MATT LOUGHLIN
It’s easy to predict another Super Bowl championship for the Bill Belichick-Tom Brady led New England Patriots. A genius coach and an all-time great who will go down in history as the greatest sports partnership ever.
But something tells me that Atlanta has been overlooked on the way to another Patriot coronation. NFL MVP Matt Ryan has an array of options from which to choose. From wide receivers Julio Jones and Jersey’s Mohamed Sanu to running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman, this is the most diversified offense the Patriots have faced. Belichick can take away one option but he can’t take away all of them. Belichick and Brady are Hall of Fame bound but will not add to their resume today.
Atlanta 24 New England 17
STEVE TICHENOR
We all know how well Belichick prepares his team. In this case it won’t be enough. Patriots Defensive Coordinator Matt Patricia has his hands full here. I don’t see any team slowing down the Falcons balanced offense. Not only does QB Matt Ryan have options in receivers Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu but he has the duo of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman who can both run and catch the ball. I think Tom Brady and Company will score, just not enough. MVP Matt Ryan earns his first ring.
Atlanta 31 New England 21
JOHN McALEAVEY
For me, two weeks is too long, but for Bill Belichick, it’s too good. He has been “on to Atlanta” for 14 days now, and there is no one better at finding another team’s weakness than him. I know the Falcons offense is a finely oiled machine. League MVP, Matt Ryan has two high octane running backs at his disposal, and a slew of receivers, lead by the amazing Julio Jones. They averaged an NFL best 34 points per game and make it look easy at times. But the hoodie master and his trusted defensive coordinator, Matt Patricia will have found something in their studies to thaw out Matty Ice enough to win Super Bowl LI. That and they have this guy named Tom Brady who can play a little bit himself.
New England 31 Atlanta 28
