Joseph Person’s five fearless predictions for Sunday’s Super Bowl LI:
1. Falcons will open with a field goal
Atlanta offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan has done a great job scripting the first 15 plays or so. The Falcons set an NFL record by scoring a touchdown on their first possession in their past eight games. But the Patriots’ defense is much better than the tired and injured Green Bay defense the Falcons faced in the NFC Championship Game. Atlanta will reach the red zone on its first drive before stalling and settling for a Matt Bryant field goal.