It’s for all the marbles, so we have to make it count. The NFL Super Bowl 51 picks are very clear to me. Overall, my football picks column has gotten more right than wrong, so the track record is there. Let’s do this.
Super Bowl 51 Picks
Atlanta Falcons vs New England Patriots (-3)
The Pats have the experienced coaches and players, and a much bigger fan base across the country. Chances are Houston will almost feel like a home game for New England. The Falcons have zero pressure right now. Matt Ryan has gotten the playoff monkey off his back and Atlanta is playing with house money. Both teams can score, but I think that New England’s D is just a tad better, particularly when it comes to defending in key situations. They make plays.
Experience does matter. Just ask the Broncos, who didn’t get great QB play from Peyton Manning all of last season, but his wisdom was worth a few more wins than what this year’s Denver quarterbacks racked up. So having seen it all before, expect Tom Brady NOT to be flustered in this one. At only a field goal NFL spread, I LOVE the Patriots to cover.
As it pertains to the over/under total of 58.5, I LOVE the under. The spotlight tends to produce slow starts, and each D will have a chip on their shoulders with the offenses getting all of the attention. I believe that the Super Bowl 51 total will be close to the posted number, but that it will end up on lower side.
Make sure the snacks and drinks are aplenty and enjoy the game.
Matthew Ross is a sports commentator and a radio host on TSN 690 Radio in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Follow him @MatthewWords.