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; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) runs the ball against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) runs the ball against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

3. A quarterback won’t win Super Bowl MVP

While Brady and Ryan will play well in this game, neither are going to win Super Bowl MVP. They’ll have too many empty passing yards, an egregious turnover, and not a lot of passing touchdowns.

If this game was played in the 1980s, yes, maybe Brady or Ryan would win Super Bowl MVP with a stat line like this: 18 of 25 passes for 250 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. Sunday won’t be one of those days.

Super Bowl MVP will go to one of these three type of players: a dominant running back with over 100 rushing yards and two touchdowns, a receiver with that kind of stat line, or a defensive player who scores a touchdown on that side of the ball.

For as much as the media would want to give Super Bowl MVP to the winning quarterback, there will be a player on the winning team that was more impactful in leading his team to victory. He’ll have an iconic play that won’t quite eclipse the special teams gaffe, but will be on Super Bowl highlights tapes until the end of time.

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