Patriots vs. Falcons: Bold Predictions for Super Bowl 51

The Total Will Be Under 58


Maybe not the boldest prediction I've ever made, but with 58 percent of the bets coming in on the "over," I'll allow it. Most of the numbers point to this being a high-scoring game. The Pats and Falcons can each score at alarmingly fast rates, and the Pats' No. 1 scoring defense may be overrated considering they've faced the NFL's easiest schedule for a defense, per Football Outsiders. Still, this is a Super Bowl. Only one of the last 12 Super Bowls has finished with more than 58 total points, while the last four Super Bowls with and over/under of at least 50 points has hit the "under". With a championship on the line, teams tend to play just a little tighter than usual, and I think that will ultimately make it tough for 58 to be reached. (Getty)