It is almost time for Super Bowl 51! The Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots kick off at 3:30 p.m. PT live from Houston, Texas. The game will air on FOX, with Joe Buck and Troy Aikman in the broadcast booth, and Erin Andrews and Chris Myers on the sideline. The Patriots are the favorite in this game, with oddsmakers installing them as three point favorites. The point total is a Super Bowl record 58.
The build-up to this year’s Super Bowl has not had some of the usual buzz we often get. And yet, this strikes me as a potentially fun matchup. The Falcons offense has been historically explosive this season. The Patriots defense have not been historically great, but they are No. 1 in points allowed. Weather could turn this into an indoor game at NRG Stadium, and it could make for a heck of a matchup.
There are no major injuries of note at this point. The Falcons have nobody listed, with Julio Jones and Alex Mack getting in plenty of work. The Patriots have seven players listed as questionable, but none are expected to miss the game. Here are the injury reports.
Patriots
Questionable: TE Martellus Bennett (knee), DT Alan Branch (toe), S Nate Ebner (concussion), LB Dont'a Hightower (shoulder), WR Chris Hogan (thigh), WR Malcolm Mitchell (knee), DT Vincent Valentine (back)
Falcons
No players listed
I picked the Falcons to win the game 27-23. The Patriots have had a great season against the spread, covering in 15 of 18 games. I suppose I could stick with what has worked for them this year, but I just think the Falcons offense presents a distinctly unique challenge. I don’t think the Patriots defense will be able to contain them as much as needed. The Falcons defense has not been overly impressive, so Tom Brady and the Patriots offense could turn this into a shootout. For now, I’m inclined to look at Falcons covering and the UNDER.
Down below are all the nuts and bolts for Super Bowl 50. It kicks off at 3:30 p.m. PT following Luke Bryan’s rendition of the National Anthem. Given the longer halftime show, the game will likely clock in at close to four hours. Joe Buck and Troy Aikman are the announcers for the game while you can also stream the game on FOX. As for predictions, check out NN staff picks.
What you need to know
When: Sunday, Feb. 5, 3:30 p.m. PT
Where: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
TV: FOX
Announcers: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews, Chris Myers
Online: Verizon NFL Mobile | FOX Sports Go
Odds: Patriots -3, 58.5
Halftime show: Lady Gaga
Referee: Carl Cheffers
SB Nation blog: Pat Pulpit | The Falcoholic