I'm not much for superstitious reasons to play a side, but since no one has mentioned it, I'll throw another reason out there for you.
Patriots win makes sense!
WHY !!! YOU ASK?
THIS IS A PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION YEAR..
WHAT WOULD BE MORE FITTING THAN HAVING THE PATRIOT ACT STEAL THE SHOW?
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the same thing happened after 9/11 too!
This reason is as valid as the SI cover theory, beside I've already capped it.