5 bold predictions for Super Bowl XLIX
With the playoffs now down to the final two teams, theScore's NFL editors make five bold predictions for Sunday's Super Bowl XLIX matchup between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks.
The game will go to overtime
Through 48 Super Bowls, not a single one has needed more than 60 minutes to decide a winner. An area of this game that really isn't getting enough love is how good these two defenses are. Points will be at a premium, and with two evenly matched teams and a pick 'em point spread, this could be the year overtime is needed. - Gino Bottero
The Patriots will not score a touchdown
New England walloped Indy 45-7 in the AFC Championship, but the Pats won't find the end zone against the Seahawks. The Patriots could struggle out wide against the Seahawks' secondary, which should get physical with New England's smaller receivers, making it difficult for Danny Amendola and Julian Edelman to get open consistently.
The Patriots could turn to the running game that was so effective against the Colts, but Seattle's defense was third against the run this season. Seattle essentially shut down the Broncos' offense in last year's big game. Expect a similar result this time around. - Michael Amato
Bill Belichick resigns as Patriots' head coach following the game
Media fatigued, and either at the top of the mountain following a win or at his lowest professional moment after a loss, Bill Belichick decides to move on from the Patriots in a Bill Walsh-esque move. Despite an intricately involved explanation of "Deflategate," the wolves may be at the door for Belichick, and the Patriots could see this as a mutually beneficial move. Also, at what point does Belichick feel he's done enough in football? If he doesn't walk away this year, it may be coming sooner than many think. - Joe Thomson
Darrelle Revis will win MVP
Finally getting his chance to play on football's biggest stage, Darrelle Revis will have his best game of the year. The Patriots' defensive backfield should be in position to create turnovers against Seattle's struggling passing game and the unit's best player will come through in the clutch. Look for Revis to haul in two interceptions - taking one back for a touchdown - leading the Patriots to the win and becoming only the second cornerback in NFL history to be named Super Bowl MVP. - Dan Wilkins
The Patriots will win the game on a defensive touchdown
Russell Wilson threw four interceptions in the NFC Championship and the Seahawks somehow survived to play another week. Wilson and his teammates won't be so lucky in Arizona. With the game hanging in the balance in the fourth quarter, the Patriots will return a Wilson turnover for a touchdown and the game's deciding points. - David P. Woods