Why the Patriots will win Super Bowl LI

The Patriots have appeared in six Super Bowls in the Bill Belichick/Tom Brady era and last appeared in the big game two years ago, winning their fourth Lombari Trophy. There is significant experience, which could provide a huge edge.

Legendary offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia returned this season after a two-year hiatus, and New England's line has looked significantly improved this season. If the Pats are able to dominant the line of scrimmage, it will be a long day for the Falcons.

Incredibly, the Patriots are 16-0 over the last two seasons when Lewis is on the field. He's more than just a good luck charm, as he showed in a dominant three-touchdown performance against Houston in the Divisional Round.

The Pats ranked ninth in red zone offense this season, scoring a touchdown on 64 percent of possessions. On the other hand, Atlanta's defense was dead last. New England's red zone possessions could be very fruitful.

New England had one of the top running games in football this season, ranking third in rushing attempts per game and 12th in rushing yards per game. Atlanta allowed a poor 4.6 yards per rush attempt, which could be an area for the Patriots to exploit.

Julian Edelman and Chris Hogan have been on fire during the playoffs, which should be a major concern for Atlanta's secondary. Edelman has three consecutive 100-yard games, while Hogan had one of the best games of his life in the AFC Championship.

Few teams have protected the ball better than New England this season. The Patriots ranked third best in giveaways, with less than one per game, and had the lowest interception percentage in the NFL.

Not only does New England avoid giveaways, but the team has also avoided penalties. The Pats ranked fourth best in penalties per game (5.6), which could play a major role in a close game.

Lacking an elite pass rusher like they had in recent seasons with Chandler Jones, the Patriots have still been able to get to the quarterback despite their team leader (Trey Flowers) accumulating only seven sacks.

Stopping the run has been key for New England's defense, ranking second in rushing defense this season. Atlanta's offense ranked fifth best in rushing, so something will have to give.

New England finished the regular season as the top scoring defense and has allowed only 15.7 points per game this year. Tom Brady and the offense get most of the attention, but it's the defense that could carry the Patriots to another Super Bowl.

Can Belichick win a fifth Super Bowl as a head coach? Those who have doubted him have been wrong more times than not, and he will get even more votes as the best NFL head coach ever with another Super Bowl win.

Brady was spectacular in 12 games during the regular season after his Deflategate suspension, with an incredible 28/2 TD/INT. His experience appearing in six Super Bowls already is priceless.