15 bold predictions for Super Bowl 51

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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Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) rushes for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) rushes for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Both teams will lead by 10 points at different parts of the game

A 10-point lead is not a safe one in the NFL, but it is significant. In Super Bowl 51, both the Falcons and the Patriots will lead their opponent by 10 points during the game.

For this to happen, the first team that scores will need to eventually take a 10-0 lead early in the game, something in that range. The team that is down by two scores will use that deficit to spark at 20-21-point swing in the middle of the game to then take the 10-point lead.

From there, it’s going to be a game decided by who takes advantage on their final possessions. It doesn’t project to be a blowout like many are envisioning. For that to happen, somebody will need to grab a three-possession lead early in the game.

Since both offenses are so explosive and both defenses bend but don’t break, nobody is going to seize that 17-point lead to hopefully win in a rout. That being said, both clubs will have 10-point leads at two different parts of the game.