Helter Skelter » Atlanta has dodged a repeat of the ice storm whi

ATLANTA (AP) — ch marred its previous Super Bowl.When an ice storm blanketed Atlanta before the Super Bowl in 2000 Black Grady Jarrett Jersey , the fear was the NFL wouldn’t want to bring the game back.Atlanta’s $1.5 billion Mercedes-Benz Stadium was a game-changer. The new building, which opened in 2017, is the reason the city is hosting Sunday’s Super Bowl 53.The weather is on Atlanta’s side for Sunday’s Rams-Patriots game. There was a hard freeze Tuesday night, but no snow and no significant black ice. The forecast calls for a high near 60 on Sunday. The new stadium’s fancy retractable roof may be open for at least a portion of the game.Anyone who attended the 2000 game knows how important it was for Atlanta, and for the NFL, to avoid another frozen mess. The ice storm 19 years ago made it difficult for fans to drive into the city or safely walk to events surrounding the stadium.The ice and cold also affected the players on the teams in 2000. Practice plans were altered, including a walk-through in the team hotel ballroom.“I recall we’re going to Atlanta for the Super Bowl and then it’s freezing outside and we needed heaters at practice,” said Kurt Warner, who was the quarterback for the then-St. Louis Rams, who beat the Tennessee Titans 23-16.“The Saturday walkthrough, instead of having it out at the stadium we ended up doing some of that stuff in the ballroom, with the conditions and all. It was not exactly how I thought it would be.”Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay was one of the Atlanta-based fans affected by the freezing weather in 2000.Then only 14, McVay was already accustomed to Atlanta’s traffic woes. Thanks to the ice Grady Jarrett Jersey 2019 , McVay said his family’s drive to the old Georgia Dome was much worse than normal.“I know Atlanta traffic is always a nightmare, but it was especially bad that day,” McVay said Wednesday. “It took us forever to get into the Georgia Dome at the time.”There were serious worries about the weather this week, and for good cause. Ice turned Atlanta interstates into a demolition derby in 2014, leaving motorists stranded overnight on the Interstate 285 which serves as the perimeter around the city.This week, another daunting winter weather forecast prompted Georgia authorities to close government offices, Atlanta schools and cancel flights on Tuesday.Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald chuckled at all the commotion. He said he had no concerns about a repeat of the 2000 weather mess.“This weather is not bad at all,” Donald said. “It rains and y’all want to shut stuff down. I’m from Pittsburgh, so this ain’t bad.”It’s not as if Atlanta has sole claim to winter weather. Other Super Bowl cities, including Dallas, have been burdened with bad weather.Atlanta is eager to show its sunny side to its Super Bowl crowd and TV audience.NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Atlanta is on track for a good show.“Atlanta has done an incredible job,” Goodell said Wednesday at his state of the league news conference . “… We’re early in the week, but we see no reason why this isn’t going to be a great Super Bowl.”Falcons owner Arthur Blank said Sunday’s game will be “a great showcase for Atlanta.”“Atlanta is going to do a wonderful job putting its best foot forward Black Brian Poole Jersey ,” Blank said.The next big question: Will the city face another 19-year wait before the Super Bowl returns?Goodell bragged on the city — and its new stadium.“As it relates to when we come back, as you know they get more and more competitive as more and more cities want to host the Super Bowl,” Goodell said. “We think that’s great, but it is a challenge for us to meet all those demands.“I also believe not only is this city incredibly important to us, I believe the new stadium is one I think everyone will marvel at. I think it is an extraordinary stage for all of us.” <em>Last Week: 7-9</em><em>Picks against the spread this season: 15-16-1</em>Home teams shown in bold. Odds taken from Odds Shark.Cleveland (-3) vs. New York JetsThis is THE WEEK. It has to be. Open up those victory fridges & celebrate, Cleveland.<em>Pick: Cleveland (-3)</em>Minnesota (-16.5) vs. BuffaloPrediction: Nobody on the Bills decides to retire at halftime.Kidding aside, no matter the result, this game should be good for rookie QB Josh Allen. Although the results probably won’t look pretty, he will learn a lot playing against an elite defense in a hostile environment.<em>Pick: Minnesota (-16.5)</em>Carolina (-3) vs. CincinnatiRon Rivera called out his defense after last Sunday’s loss to the Falcons. I think they respond to that challenge and win by a touchdown.<em>Pick: Carolina (-3)</em>Baltimore (-5) vs. DenverThe Broncos are 1-9 against the spread in their last 10 road games. The Ravens don’t have to face AJ Green. I’ll take Baltimore.<em>Pick: Baltimore (-5)</em>Green Bay (-3) vs. WashingtonAlex Smith vs. Aaron Rodgers is always a fun storyline.<em>Pick: Green Bay (-3)</em>Philadelphia (-6.5) vs. IndianapolisCarson Wentz is back, and that is good news for the Eagles and for the NFL. This will give Philly a much-needed spark after a difficult loss to Tampa Bay last week.<em>Pick: Philadelphia (-6.5)</em>Houston (-6) vs. New York GiantsIn a battle of winless teams, this game stays close throughout. Odell Beckham Jr. should have a big afternoon.<em>Pick: New York Giants (+6)</em>Atlanta (-3) vs. New OrleansThis seems like one of those games that *should* be high-scoring, but my gut is telling me to take the under.<em>Pick: New Orleans (+3)</em>Miami (-3) vs. OaklandLadies and gentlemen, your 3-0….. Miami Dolphins?<em>Pick: Miami (-3)</em>Kansas City (-6.5) vs. San FranciscoA matchup between poor defenses and exciting young quarterbacks. Yes Brian Poole Jersey 2019 , please.<em>Pick: Kansas City (-6.5)</em>Jacksonville (-6.5) vs. TennesseeLetdown game or not, I have a hard time seeing Jacksonville drop this one. They lost both games to Tennessee last year, so that will give them even more incentive to bring it.<em>Pick: Jacksonville (-6.5)</em>Los Angeles Rams (-7) vs. Los Angeles ChargersSeven points is a lot against a talented Chargers team, and Rivers tends to play well as a big underdog.<em>Pick: Los Angeles Chargers (+7)</em>Chicago (-5.5) vs. ArizonaHow many weeks until the Cardinals give Josh Rosen the reigns to the offense? It’s tough to watch Bradford lead that offense right now, and the Bears are confident.<em>Pick: Chicago (-5.5)</em>Seattle (-1.5) vs. DallasI’m not saying Seattle got embarrassed on Monday night, but the performance (especially by the offensive line) wasn’t great. With the 12th Man helping them out, they get their first win this week.<em>Pick: Seattle (-1.5)</em>New England (-6.5) vs. Detroit I’m actually surprised that the spread isn’t higher for this one. Patriots take it in a rout, and Josh Gordon catches a TD.<em>Pick: New England (-6.5)</em>Pittsburgh (-1.5) vs. Tampa BayOne of these weeks, FitzMagic will end. This week is not that week.<em>Pick: Tampa Bay (+1.5)</em>