Atlanta Falcons

Super Bowl LI: 3 Predictions For The Big Game

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 4:16 p.m. ET

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Feb 3, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium prior to Super Bowl LI with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2). Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Super Bowl is the biggest sporting event of the year. Here are some predictions for the big game:

First and foremost I think this game is going to be a shootout. This has all the markings of a classic barn burner. The MVP of the NFL is Matt Ryan. Tom Brady has won four Super Bowls and is considered by many, to be the greatest quarterback of all time. You’re fooling yourself if you think either defense is going to have its way in this game.

The Falcons offense is hard to stop. The Patriots offense is hard to stop. The Patriots don’t have superstars like Julio Jones, but they aren’t lacking weapons. Julian Edelman always finds a way to get open. Martellus Bennett is a big target and Chris Hogan has developed as a deep threat. Both offenses are poised for big games.

This is the type of game that will be determined by who has the ball last. When you look at these teams, you know what they bring to the table. The Falcons have the best offense in the league. The Patriots may have the number one scoring defense, but the Falcons are the team they didn’t want to see. The Super Bowl can go either way, but it’s not going to be a low scoring affair.

Jan 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) applies pressure to New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) in the fourth quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 38-32. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons Pass Rush Will Be Huge

If the Houston Texans had any sort of an offense, they could have given the Patriots a run for their money. The Falcons have a defense no where near as talented as Houston, but Vic Beasley is a lot like Jadaveon Clowney. Earlier in the playoffs, the Patriots struggled to prevent Clowney from impacting the game, that’s why the Texans kept it close in the first half.

Tom Brady is a stationary target. If the Falcons defense can get some inside pressure, they can really make a difference. The 2011 New York Giants defense wasn’t a dominant one, but their defensive line was a force to be reckoned with. They rattled Brady with constant pressure up the middle. I think with some good stunts, and timely blitzes the Falcons can come up with some key quarterback pressures.

There won’t be many defensive stops in this game. The Falcons defense is not great. It can be good enough though, and the pass rush is the key. Atlanta must get to Brady and make it a rough night for him. The Falcons sacked Aaron Rodgers twice and got constant pressure on him. If they can do that to the mobile Rodgers, just imagine what they can do to Brady.

Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The Falcons Will Win In The Red Zone

This game will be one by touchdowns, not field goals. The Falcons must win in the red zone, and I think they can do it. Atlanta has big bodied targets for Ryan in the game. Julio Jones is always open over his head. Mohamed Sanu is 6’2″ and can jump. Don’t forget their tight end Levine Toilolo is 6’8″. The Falcons have had 13 players catch a touchdown pass from Matt Ryan this season. The Falcons can punch it in.

The Atlanta running backs will also help to create mismatches in the passing game. Devonta Freeman is a big time player as a dual threat. He rushed for over 1,000 yards and he caught 54 passes this season. Freeman gives the Falcons more options in the red zone. This game will test the Patriots who have the number one scoring defense in football. I think the Falcons will win in the red zone.

The Falcons are going to win this game. It’s a bold decision and I am sticking to it. Give me the Falcons 35-28 in a back and forth affair. This should be fun to watch.