The New England Patriots have been here many times before, while the LA Rams have been absent for a long time. The last time the Rams were in Atlanta for a Super Bowl (2000) the team was based in St. Louis. But, despite the experience gap, these two teams are equals in most ways. I expect a very competitive contest.

It is natural to want to pick the Super Bowl winner (I'm like everyone else on the planet). My main thought, however, is that it really could go either way. That is not a copout. I feel that the Rams have a little more talent, but I have seen over and over the Patriots' unmatched ability to adjust their game plan. 

Let me start my analysis with the areas where I think these teams are evenly matched:

1. Running attack

2. Run defense

3. Quarterback

4. Special teams - including the kickers.

Now, I want to add one slight caveat: I would give an edge in running to the Rams if Todd Gurley is 100%, but his condition is (and will be) a tightly-held secret. Only a few weeks ago, I would have said that the Rams had a clear advantage in running the ball. Due to the decline of Gurley, combined with unexpectedly-strong run production by the Patriots' offense, I have reconsidered.

I think the Patriots' offense has the edge in strategy and experience, because Tom Brady and Bill Bellichick have about seen it all. The Patriots have the edge in both pass protection and in their ability to read defenses, often firing short passes to defuse pressure and convert those critical third-and-short situations.

But I give the Rams an edge in explosive plays, especially completing passes of 20 yards or more. They have the offensive scheme, the quarterback and the receivers to do this against even the best.

Defensively, the Rams have the edge, because while the Patriots, in my view, have the better secondary, the Rams have the better pass rush. Because Brady is nowhere near as mobile as Rams QB Jared Goff, the battle between the Rams' pass rushers and the Patriots' pass protection could be the one factor that swings the game.

The Rams are fortunate to even be in this game (since one call in the NFC championship could have sent them home). I think they will play like a team with little to lose - the same type of football that they have played for two excellent seasons. The Patriots also play all-out, and are comfortable in big games. Since 2000, they have won 5 Super Bowls and lost 4. Both teams will take a lot of risks.

So, I think this game is a heavyweight title bout, and will be a 'super' Super Bowl.

I will go with the Rams in a close one.