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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Jan 22, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots place kicker Stephen Gostkowski (3) kicks a field goal against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2017 AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots place kicker Stephen Gostkowski (3) kicks a field goal against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2017 AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

4. This game will be decided by a field goal

The point spread for Super Bowl 51 has the Patriots laying three points at a neutral site to the Falcons. That spread feels about right, with New England getting the nod due to significantly more Super Bowl experience over Atlanta.

However, there are people that think this game could end up being a one-sided affair, with either Atlanta or New England pulling away early. Well, let’s hope not, as the 2016 NFL Playoffs have only given us one close game: Green Bay at Dallas in the NFC Divisional Round.

Fortunately for football fans, Super Bowl LI will be an all-timer. This game will be decided by a field goal. That’s not necessarily indicative that either Matt Bryant or Stephen Gostkowski will win the game on a made field goal attempt, but the margin of victory will only be three.

That means either Atlanta will win and cover or New England will win and the point spread will be a push. All six of the previous Brady/Belichick Patriots Super Bowls have been decided by one score or less. Why would Super Bowl LI be any different? This one is going down to the wire.

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