In the Aug. 27 issue of Sports Illustrated, NFL analyst Andy Benoit predicted the Atlanta Falcons will win Super Bowl LIII on their home field next February.
Benoit predicts that the Falcons will defeat AFC champion Pittsburgh 27-24 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium - two years after the team’s historic loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI.
“Atlanta has a diverse, electrifying offense quarterbacked by 2016 MVP Matt Ryan,” Benoit wrote. “They also have a fast, unified defense built around guys in their prime. In the AFC, the Patriots feel a touch weaker this year, so I’m giving that conference to the Steelers, who can win with a smashmouth ground game or a high-flying spread passing game.
“They, too, have a defense in its prime. But the Falcons are a more complete team. Atlanta finally gets its Lombardi Trophy.”
Here’s the path Benoit has for the Falcons -- NFC South champion at 12-4, divisional round win over Saints and NFC championship win over Minnesota. If that’s the case, the Falcons could play three postseason games - including the Super Bowl - on their home field.
All of Benoit's predictions for the 2018 season can be read on Sports Illustrated's website or on the newest issue of Sports Illustrated released on Aug. 27.
