Why the Falcons will win Super Bowl LI

Atlanta's offense has been historic, scoring the most points in the NFL (540) and also easily the most in franchise history. The total is also tied for the eighth most all time with the 1999 St. Louis Rams.

Atlanta's defense certainly doesn't match its offense, but that side of the ball has played better in recent weeks. The Falcons held the high-powered Green Bay offense to 21 points in the NFC Championship and allowed 20-plus points only once over their last four regular-season games.

Veteran kicker Matt Bryant had a career year, earning his first Pro Bowl designation at age 41. He made 92 percent of his field goal attempts, including six kicks from 50-plus yards. Bryant's leg could make the difference in a close game.

Quinn is only in his second season as a head coach, but he does have significant Super Bowl experience as the former defensive coordinator of the Seahawks. His defense faced the Patriots in the Super Bowl just two years ago, and his experience could calm his team in the biggest game of the year.

Shanahan was one of the most sought-after head coaching candidates late this year after leading Atlanta's offense. His play calling and use of the Falcons' great talent has been a difference maker for the elite offense, and he is one of the few offensive minds with the ability to win a chess match against New England's defense.

The likely league MVP, Ryan threw for nearly 5,000 yards and 38 touchdowns during the regular season. His brilliant play has continued into the playoffs, completing more than 70 percent of his passes and throwing seven touchdowns in two games. He hasn't thrown an interception during Atlanta's six-game winning streak.

Arguably the best wide receiver in football, Jones is tough to contain, even for a brilliant defense like New England's. He averaged 17 yards per reception during the regular season, finishing with 1,409 receiving yards.

Atlanta averaged 4.4 yards per rush attempt this season, ranking eighth best in football. The tandem of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman has been difficult to stop all year, and the duo is able to stay fresh as a tag team.

While New England ranked third best in giveaways this year, Atlanta was No. 1. Matt Ryan and Co. do an outstanding job protecting the ball, which could make all the difference in the Super Bowl.

Beasley has come into his own in his sophomore season, with 15.5 sacks this year. He has the ability to get to Tom Brady, which very well could be the difference in the game.

It's hard to imagine the Falcons could be playing much better than they are now. They've won six straight games by an average margin of nearly 20 points and have scored at least 33 points in each of those games. Certainly, the Falcons are peaking at the right time.