Super Bowl LI: Which Offense Can Score More?
The New England Patriots will meet the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, in Super Bowl LI from NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. The current line has New England favored by 3 points with the over/under point total sitting on 58.5.
New England this season through the playoffs is 16-2 straight up and 15-3 against the spread. The Patriots in their past 10 games played are 9-1 SU and 8-2 ATS. Atlanta this season through the NFC Title game is 13-5 SU and 12-6 ATS. The Falcons in their last 10 games are 8-2 SU and 7-3 ATS.
New England beat the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers to reach the Super Bowl while Atlanta defeated the Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers.
New England easily defeated Pittsburgh 36-17 to win the AFC title. Quarterback Tom Brady threw for 384 yards, 3 touchdowns and no interceptions.
The high-powered offense of the Patriots has Julian Edelman and Chris Hogan as Brady’s two top receivers heading into the big game. LaGarrette Blount, who ran for just 47 yards against Pittsburgh, leads the rushing attack.
New England’s offense is ranked No. 3 in the league in scoring averaging 28.3 points per game.
Defensively the Patriots are very strong allowing just 16.2 points per game in their 18 games. The defense was No. 1 in the NFL this season.
New England’s offense is potent, but Atlanta’s is prolific. Quarterback Matt Ryan dominated the secondary of his two opponents during the postseason. Against Green Bay in the NFC title game, Ryan threw for 392 yards, 4 touchdowns and no interceptions.
His favorite target is Julio Jones who caught 9 passes for 180 yards with 2 touchdowns versus Green Bay. Devonta Freeman along with Tevin Coleman make up the strong rushing attack the Falcons possess.
Atlanta is averaging 34.4 points per game this season and had the No. 2 ranked offense in the NFL.
Defensively the Falcons are very weak. However, the defense has improved for the two playoff games holding Green Bay to 21 points. For the season, the defense is giving up 24.7 points per game.
New England is 5-1 ATS in its past 6 games during the postseason.
Atlanta is 2-6 ATS in its past 8 games during the postseason.
Prediction: This game will likely be high scoring with the offense for both teams taking center stage. The Falcons explosive offense will keep it close. Lean here toward Atlanta and the points.
