Super Bowl 2017: Predictions and analysis from The Baltimore Wire staff
By Ben Palmer
The Super Bowl 2017 is finally here, and while there won’t be a team representing Baltimore in the big game, we have the predictions from the writers of The Baltimore Wire.
Finally, we’ve hit one of the biggest days of the year in sports: the Super Bowl. While there, unfortunately, will not be a team representing Baltimore in this year’s Super Bowl, we’re all football fans, and we’ve all got thoughts on the big game.
We have quick thoughts from each of the writers on what will happen tonight in the big game. If you’d like a more detailed analysis of the upcoming game, check out our article here. Otherwise, here are your Baltimore Wire staff’s Super Bowl predictions:
Ben Palmer – Super Bowl 2017 is going to be an offensive powerhouse matchup. You’ve got MVP-winner Matt Ryan and one of the best receivers in the league, Julio Jones, against eventual Hall of Famer Tom Brady.
I’ve had a tough time believing in Matt Ryan this year because he’s burned me in the past, but I believe in him now. I believe in the Falcons as a whole now, they’ve done wonders this year and deserve to be in the Super Bowl.
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But if there’s a team that could stop what seems to be the team of destiny this year, it’s the New England Patriots. As much as I may detest Bill Belichick and company, there’s not denying the incredible talent of that squad, and especially of Belichick.
That being said, if there’s one thing Atlanta has been known for over the past few years, it’s how well they play in a dome, and that’s what they’re doing here. Between Atlanta’s incredible offense and capable defense, I think they can pull one out, but it’s going to be high-scoring, and it’s going to be close. If you’re a betting person, when it comes to the over/under, take the over, whatever it is.
Prediction: Falcons: 31 Patriots: 28
Nate Wardle – As a Dolphins fan, I want to pick the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons have one of the best offenses in recent times, with a well-balanced attack and the MVP of the league.
Their defense has also stepped up this season, allowing the team to finally reach the pinnacle of the NFL, the Super Bowl.
Matt Ryan can throw to any number of targets, but also has the best WR in the entire NFL, Julio Jones. So, I think the Falcons are going to put up a magnificent fight.
But, in the end, the Patriots are going to win. They have the experience, and they have a QB who continues to do things that very few other QBs have ever done. And, there are also external factors in play for the Patriots:
Win, and they force Roger Goodell to hand the Super Bowl trophy to them. Win, and Brady and Belichick make it tough to call anyone else the best QB in history and the best coach in history.
The key to the game will be the Patriots’ defense against Julio Jones. The Patriots run enough schemes that if Jones is shut down, it will be a tough day for Ryan, despite all his other options. However, if Jones can have his way, it will open the entire field for Matty Ice.
In the end, I think Brady shows that he is the best in history, and the Patriots win yet another Super Bowl.
Prediction: Patriots 28, Falcons 26
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Chris Church – Like most people, I’m rooting for the Atlanta Falcons. However, at the same time, I wouldn’t mind seeing the Patriots win just to see Goodell and Brady on the same stage.
Prediction: Falcons 41, Patriots 36