Super Bowl LI open thread

The biggest game of them all is almost here! Tonight, the entire NFL season culminates in Super Bowl LI.

The Atlanta Falcons (11-5) are representing the NFC, while the New England Patriots (14-2) are representing the AFC. There are plenty of storylines regarding this game, such as the Falcons’ top-ranked scoring offense against the Patriots’ top-ranked scoring defense. Or the quarterback duel between Matt Ryan and Tom Brady, the top two vote-getters in the MVP voting this year.

Hopefully, it’s a competitive, memorable game - as opposed to the rest of the NFL postseason, which has only produced one truly memorable game. By all indications, this matchup should provide that, as both teams are legitimately good teams and should be able to put up quite a few points.

I’ve gone back-and-forth over who to pick in this one, which is part of why I expect it to be a good game - because I see valid reasons to support predictions for either team. But ultimately, I’ll take the Patriots 34-30, with Tom Brady as the MVP. I know Colts fans really hope I’m wrong.

Anyway, here’s the open thread for tonight’s game, but first, here’s the need-to-know information:

Date: Sunday, February 5

Time: 6:30 p.m. ET

Place: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX

TV Network: FOX

Announcers: Joe Buck and Troy Aikman

Watch Online: FOX Sports GO

SB Nation sites: The Falcoholic and Pats Pulpit