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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 quarterback Matt Ryan (2) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers 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 quarterback Matt Ryan (2) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Atlanta Falcons 27, New England Patriots 24

This has been one of the hardest games to envision how it will play out. Will New England use its Super Bowl experience to its advantage to win Lombardi Trophy No. 5? Does Atlanta have the dynamism to win its first Lombardi Trophy?

We know that New England’s greatest advantage in this game is experience. However, Atlanta’s greatest advantage in this game will trump New England’s experience advantage: Atlanta is just too fast for New England to contain for all four quarters.

If Atlanta treats this game like it has for the first 18 of its 2016 season, the Falcons won’t be awestruck of by the magnitude of playing in a Super Bowl. Once the jitter wear off and it’s just football, Atlanta will be the aggressor on both sides of the ball.

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Atlanta has played a more difficult schedule that New England has this year. The Falcons’ path to Super Bowl 51 has been more difficult that New England’s. Home wins over Seattle and Green Bay are more impressive that home wins over Houston and Pittsburgh. New England will play sound football, but won’t be able to match Atlanta’s aggressiveness and intensity. The Falcons will win their first Super Bowl by a field goal, 27-24.

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