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Super Bowl 51: Three Unpopular Predictions

By Ben Renner

Feb 1, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A building-sized mural in downtown Houston is fashioned after Michelangelo's figure on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican. The painting was updated with Super Bowl 51 and the football in preparation for Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A building-sized mural in downtown Houston is fashioned after Michelangelo's figure on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican. The painting was updated with Super Bowl 51 and the football in preparation for Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports /
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Super Bowl 51
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons middle linebacker Deion Jones (45) laughs after the game against the Green Bay Packers in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Atlanta defeated Green Bay 44-21. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Someone’s Winning the Malcolm Smith Award in Super Bowl 51

Despite all the great offensive players in this game, particularly the quarterbacks, Super Bowl 51 will come down to a few key defensive plays. The players who make those plays will be in line for the Super Bowl MVP Award.

With the Patriots the favorites in this game, it’s easy to start the Brady coronation now. If the Falcons pull off the upset, how could they do it without a stellar performance from Matt Ryan, who could win the regular season MVP Award, too?

With the over/under on Super Bowl 51 at 58, this figures to be a high-scoring affair. You have the most dynamic offense in the league against Tom Brady. If the game is a shootout, it could come down to a few key defensive plays that prevent a few points here or there.

With the Patriots the favorites in this game, it’s easy to start the Brady coronation now.

If my prediction is wrong, and the Falcons beat the Patriots, Ryan will of course be a key factor in that victory. But if the Falcons win, it will be because their defense stopped Brady on at least one key possession, and that could come in the form of a turnover and/or defensive score. The Patriots could ride a huge game from Brady all the way to the Lombardi Trophy of course, but their defense will also likely have to make a stand against the vaunted Atlanta offense to win.

I could see another dramatic, late-game interception by certain members of the Patriots defense to ice the game. If the Falcons win, it will be because their defense stepped up with big plays.

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