and forced three turnovers, including a 45-yard interception return for a touchdown by Uchenna Nwosu.
Historical patterns offer mixed support. Of the 15 Super Bowls in California or Arizona, West Coast teams have won several at home venues, such as the 49ers’ 38-16 rout in Super Bowl XIX at Stanford Stadium and the Rams’ 23-20 victory in Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium.
However, East Coast squads have triumphed too, such as the Patriots’ 28-24 win over Seattle in XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. A 2023 medRxiv study using causal inference found no significant effect of jet lag on beating Vegas spreads in college football, suggesting that factors like weather or preparation matter more.
NFL teams often mitigate issues by advancing flights or practices, as one West Coast team did successfully in past analyses.
Portnoy, who bet $50,000 on the Patriots, called their offense “the worst I’ve ever seen” post-game, yet praised the defense. While he insisted on no excuses, his comments highlight ongoing talks about neutral-site equity in the league.
Seattle Seahawks fans rally together to defend their team’s honor
Seattle fans were unhappy with Portnoy’s excuse and defended their team in various ways.
One fancommented, “Well, look at Seattle east coast record. Which is outstanding . Just accept it.”
A second fancommented, “Typical east coast bias. They would beat the Patriots anywhere.”
A third fancommented, “Seahawks would beat the Patriots 100 out of 100 times in the Gillette stadium.”
A fourth fancommented, “They arrived earlier than usual for a game, and players are much more used to the travel than you are.”
A fifth fancommented, “You’re an excuse guy and one of the most annoying dudes on the fkng planet.”
In the end, fans will always have their strong opinions about sports. The controversies and excitements that come with differing views are what make sports thrilling. However, it’s crucial to respect all perspectives and just enjoy the game together.