Last week, our own Brandon Gdula analyzed the special teams aspect of the big game. The winner stemming from the analysis? New England, and it wasn't very close.

The Patriots ranked third in Offensive Special Teams NEP, and first on the defensive side. Meanwhile, Seattle ranked 21st offensively and 12th defensively on special teams. New England's offensive special teams ability actually added 27.12 more expected points over Seattle's this year, good for 1.66 points per game. Considering the spread of this game and how close it will likely be, that could be the difference.