The biggest sporting event in America is almost here as the Los Angeles Rams face off against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta, Georgia this Sunday. The New England Patriots, who have a track record of success in the playoffs, are 2.5 point favorites over the Los Angeles Rams, who are making their first Super Bowl appearance since moving back to Los Angeles.
An exciting, high-scoring game is expected, and I believe that we are all in for a great event with many surprises. Here are 10 bold predictions I expect to come true.
#10. Tom Brady Will Throw Multiple Interceptions
Brady isn't necessarily showing his age at 41, but he did have some trouble in the AFC Championship game against a shaky Kansas City Chiefs defense, throwing two interceptions. The Rams will be an even tougher test. They were tied for 3rd in the NFL with 18 interceptions during the regular season. I expect a lot of points and some miscues along the way, resulting in Brady throwing two costly interceptions.
#9. Robert Woods Will Lead All Receivers in Receiving Yards
Few players as talented as Robert Woods are as forgotten as he has been. Hiding in the shadows of Brandin Cooks and the injured Cooper Kupp, Woods had an 86-catch regular season with over 1,200 yards and 6 touchdowns. Although he only hauled in six receptions for just 33 yards in the NFC Championship Game, Woods led the team in targets. Due to the success of the Rams' rushing attack and having Brandin Cooks on the other side, Woods should get single coverage and find plenty of open space against the Patriots.
#8. Sony Michel Scores First Touchdown
The rookie running back has dominated opponents this postseason. Michel has racked up five touchdowns 242 yards in just two games. The Patriots are likely to start the game with a methodical drive down the field, capping it off with a Michel touchdown run inside the red zone. If you're betting on the first player to score, I couldn't think of a better player to trust than Michel. Gronkowski, mentioned below, would be my second choice.
#7. Rob Gronkowski Will Score 2 Touchdowns
Brady to Gronkowski for a touchdown is a combination that works. Gronkowski has caught over 75 touchdowns from Brady, and if this is indeed one of his last games in the NFL, don't doubt for a second that Brady won't force him the ball in big situations. This should be a monster game for Gronkowski, and two touchdown receptions are not out of the question by any means.
#6. The Rams Will Execute a Trick Special Teams Play
The Rams have a rich history of pulling off trick special team plays. They have a punter with a great arm who has completed several daring fake punts and field goals. While the Patriots will be looking for it, the Rams will certainly attempt a trick play in the game, and I think they will successfully complete one.
#5. Todd Gurley Will Not Lead the Rams in Rushing
C.J. Anderson has surprisingly been the talk of the Rams' postseason with two impressive performances leading up to the Super Bowl. In the NFC Championship, Todd Gurley, who is widely considered the best running back in the NFL, received only four carries -- that's right -- four carries for 10 yards. Anderson carried the rock 16 times against the Saints and 23 for 123 yards and two touchdowns. Expect the Rams to ride the hot hand and to keep C.J. very active in this game. Gurley is more talented, but seems to be either lacking confidence or secretly battling an injury.
#4. A Kicker Will Miss a Field Goal By Hitting an Upright
Few years have had as many memorable moments highlighted by kickers. We've had the Rams beating the Saints on a last-second field goal, the Bears' Parkey hitting four uprights in a single game, and of course, the dramatic clank off of the post in the final moments against the Philadelphia Eagles. I think we're in for a couple of odd occurrences, and it would be fitting to see a field goal attempt hit a post.
#3. Rob Gronkowski WILL Retire If the Patriots Win Super Bowl 53
For weeks, there have been rumors that Rob Gronkowski will retire after this year's season has come to an end. I don't believe that is a certainty, but I do believe that if the Patriots win Super Bowl 53, Gronkowski will retire on top of the world. His play has been declining, nagging injuries are a concern, and he has little else to win/gain from continuing to put himself through another year, especially if the Patriots win another ring.
#2. Jared Goff will be Super Bowl 53 MVP
In his third year in the NFL, Jared Goff is having an incredible season. If the Rams can defeat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 53, I believe that Goff will go home with the MVP trophy. With over 300 yards passing and three touchdowns, Goff will be the MVP.
#1. Los Angeles Rams 35, New England Patriots 28
With a total of 63 points, the Rams will beat the Patriots 35 to 28 on the arm of Jared Goff with several key stops by the Rams' defense. If you're tracking the over/betting line for the game, this means that I am predicting that the game will go over the 58-point spread, which is a record for the highest line on an over/under in a Super Bowl.
What are your predictions for the game? Please post below!
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