Fansided

15 bold predictions for Super Bowl 51

By John Buhler

Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 23, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons kicker Matt Bryant (3) and punter Matt Bosher (5) react after a missed field goal on the last play of the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Chargers defeated the Falcons 33-30 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons kicker Matt Bryant (3) and punter Matt Bosher (5) react after a missed field goal on the last play of the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Chargers defeated the Falcons 33-30 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

5. This game will be remembered for a special teams gaffe

When football historians look back on this game many years from now, they will look to one play on special teams as the signature moment of the game. It’s not going to be a 50+ yard game-winning field goal or a punt return for a touchdown. We’re looking at potentially one of the all-time special teams gaffes in NFL history.

There will be a play on-par with Garo Yepremian’s pass attempt against the Washington Redskins or John Kasay missing the entire field on the kickoff against the Patriots. While this special teams blunder will end up costing the losing team Super Bowl LI, that isn’t certainly the case. Keep in mind that the 1972 Miami Dolphins still finished undefeated despite Garo’s Gaffe.

It will be a momentum shifting play to either cost the team the game or let the eventual loser make a competitive game of it. This gaffe could be a muffed punt, a botched snap, a lousy fake punt attempt, etc.

Super Bowl 51 will have a great champion at culmination. It will also give us another special teamer’s name will not forget: Yepremian, Kasay, Scott Norwood. People in Atlanta or Boston are going to be really mad about a special teams player on Monday. That’s for sure.

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