The Patriots defeated the Baltimore Ravens 35–31 in the divisional round of the playoffs. They then defeated the Indianapolis Colts 45–7 to advance to Super Bowl XLIX against the defending Super Bowl champions Seattle Seahawks. After a scoreless first quarter, both teams exchanged two touchdowns to make it 14–14 at halftime. Seattle then scored a field goal and a touchdown to take a 10-point lead going into the final quarter. The Patriots rallied, scoring two touchdowns to take a 28–24 lead with 2:02 remaining. After the Seahawks drove all the way to the 1 yard line with under a minute to go, rookie cornerback Malcolm Butler caught an interception on Seattle's final offensive play, winning the game for the Patriots. Brady won his third Super Bowl MVP award.
