Super Bowl Pick

Matt Ryan looks to cap off the season with a Super Bowl Trophy

while Brady seeks revenge from a 4 game suspension from Deflategate

New England vs Atlanta (+3) -   Much has been made of Atlanta's bad defense although the Falcons have picked it up lately.  In their past two games against Seattle and Green Bay, Atlanta forced two turnovers in each game and has only given up a combined total of 10 points in the first half.  Atlanta's head coach Dan Quinn was part of Seattle's coaching staff that did a good job in containing Brady in the 2015 Super Bowl. Julian Edelman and Chris Hogan are decent receivers although missing Gronkowski could loom large since this should be a high scoring football game.

The Patriots may have the number one defense but will have its hands full dealing with the Falcon's offense.  Atlanta could also expose the New England's inability to generate a pass rush with its solid offensive line.  True, New England's defense has been impressive although neither the Steelers nor Texans were strong opponents.   The deep ball should be available for Julio Jones who had another great season with 1406 yards, amounting to slightly over 100 yards per game.  It is not just Julio Jones that the Patriots have to reckon with but also Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman in the backfield as well as Taylor Gabriel who emerged when Jones was injured.

The Patriots overall have had a soft schedule; one of the weakest in NFL history.  While the Patriots could come away with the win, the Falcons appear to be a formidable opponent with good wins throughout the season including against Oakland, Seattle, and Green Bay.

Postseason Picks against the spread: 6-4
Playoff Picks straight up: 10-0
2016-17 Season: 140-114-7
Straight up(since week 9)- 101-45

My picks can also be found on the Sports on the Hill Podcast at the 1 hour 30 minute mark.