Patriots vs Falcons: Full predictions for Super Bowl LI

Jan 31, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; General overall view of New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons helmets at NRG Stadium prior to Super Bowl LI on Feb 5, 2017. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; General overall view of New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons helmets at NRG Stadium prior to Super Bowl LI on Feb 5, 2017. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) reacts after a touchdown by running back Tevin Coleman (26) during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) reacts after a touchdown by running back Tevin Coleman (26) during the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Closing Thoughts

With our staff picks in mind, the Falcons are favored 2-1 — but anything can happen.

Both Matt Ryan and Tom Brady know how to put up phenomenal numbers. The question will become who can continue to shine when the lights are at their brightest.

Brady has been here much more than Ryan — if he wins, he’ll have won more than anybody, too.

That puts plenty of pressure on Atlanta, but isn’t that where they should want to be?

Nobody should want to have a good football team for one year and then not be heard from after that. The Falcons are hoping this is a push of momentum that can carry them past this season.

As for the Patriots, legacy is the largest thing at stake. You don’t get to seven Super Bowls without hard work, but in their case they can’t escape controversy.

One bizarre Cinderella story will find out if the slipper fits while the world watches.

Next: Prop Bets For Super Bowl LI

In the mean time, check out some of the prop bets you can have at your house party or wherever you’ll be watching.