Now that the AFC and NFC championship games are over, fans around the country are in Super Bowl mode. Before you know it, Super Bowl parties will be filling homes all over the country because Super Bowl LI is going to be a game to remember. This year’s battle on the gridiron is between two of the top offenses in the league, the high flying Atlanta Falcons from the NFC, and the infamous New England Patriots from the AFC.  

Both teams are looking to make history out there on the field. This will be the second Super Bowl appearance from the Atlanta Falcons, having only played in Super Bowl XXXIII in 1999. The Falcons are looking to claim their first Lombardi trophy this year and they certainly have the offense to do it.

Throughout the regular season, the Falcons put up insane numbers. Their offense is ranked number one in points per game, averaging 33.8 points. The player responsible for these numbers is quarterback Matt Ryan. Ryan threw 38 touchdowns during the regular season plus another eight in the postseason. To top it off, Ryan only threw 7 interceptions and finished the regular season with a completion rate of 70 percent.

Ryan definitely deserves the spotlight for putting up numbers like those, but he couldn’t have done it without the help of his star receivers. Superstar Julio Jones caught 83 passes for 1409 yards, as well as hauling in 6 touchdowns. Standing at 6’3 and weighing 220 lbs, Jones has the quickness of a speed receiver and the ability to gain yards after the catch. The Ryan, Jones combo, in my opinion, is one of the top player combinations in the NFL.

Even if the Patriots try and run a double coverage on Jones, Ryan also has a multitude of options within his high flying offense. Mohamed Sanu has also been a great offensive threat for the Falcons racking up four touchdowns and 653 receiving yards. Atlanta also has a strong backfield with the explosives running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman. All of these offensive threats will be the key to beating the Patriots in Super Bowl LI.

Now it’s time to talk about the Patriots, again. This is New England’s ninth appearance in the championship game. Arguably, with one of the most successful franchises in the NFL, the Patriots are an unstoppable force. With quarterback Tom Brady at the helm of the offense, playmakers like Julian Edelman, Martellus Bennett and LeGarrette Blount continue to blow defense out of the water. Not only does New England have a very efficient offense, but they also have a lockdown defense. With a total of 37 sacks for the season and lowest points scored against them, the Patriots defense is going to give Atlanta a run for their money.

I think the only way the Falcons can win the Super Bowl is to keep Brady off the field. The offense has to control the clock and when the time comes, the Falcons defense is going to have to play aggressive against the Patriots offense. If the Falcons sit back and run a zone coverage against Brady, then it’s going to be a rough night for Atlanta. Brady and his deadly New England offense is just too good.

I’m predicting a score of 28-14 with the Patriots coming out on top. Even though the Falcons offense is the best in the NFL, the New England defense is notorious for coming in clutch during big time games. The combination of Brady’s ability to score on any defense and the fact that the Patriots can pressure the Falcons defense with a solid run game, secures the win for New England.

Statistics pulled from NFL.com.