Where's the handicap?

@Vcdplaya3014

Throw in some turnovers from the Superbowl jitters and it's close to the spread.

Maye's strength is running and throwing deep. Is he able & willing to do both with (maybe) a bad shoulder? 

If NE turns to a short passing game to protect Maye (15 sacks and 6 fumbles in 3 playoff games), Seattle will sit on routes and grind out a physical, low scoring game.

Vrabel is very good, but McDonald doesn't seem to beat himself with unnecessary 4th down gambles, so I would call the coaching even.

As far as the halftime show is concerned, I couldn't give two fucks. Live and let live, or dig up Frank Sinatra and have him perform if that's your thing.

@Raiders22

 I'm with you, think we see a really good game 

@BenZolina

 Macdonald, nor Vrabel go for it on 4th down if the team is in FG range. Depending on score and time of the game ofcourse. 

@brn2loslive2win

Top two scoring defenses.

Two of the top opponent yards per point.

Two of the top four opponents points per play.

Both have negative EPA/Play against the pass and the run.

Both have good positive PS/Play against the run.

And some various other defensive stats.

They do not allow a lot of busted plays passing or rushing or too many explosive ones either.

Plus the Drake Maye ‘injury’ I think has to be considered.

I think these all set up for both teams to start slow by being careful with their QBs and trying to build their ‘confidence’ as the game progresses.

I do not think either coach will want their QB to get rattled early or fall too far behind early.

I also think both coaches will not be as apt to go for it on some questionable 4th down-type plays as other coaches would be with more ‘experienced’ or more ‘big-game’ QBs and will punt and play a more field-position type of game.

I took Seattle -4.5 early.  But I feel if Maye gets a great update this week some pro money will come in on New England.  Some of the guys I know mostly took a position on Seattle because of the Maye ‘news’.  So, I could see some of that changing.

So, I think it could get to -4 this week, and I like that a bit better.

But I took a larger portion on the U46 early. 

But it still has to play out that way.  

So, you may get a wide open game for an easy blowout and it might still stay under.