Seattle Seahawks (+1) vs. NE

Deflategate is somewhat behind us and the Super Bowl is here. The sports books have this game very evenly matched, although late money this week was going on the Patriots.

When New England has the ball. Look for the Patriots to work in their TEs into the match-up. Rob Gronkowski needs to be a major target and the wild card is backup TE, Tim Wright. The Patriots know they’ll have limited success attacking the Seahawks outside.

They also won’t be able to run the ball. Therefore, the attack must run through their TEs which is a position that has given the Seahawks trouble this year. However, that will be a difficult strategy to keep up over four quarters and against a relentless Seahawks D. The lack of a run threat means Brady will have pressure in his face much of the evening and will be forced to get rid of the ball earlier than he would like.

When Seattle has the ball. They will pound the rock. Justin Forsett had a lot of success against the Patriots run D and Marshawn Lynch is significantly better than Forsett. Seattle will pound the ball but New England will know this and load up the box. CB Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner can lock up the Seahawks outside threats pretty well so Belichick will not have to double anyone.

TE Luke Willson could be a nice sleeper because he has a knack for getting open and making big plays. The Pats Safeties are good, but not great. Expect things to start slow for the passing game but pick up when Wilson incorporates his version of the read option. His ability to make plays out of the pocket and extend them is uncanny and will give the Patriots D all sorts of problems in the 2nd half.

It’s a fairly even matched game but when the clock hits 0:00, look for Seattle to repeat as champions with a 24-14 or 27-17 win. Brady will have trouble with the Seahawks pass rush and Seattle is the more physical team.

Must Start

Calvin Johnson, Antonio Brown, Julio Jones, Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas

Tier 1

Jordy Nelson vs. Buf – The Bills cover than people think.

Odell Beckham vs. Was – The superstar rookie will abuse the Skins secondary.

Alshon Jeffery vs. NO – He instantly becomes a top tier No. 1 with Brandon Marshall out.

TY Hilton vs. Hou – Hilton went over 200 yards in their last game. Look for another solid effort.

AJ Green vs. Cle – Joe Haden usually plays Green tough.

Roddy White vs. Pit – Expect the Falcons to have success in the air.

Emmanuel Sanders vs. SD – The Chargers feature a top 10 pass D but Sanders put up 3 TDs and 100 yards in their 1st outing.

Mike Evans vs. Car – The rookie is still on a tear. That will continue against the Panthers.

Jeremy Maclin vs. Dal – Maclin should own the Cowboys D.

Tier 2

DeAndre Hopkins vs. Ind – Hopkins has a decided advantage when CB Vontae Davis isn’t covering him.

Sammy Watkins vs. GB – The previously stingy Packers pass D looked atrocious Monday Night.

Randall Cobb vs. Buf – He might have more success than Nelson.

Keenan Allen vs. Den – Allen plays well against the Broncos.

Julian Edleman vs. Mia – Solid play in PPR leagues.

Kenny Stills vs. Chi – Stills threw in a stinker in Week 14. Chicago is a much more favorable matchup.

Josh Gordon vs. Cin – Going with Johnny Manziel will impact Gordon’s standing.

Steve Smith vs. Jax – Smith will have a field day against the lowly Jags.

Pierre Garcon vs. NYG – Jackson’s injury improves Garcon’s value.

Bust

Michael Crabtree vs. Sea – Kaepernick is struggling mightily and this is not the defense to get back on track.

Fantasy Sleeper

Martavis Bryant vs. Atl – His deep speed is deadly and the Falcons don’t cover well.

Top Pick

1. Cleveland Browns vs. Hou – Typically you might worry about a letdown after their big win vs. the Bengals on Thursday. But that won’t happen here. The Texans start QB Ryan Mallett which creates uncertainty facing a defense on the upswing.

Next

2. Carolina Panthers vs. Atl – Cam Newton and Co. got embarrassed on MNF. Thankfully for them they get the Falcons at home this Sunday. Expect a sloppy game which the Panthers pull out by at least a TD.

3. Washington Redskins vs. TB – The Bucs can do no right this year. They have a few talented spots on the roster but are razor thin in the middle. They’re also lacking a QB. All of that equals another loss when they head to Washington.