PatsFans.com Menu
PatsFans.com - The Hub For New England Patriots Fans
PatsFans.com - The Hub For New England Patriots Fans
  • NEWS ▼
  • FORUM ▼
  • SCHEDULE
  • NFL ▼
  • STATS ▼
  • GAMES ▼
LOGIN | REGISTER
Home › Patriots Blog › NFL Commentary
NFL Commentary

Patriots – Falcons Super Bowl LI Key Matchups, Prediction

Steve Balestrieri
Steve Balestrieri Senior Writer · PatsFans.com since 2011
Feb 3, 2017 at 8:44 am ET · 6 min read · 2.1k views
Never miss a story
Follow Us on Google News Follow on Apple News Newsletter
Photo: Reinhold Matay - USA TODAY Sports
6 min read NFL Commentary

The New England Patriots are back in the Super Bowl against the Atlanta Falcons from Houston, Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

The Patriots reach the mothership for the ninth time in their history, which is the most in NFL history, breaking a tie with the Steelers, Cowboys, and Broncos. The duo of Brady and Belichick reach the big game for the seventh time in 16 seasons with Brady under center.

This week’s game will be broadcast by FOX and can be seen locally on WFXT Channel 25 in Boston. Joe Buck will handle play-by-play duties with Troy Aikman as the color analyst. Erin Andrews and Chris Myers will work the sidelines. The game will also be aired on the Patriots flagship radio station 98.5 The Sports Hub with Bob Socci and Scott Zolak on the call, produced by Marc Cappello.

The Patriots (16-2) defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship 36-17. Tom Brady was brilliant completing 32 of 42 for 384 yards and three touchdown passes. Chris Hogan had nine catches on 12 targets for 180 yards and two scores.

The Falcons (13-5) defeated the Green Bay Packers 44-21 in the NFC Championship. Matt Ryan continued his dominant season, tossing for 392 yards and four touchdowns. Julio Jones had the same stat line as Hogan with nine catches on 12 targets for 180 yards and two scores.

We here at PatsFans.com are continuing our “Razor’s Edge” column in 2016 to give some quick analysis on some of the key matchups of the game and what you can look for in how the game plays out.

Series History:
The Patriots and Falcons are meeting for just the 14 time in their history with New England holding a 7-6 all-time edge. But Tom Brady is undefeated in four games against Atlanta, including a 30-23 win in the Georgia Dome back in 2013. Which was the last time the two teams met.

Needless to say, there has never been a matchup of this magnitude between the two teams.

Here is a look at some of the key matchups and who holds the Razor’s Edge.

First up is the Patriots offense:

Like this article?
Support Steve and buy him a coffee.
PatsFans.com — Independent Patriots Coverage Since 2000

Support Us: Help Us Compete Against The Corporate Media Giants

We need your help. If you enjoy our content, please help us beat Google's Corporate algorithm by adding us as a preferred source on Google News.

Click the button below and check the box next to "PatsFans.com"

Add as a preferred source on Google News
Read Next ICYMI: Martellus Bennett Scares Tom Brady During Press Conference →
About Steve Balestrieri
Steve Balestrieri

A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

View all posts by Steve Balestrieri
Tags: 2016 NFL Season 2016 Patriots season Atlanta Falcons Bill Belichick Chris Hogan Dan Quinn Danny Amendola Devonta Freeman Dion Lewis Dont'a Hightower Jabaal Sheard Julian Edelman Julio Jones LaGarrette Blount Martellus Bennett Matt Ryan mohammad Sanu New England Patriots NFL Patriots Patriots edge rushers Pittsburgh Steelers predictions Rob Ninkovich Tevin Coleman Tom Brady Trey Flowers Vic Beasley

Comments are closed.

📅 This Week in Patriots History:

From our archive - this week all-time:
June 4 - June 19 (Through 26yrs)

  • ICYMI PHOTOS: Tom Brady Celebrates Brazilian Valentines Day(2019)
  • New England Patriots News 6-16, AFC East Notes(2019)
  • Tuesday Patriots Notebook 6/18: News and Notes(2024)
  • Wednesday's New England Patriots Links 6/4 - Pressure is on Danny Amendola to produce(2014)
  • PHOTO: Tom Brady Supports Stephen Curry During NBA Finals(2016)
  • NFL News and Notes 6/12(2001)
FULL ARCHIVE
📈 Recent Most-Read Articles:
1
2022 New England Patriots Draft Picks – Full List
2
2024 Patriots Draft Picks – FULL LIST
3
Patriots Announce Ticket Increase, Dropping Stadium Parking Fees
4
Heading Into Free Agency, Patriots Have Two Tough Player Decisions to Make
5
Tom Brady’s ‘Life Is Hard’ Speech: Full Patriots HOF Transcript
📰 Follow PatsFans.com
Follow Us on Google News Follow on Apple News Get the Newsletter
Right Now At PatsFans.com:
MORSE: Looking At Patriots Wide Receiver Room and Gabe Jacas Mess
2026 NFL Offseason:
MORSE: Looking At Patriots Wide Receiver Room and Gabe Jacas Mess
By: Mark Morse
  • Key Questions Remain After Patriots Mini Camp: Little Margin For Error at Several Positions
  • Patriots News 06-14, Patriots Wrap Up Spring Workouts

More Patriots News Headlines:

MORSE: Looking At Patriots Wide Receiver Room and Gabe Jacas Mess

MORSE: Looking At Patriots Wide Receiver Room and Gabe Jacas Mess

By: Mark Morse
The Patriots' wide receiver room is under review, highlighting AJ Brown, Demario Douglas, and key battles. The Gabe Jacas controversy adds intrigue.
3 days ago
Key Questions Remain After Patriots Mini Camp: Little Margin For Error at Several Positions

Key Questions Remain After Patriots Mini Camp: Little Margin For Error at Several Positions

By: Ian Logue
Reviewing Patriots minicamp, key questions remain for 2026 concerning the offensive line, linebacker, receiver depth, tight end, and Drake Maye's role.
4 days ago
Patriots News 06-14, Patriots Wrap Up Spring Workouts

Patriots News 06-14, Patriots Wrap Up Spring Workouts

By: Steve Balestrieri
Patriots wrap up spring workouts, looking ahead to training camp and the 2026 season. Drake Maye's development, A.J. Brown & Romeo Doubs boost offense.
6 days ago
Patriots Rookie Lomu Reveals “Weird” First Days at Right Tackle

Patriots Rookie Lomu Reveals “Weird” First Days at Right Tackle

By: Ian Logue
Patriots rookie Caleb Lomu details his 'weird' initial adjustment to right tackle after college, now feeling natural with veteran Morgan Moses' help.
1 week ago
Vrabel’s Goal For Christian Barmore in 2026: “Being able to finish”

Vrabel’s Goal For Christian Barmore in 2026: “Being able to finish”

By: Ian Logue
Vrabel challenges Christian Barmore to 'finish' plays and increase sacks in 2026. His season management is also detailed.
1 week ago

Free Newsletter

BE THE FIRST TO KNOW

Join 2,000+ fans getting exclusive stats, analysis, and insights delivered straight to their inbox every week. Never miss a play.

📊
Weekly Stats Deep-dive analysis
🎯
First Access New features & tools
📤
Breaking News Player Signings & Rumors

Subscribe Now

* required

Intuit Mailchimp

PatsFans.com Social Logo
PATSFANS.com

The longest-running independent New England Patriots site online since 2000. Not affiliated w/any school, team or league.

Resources

  • Patriots Forum
  • Schedule
  • Patriots Roster
  • Transcripts
  • Archive

Stats

  • Offensive Stats
  • Opponent Stats
  • Offensive Line
  • Snaps Overview
  • Penalties

Analysis

  • Snap Analysis
  • Personnel Groupings
  • Stats By Personnel
  • Top 10 Plays
  • Offensive Line
  • Defensive Totals

Site

  • About Us
  • Podcast
  • Newsletter
  • Contact Us

© 2000-2026 PatsFans.com

Privacy Policy Advertise RSS Feed