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Predicting Super Bowl 51: Who win on Sunday?

By Nick Floyd

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 quarterback Matt Ryan (2) waves to the crowd following the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: William Glasheen/Appleton Post Crescent via USA TODAY NETWORK
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) waves to the crowd following the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: William Glasheen/Appleton Post Crescent via USA TODAY NETWORK /

The Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons are the NFL’s number one offense in 2016. Led by quarterback Matt Ryan, or better known as “Matty Ice.”

Ryan has had a MVP type year in 2016. He threw for nearly 5,000 yards, with 38 touchdowns and only seven interceptions, with a passer rating of 117.1. Ryan has been so good this year, and rightfully should be the NFL’s MVP. Some of his games have been like playing Madden. At the game against the Carolina Panthers he threw for 503 yards, four touchdowns and only one interception for a rating of 142! Whew.

But it has not been just Ryan as the key to the cog of this offense. Wide receiver Julio Jones amassed over 1,400 yards with eight scores during the 2016 regular season. The pickup of Mohamed Sanu has proved a wise decision as well, as the former Bengal was second on the team with 653 yards and four touchdowns. Thrown in one of the best running back duos in the NFL with Devonta Freeman 1079 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns, and Tevin Coleman 520 yards and eight scores, and they can hurt you though the air and on the ground.

The stats for this Falcons’ offense don’t really give justice to how explosive this group can truly be. First in points per game with 33.8, second in yards per game with 415.8, and third in passing yards per game with 295.3 yards per game. They can score any given play and have shown that they have what it takes to be the best in the NFL.

On the defensive side of the ball the Falcons have not been as successful as their upcoming opponent in New England. Allowing 25.4 points per game (27th), 371.2 total yards per game (25th) and 266.7 passing yards per game (28th).

Don’t let those stats fool you, the defense of the Falcons should not be overlooked. Linebacker Vic Beasley was on a tear in the NFL and opposing quarterbacks were choice of food, racking up 15.5 sacks and finishing first in the NFL. Middle linebacker Deion Jones and strong safety Keanu Neal both had over 100 tackles, and Neal was responsible for five fumbles. They completely manhandled the Green Bay Packers in the championship game, and while the stats don’t necessarily match up, they are a hard-hitting, in your face defense.

Atlanta is good, they fought their way to the biggest game of the year, and New England should be a little scared whenever number two, and No. 11 lines up across for the defense of the Patriots.

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