Super Bowl XLIX

This week has been filled with talk about deflating footballs and why Marshawn Lynch won't talk to the media. After all the controversy and unnecessary media interruption the Super Bowl is finally almost upon us. I know I'm not the only one when I say I can't wait to finally see some football. Grab some food and beer and enjoy America's unofficial holiday. Lets get to the pick and see who's going to win Super Bowl 49.

Seahawks vs Patriots- Right after the Seahawks and Patriots finished their championship games on Sunday, the Seahawks were immediately favored by two points. Now that the game is a day away the Patriots are favored by one point. This is the closest Super Bowl matchup years.

 Both of these teams have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Seahawks have the better running game and defense, while the Patriots have the better quarterback and offense. The Patriots run a classic style offense with Tom Brady and his receivers trying to chew up as many yards possible and move the ball downfield. The Seahawks have a somewhat methodical offense, they pound you with the run and then Russell Wilson burns you either with his arm or his legs and his legs. Both of these teams have elite secondaries with Darelle Revis and Brandon Browner (former Seahawk) for the Patriots while the Seahawks have Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas.

The elite secondaries make the quarterback position even more important. Both Brady and Wilson will have to be on top of their game against these great defenses. For the Patriots the number one priority on offense will be to get tight end Rob Gronkowski to have a huge day against the Seahawk defense. The Seahawks will presumably give the mediocre New England receivers a tough time in getting open, so it is up to Gronkowski to make some big plays. If not Brady and the offense will be in for a long day in Arizona.

As for the Seahawks, the number priority for them has to be getting running back Marshawn Lynch going. If he can bust open a few runs and pick up key first downs, the Seahawks will be in a great position to repeat as Super Bowl champs. The Patriots have done a good job of shutting down receivers in years past and I expect the same against an average Seattle receiving core. This is why it is key for the Seahawks to open holes for Lynch and pick up yards on the ground. Expect Russell Wilson to scramble often against the Patriots D in an effort to pick up yards.

Like the reports have been saying the last couple of weeks, these two teams are extremely evenly matched. If they played 20 times I wouldn't surprised if each team won 10 games each. In Super Bowls past the team that has the best quarterback pulls out the victory and I expect the same tomorrow. Tom Brady will make enough plays with Gronkowski having a huge day against the Seattle defense. Super Bowls often come down to late game or 4th quarter adjustments and although Pete Carroll is an excellent coach, I expect Bill Bellicheck to confuse the Seattle defense enough and pull out the victory. Patriots 27 Seahawks 24