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New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons: Super Bowl LI Predictions

By Erik Lambert

Feb 1, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general view of the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots next to the Vince Lombardi Trophy prior to a press conference in preparation for Super Bowl LI at George R. Brown Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general view of the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots next to the Vince Lombardi Trophy prior to a press conference in preparation for Super Bowl LI at George R. Brown Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) signals a first down against Green Bay Packers inside linebacker Jake Ryan (47) during the third quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) signals a first down against Green Bay Packers inside linebacker Jake Ryan (47) during the third quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

The Game

Key Advantages

Patriots – Building their passing attack around quick receivers has really paid off as New England picked apart Pittsburgh and their weak secondary in the AFC championship. Atlanta also had problems defending the pass most of the year. Not only with their secondary but also their streaky pass rush. If the Patriots can neutralize Vic Beasley, it could be a huge night for Brady.

Falcons – One of the big reasons Russell Wilson had a huge game against New England earlier in the year was the fact that he did a good job spreading the ball around. Six different players caught two or more passes. Ryan has done that all year long for the Falcons. It total 13 different players ended up catching a touchdown pass from him. Keep the Patriots guessing. That is how one beats them.

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Key Matchup

Julio Jones vs. Malcolm Butler – When Atlanta gets their superstar receiver going in a game is when they are the best offense in football. Teams must roll coverages to him and as a result their many other weapons get free. That is why the Patriots will be leaning on their Pro Bowl corner. Butler said he dreamed of the day he’d get a chance to cover Jones. He better hope it doesn’t become a nightmare.

Prediction:  Patriots win 30-24

At the end of the day it’s about matchups. Tom Brady is going against an average Falcons defense. Matt Ryan is going against the top ranked defense in points allowed with New England. Atlanta will either need him to have a big game or their defense will have to step up. Both are hard to envision when it Brady and Belichick working their magic yet again.

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