Who Advances to the Superbowl: Our Predictions, Analysis, and Odds
By Eric He
Courtesy: USA Today/ SB Nation
Is there anything better than this on a Sunday afternoon?
The Niners travel to Atlanta to take on the Falcons in the NFC Championship at noon (PT), while the Ravens take on the Patriots in Foxboro at 3:30 (PT) in the AFC Championship. Four of the premier teams in the NFL battling it out for the right to play in the greatest, grandest game in the world: the Superbowl.
With that being said, we thought it would be interesting to ask our staff at Golden Gate Sports for their prediction and analysis of today’s games.
NFC Championship Game: 49ers @ Falcons, 12:00 PM (PT)
Betting Odds: 49ers -4.0, Over/Under: 49.0
Predictions
Baily Deeter, Senior Staff Writer:
"San Francisco 31, Atlanta 24: Kaepernick and the read-option is too much for Atlanta to handle, as Randy Moss and Vernon Davis make an impact in a huge win."
Greg Nguyen, Senior Staff Writer:
"Atlanta 34, San Francisco 31. Atlanta wins at home on turf. Both have high octane offenses, but defenses somewhat limit the points."
Tej Kamaraju, Senior Staff Writer:
"San Francisco 38, Atlanta 31: The Falcons, as good as Matt Ryan is, don’t have the best coach. With the shining brilliance of Kaepernick, the Niners are Super Bowl bound."
Ryan Sakamoto, Senior Staff Writer:
"San Francisco 34, Atlanta 23: Falcons are unable to match 49ers physicality up front on both sides of the ball."
Brian Banifatemi, Senior Staff Writer:
"San Francisco 38, Atlanta 21: Colin Kaepernick will be too much for the Falcons to handle and the 49ers’ defense will put pressure on and force Matt Ryan into a horrible game."
Nick Kugel, Contributor:
"San Francisco 31, Atlanta 24: Kaepernick’s run game forces the Falcons to weaken their secondary to defend against the run. As a result, Kaepernick will sling his way to victory."
Chris Furry, Staff Writer:
"San Francisco 27, Atlanta 21. The Falcons offense relies heavily on their passing game, but the offensive line leaves a bit to be desired. If the Niners can apply pressure with the Smith Brothers, the Falcons’ passing game will fall apart. The Niners will control the ball on the ground, and the read option is more than a match for the Falcons’ defense."
Blu Spikes, Staff Writer:
"Atlanta 21, San Francisco 17: Since the Raiders are not in the playoffs, I will take the Falcons over the Niners. Love to take the underdog. Falcons have a plan for Colin Kaepernick; if it works or not will determine if they win or not."
Ian Villanueva, Staff Writer:
"San Francisco 31, Atlanta 20: The Niners control the clock and the ball, running all over a Falcons’ mediocre run defense. Kaepernick turns in another solid performance and fully vindicates Harbaugh."
Mike Rose, Staff Writer:
"Atlanta 31, San Francisco 28: Matt Ryan will have the game of his career and shock the Niners with a victory."
Who Wins?
49ers by six points, based on our predictions. Seven out of ten writers favor the 49ers in this matchup.
AFC Championship Game: Ravens @ Patriots, 3:30 PM (PT)
Betting Odds: Patriots -8.5, Over/Under: 51.5
Predictions:
Baily Deeter, Senior Staff Writer:
"New England 31, Baltimore 27: The Ravens are a great team, but too flawed on defense to beat Tom Brady and the Patriots twice in one year."
Greg Nguyen, Senior Staff Writer:
"New England 31, Baltimore 23: Brady over Flacco in cold weather."
Ryan Sakamoto, Senior Staff Writer:
"New England 23, Baltimore 21: Patriots win on a last second field-goal."
Brian Banifatemi, Senior Staff Writer:
"New England 38, Baltimore 24: Tom Brady will lead the Patriots and their loaded offense throughout the game and they will far too much for the Ravens defense. I think Devin McCourty will have a huge game."
Nick Kugel, Contributor:
"New England 45, Baltimore 37: Nothing but the Raven’s desire for Ray Lewis to end on top makes me think they can beat the Patriots at home, no matter how painful another New England Super Bowl appearance is to me."
Chris Furry, Staff Writer:
"Baltimore 38, New England 35: I think this is going to be a hard won game for the Ravens, but in the end their superior defense, and the Patriots lack of Gronk power, will win the day."
Blu Spikes, Staff Writer:
"New England 24, Baltimore 14: Brady is 5-2 vs the Ravens, the Ravens have pressured Brady with 17 total sacks and eight interceptions in the seven match ups. Ball control, turnovers and big plays will work its way out, and give the edge to the Patriots."
Mike Rose, Staff Writer:
"New England 35, Baltimore 24: Brady will have three touchdowns, leading the Patriots to a solid victory over the Ravens."
Who Wins?
Patriots by eight points, based on our predictions. Seven out of eight writers favor the Patriots in this matchup.
Superbowl Prediction
49ers vs. Patriots: Sorry, no Har-bowl, but at least one of them will be in.
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