JACK BRAYMAN
While it's conceivable to think Los Angeles Rams wideout Brandin Cooks will take aim at New England coach Bill Belichick and the Patriots, after he was traded away for a first-round draft pick, I'm convinced the mad scientist in a hoodie will prove he was right.
The talented 25-year-old receiver is one of Jared Goff's prime targets, but because he lacks the size and strength of a typical No. 1 receiver, I think the Pats are going to know the nuances of this kid, enough so they will be able to make him obsolete. His speed is dynamic, yes, but if he gets bullied, he won't factor into the Rams' attack much.
Rookie corner J.C. Jackson has been a hit during his first year for the Patriots and could draw the assignment. He's had two weeks to prepare for lockdown coverage, especially since there is intimate knowledge Belichick has of his former player.
I'm banking on the Patriots being able to take Cooks out of the equation early.
3* UNDER Brandin Cooks Receiving Yards
While it's conceivable to think Los Angeles Rams wideout Brandin Cooks will take aim at New England coach Bill Belichick and the Patriots, after he was traded away for a first-round draft pick, I'm convinced the mad scientist in a hoodie will prove he was right.
The talented 25-year-old receiver is one of Jared Goff's prime targets, but because he lacks the size and strength of a typical No. 1 receiver, I think the Pats are going to know the nuances of this kid, enough so they will be able to make him obsolete. His speed is dynamic, yes, but if he gets bullied, he won't factor into the Rams' attack much.
Rookie corner J.C. Jackson has been a hit during his first year for the Patriots and could draw the assignment. He's had two weeks to prepare for lockdown coverage, especially since there is intimate knowledge Belichick has of his former player.
I'm banking on the Patriots being able to take Cooks out of the equation early.
3* UNDER Brandin Cooks Receiving Yards
CHRIS JORDAN
This is a number that has been bet down in some places from the original number of 12' penalties. I still like it Under, as both teams come into Sunday as two of the most disciplined teams in the league. It's why they're in this game, because the don't make silly mistakes and because there is quality coaching on both sidelines. Figure this, the Patriots - with 6.0 penalties per game - and the Rams, who averaged 5.9, ranked in the top-10 in fewest penalties committed this season - including the playoffs.
And when you're talking about the Super Bowl, the reins are tightened and both teams might commit 3 each.
In the Patriots last five Super Bowls, they've been penalized five times or less in all five games. Over the last 31 Super Bowls, there has been less than 13 accepted penalties in 22 of those big games.
One thing I think we can all agree on is the officials have been letting the teams play more, and that will translate into this game. We saw it in last year’s Super Bowl shootout with record yardage and 74 points scored, as there was only a mere seven penalties on record and only one against New England.
Expect this one to stay well under the number, as I'm guessing there will be 6 or 7.
1* UNDER Total Penalties
This is a number that has been bet down in some places from the original number of 12' penalties. I still like it Under, as both teams come into Sunday as two of the most disciplined teams in the league. It's why they're in this game, because the don't make silly mistakes and because there is quality coaching on both sidelines. Figure this, the Patriots - with 6.0 penalties per game - and the Rams, who averaged 5.9, ranked in the top-10 in fewest penalties committed this season - including the playoffs.
And when you're talking about the Super Bowl, the reins are tightened and both teams might commit 3 each.
In the Patriots last five Super Bowls, they've been penalized five times or less in all five games. Over the last 31 Super Bowls, there has been less than 13 accepted penalties in 22 of those big games.
One thing I think we can all agree on is the officials have been letting the teams play more, and that will translate into this game. We saw it in last year’s Super Bowl shootout with record yardage and 74 points scored, as there was only a mere seven penalties on record and only one against New England.
Expect this one to stay well under the number, as I'm guessing there will be 6 or 7.
1* UNDER Total Penalties
DAVE COKIN
On to the Super Bowl. I don’t have any really strong opinions opinions on the game. This is a really tough call the way I see it. But here we go.
PATRIOTS 31, RAMS 30.
I also like a couple of props, though you’ll have to lay a price on each. I like Under 1.5 yards for the shortest touchdown. Give me one defensive PI flag in the end zone and that’ll likely be home free.
I also like Rob Gronkowski to go Over on his yards receiving prop. Mid-50’s on this one but he would seem to match up well against the Rams defense. More importantly, this might well be his grand finale as an NFL player and I believe he goes out on a high note.
Remember, this is only one game. Don’t treat it as big bet material just because it’s the Super Bowl. Have fun and good luck!
On to the Super Bowl. I don’t have any really strong opinions opinions on the game. This is a really tough call the way I see it. But here we go.
PATRIOTS 31, RAMS 30.
I also like a couple of props, though you’ll have to lay a price on each. I like Under 1.5 yards for the shortest touchdown. Give me one defensive PI flag in the end zone and that’ll likely be home free.
I also like Rob Gronkowski to go Over on his yards receiving prop. Mid-50’s on this one but he would seem to match up well against the Rams defense. More importantly, this might well be his grand finale as an NFL player and I believe he goes out on a high note.
Remember, this is only one game. Don’t treat it as big bet material just because it’s the Super Bowl. Have fun and good luck!
