I suspect the upcoming SB will have dismal tv ratings

Totally agree, but that seems to be part of a recent downward trend across the board for the NFL.  I think Vikes/Pats would have greater ratings thanks in large part to the rightful hype of the "Minnesota Miracle".  Much more nationwide awareness.  I live in Texas and most people who are fairly acquainted with me, know that I am a Vikings fan.  Few of them ever engage in football conversations with me.  After that game, I had people that I rarely speak with outside of simple pleasantries, approaching me and not only wanting to talk about the game and that play, but telling me that they were rooting for the Vikings to win it all.  It was surprising to me.

I think the Vikings have a much broader fan base than Philly.  IMO anyway.

As to the appeal, I think the close proximity, Philly and Boston, limits the draw.  But then again, doesn't everyone watch the SB anyway?  So I doubt the ratings will be too dismal.

It sure doesn't help matters when some of the biggest hype surrounding Philly is a journyman QB and a fanbase that can be best described as disgusting. So while you have the David vs. Goliath scenario, you have a great deal of casual fans who would like to see the underdog get squashed just to watch their fans cry.

Besides all that, the small geographic region, with their very specific fan traits, would seem to attract a very specific audience. But it is the super bowl so who knows.

I wonder if the Patriots' repeated appearance will hurt ratings? Prior to the conference championships, there was some buzz around "3 of the remaining teams have never won a Super Bowl"...but now it seems as if everyone just assumes the Patriots are inevitable winners this year and starting to seem like there is no point in expecting anyone else to represent the AFC.
I would think the league and networks would be eager to "sell" some new faces and teams to the general fan base, but maybe they fear change and are happy to cling to Brady as long as possible.

@"mgobluevikes" said:
It sure doesn't help matters when some of the biggest hype surrounding Philly is a journyman QB and a fanbase that can be best described as disgusting. So while you have the David vs. Goliath scenario, you have a great deal of casual fans who would like to see the underdog get squashed just to watch their fans cry.

Besides all that, the small geographic region, with their very specific fan traits, would seem to attract a very specific audience. But it is the super bowl so who knows.