Many were not surprised when "Madden NFL 17" predicted the outcome for this year's Super Bowl LI. The video game has been used to effectively predict 9-out-of-13 Super Bowls since EA Sports began using the game to forecast the game's outcome.
"Madden NFL 17": it has been making correct predictions
According to Forbes, "Madden NFL" predicted the winner of Super Bowl XLIX almost accurately in one of the most eerie Super Bowl predictions ever. There, "Madden NFL 15" foretold the final score, where the Patriots were coming back from a 10-point deficit in the 3rd quarter, and was within 3 yards of Julian Edelman's receiving yardage.
"Madden NFL 17": what was the prediction?
For Super Bowl LI, according to "Madden NFL 17", the Patriots will win but it won't be a high-scoring game. The final score will be Patriots 27 to Falcons 24. The Patriots' tight defense will keep the Falcons from scoring in the 3rd quarter, but the Patriots won't get the win until late in the 4th, with Julian Edelman scoring the winning touchdown. Tom Brady will get his fourth MVP honors and will be the first quarterback in history to win five Super Bowls.
"Madden NFL 17": Super Bowl LI outcome
Per WWG, the score was a little off but the virtual "Madden NFL 17" finished off with a final tally of 27-24. That wasn't too far from the real-world final score of 34-28. Could the people at EA really predict game outcomes?
"Madden NFL 17": algorithms and simulations
Yes, "Madden NFL 17" could have predicted the outcome with algorithms, although, what were the odds of an almost accurate score? It could be one thing that the simulations are in fact getting more lifelike and realistic with every year. It would be close to impossible to simulate the performance of real human beings through a computer game, but the results using statistics and physics was just astounding.
It looks like Fantasy football league aficionados could count on "Madden NFL" for some recommendations at least. There is no guaranteed win but look at what "Madden NFL 17" did, right?
"Madden NFL 17" was released in August 23, 2016 and is still available for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360.
