After weeks of predictions, stats, history, spreads, over and unders, and so much more, we are finally here. Super Bowl LI is ready to be played. With many teams having aspirations to play in Houston, only two teams left to attempt to fulfill their season long dream. The NFC Champion Atlanta Falcons and the AFC Champion New England Patriots are the teams that earned the chance to play in the Super Bowl. These teams faced many obstacles to get here, nonetheless they got to where they wanted to go. With these teams clinching a berth in the biggest game, I take a look back at their wins, and give a little preview of what to expect for Super Bowl LI.

Dirty birds, dirty dancin'

The Atlanta Falcons are the team representing the NFC in the Super Bowl. The Falcons dominated the Green Bay Packers winning that game with a final score of 44-21. Matt Ryan was a star in this game, throwing for 392 yards and four touchdowns, and even ran for a touchdown. Julio Jones had himself a game as well, catching nine passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns. The Falcons defense was harassing Aaron Rodgers all day, sacking him twice and keeping him running for his life all day, constantly getting whacked after a throw. The Atlanta defense caused Rodgers to make inaccurate throws, often causing them to miss critical plays. But it was the Falcons offense that stole the day, showing how decimated the Packers were at defensive back.

Matt Ryan was carving them up like a Thanksgiving turkey, and they couldn't stop it. The Falcons closed out the Georgia Dome era with a convincing win sending the Falcons to Houston, Doing the Dirty Bird in the Super Bowl.

Pats keep pushing to Houston

The New England Patriots are representing the AFC in this years Super Bowl.

The Patriots played their game the Patriot way, solid defense with Tom Brady taking care of business on the offensive end. The Patriots showed who was boss, beating the Steelers, 36-17. The Pats got a boost from an unlikely source, WR Chris Hogan. The receiver had 180 yards receiving along with two touchdowns. Reliable receiver Julian Edelman had 118 yards receiving shredding apart the secondary of Pittsburgh.

Legaratte Blount was a wrecking ball, bouncing off of tacklers and dragging half of the Steelers defense with him on one of his runs. Tom Brady was simply Tom Brady. He threw for 394 and three touchdowns in what simply a routine performance against this Steeler defense. The Steeler offense never could get moving, as Big Ben and company were shut down most of the game. Le'Veon Bell was shut down and had to leave the game with a groin injury. Antonio Brown had a decent game but it he was doubled most of the game, which is what the Patriots are best known for, taking away your biggest weapon. The Patriots have been one of the best teams in football and they will try to capture one more Lombardi in Houston.

Very early preview

With the two teams set for Super Bowl LI, let's take a look at what to expect for football's biggest game. The Falcons come in with the best offense in football with so many weapons that can beat you. Matt Ryan is as close to the MVP award as he's ever been, leading this Falcons team with his arm and the Ice in his veins (that's why he's called Matty Ice). Tom Brady is once again back in the Super Bowl, leading another makeshift offense into the playoffs. The Patriots defense has been solid all season, holding some of the best offenses in check.

The Patriots defense was first in points allowed (15.6) in the regular season, and eighth in yards allowed (326), which proves that their defense will shut you down. The Falcons are first in points per game (33.8) and are second in yards per game (415). This game is the best offense against the best defense and this will test the old testament that defense wins championships. The Super Bowl is goin to be a great one as we see two teams who are on fire, and ready to bring that coveted Lombardi home.
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