Super Bowl 2017 picks and predictions: Experts nearly split between Falcons, Patriots

The Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots are set to clash in Super Bowl 51, and this promises to be one of the closer matchups in recent memory. Both teams sport powerful offenses and we have the potential for an epic shootout.

The Patriots are reaching “been there, done that” status, with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick in their seventh Super Bowl together. However, they still have the chance to make history — Brady could become the first-ever quarterback to win five Super Bowl titles. Despite missing the first four games and missing Rob Gronkowski for most of the season, he had another stellar year with 28 touchdown passes to just two interceptions.

The Falcons are led by MVP winner Matt Ryan, who had his best season yet, setting career highs in touchdowns (38), passing yards (4,944), and QB Rating (117.1). Julio Jones is a lethal weapon at receiver, despite battling a toe injury in recent weeks, and although the Falcons have a weak defense on paper, they still have the capability of plain outscoring any opponent they come across. Belichick would be wise to not take this young, hungry team for granted.

New England has been a steady 3-point favorite since the line opened following the conference championship game, but based on the expert picks below, it’s nearly a total toss-up as to which team lifts the Lombardi Trophy when all is said and done.

The experts at ESPN don’t give the Falcons much a chance, with seven of eight writers picking the Patriots. However, it’s a different story at CBS Sports, where a majority (five of eight) went with the Falcons. Our picks here at SB Nation were split evenly down the middle — four writers picked the Patriots, and four took the Falcons. The OddsShark computer broke the tie by predicting that Atlanta would win.