NFL predictions: Super Bowl

Super Bowl

New England (-3) over Atlanta -- Belichick. Brady. Deflate-gate. Basically, pick against the Patriots at your own risk. Still, the Falcons’ high-powered offense and improving defense certainly got people’s attention in beating Green Bay in the conference title game. Much talk as SB LI nears centers on the Patriots trying to control the ball and keep Atlanta’s offense on the sideline. A good idea, except the Falcons don’t need much time to do damage. On paper, this appears to have the makings of a great game. I think both offenses will score points, and both defenses will make big plays and surrender big plays. In the end, I think it’s Atlanta’s time.

Prediction: Falcons 31, Patriots 27

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS: 2-0 straight up; 2-0 vs. the spread.

PLAYOFFS: 9-1 straight up; 8-2 vs. the spread.