Super Bowl Pick

Patriots (-1) over Seahawks

After two weeks of non-stop talk about "Deflate-Gate", what Marshawn Lynch was not saying, and a little bit of actual game preview, it's finally time for the Super Bowl.

You already know I'm taking the Patriots. Obviously I'm blinded by optimism and homerism but it's not just my heart saying the Patriots will win, it's also my head.

Seattle is an excellent team.  They are well coached by Pete Carroll, have a punishing defense led by a handful of Pro Bowlers in the secondary, and have clutch offensive stars Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch.  The Seahawks are a rival to the 2001 St. Louis Rams for the best opponent the Patriots have faced in the Super Bowl in the Belichick-Brady era.

The thing is the Patriots are just better.  Belichick is a better coach than Carroll.  The Patriots defense does not get the publicity that their NFC counterparts do but features enough stars to make life miserable for Seattle tonight.  And on offense, Tom Brady has more weapons at his disposal than Wilson.

All of those factors, plus a burning desire to silence the critics from around the country who have called them cheaters for the past fortnight, will conclude with Roger Goodell sheepishly handing the Vince Lombardi Trophy to the Patriots tonight.

The heart says 41-20.  The brain says 26-16.  Either way, it's a Patriot victory.

Last Week: 2-0

Playoffs: 5-5

Overall: 121-138-5