Loading Login

Underrated Players That Could Affect The Outcome Of Super Bowl 51

You are here

Underrated Players That Could Affect The Outcome Of Super Bowl 51

When you look at this game, most people assume that such players as Tom Brady, LeGarrete Blount, Matt Ryan, and Julio Jones will determine who will win Super Bowl 51. And, while this may be true there are always those X factor players that can turn things around and be completely unexpected for teams to contend with. Allow me break down which players I believe can be the X Factors in Super Bowl 51.

What X-Factors Could Alter Your Super Bowl 51 Bet?

What: Super Bowl LI
Who: New England Patriots (14-2) vs Atlanta Falcons (11-5)
When: Sunday, February 5, 2017
Start Time: 6:30 PM ET  
Where: Houston, TX
Stadium: NRG Stadium
Spread: Patriots -3
Moneyline: New England -150 vs Atlanta +140
Game Total: 59.5
Watch: FOX Sports
Stream: Fox Sports Go
Announcers: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews & Chris Myers
Listen: New England vs Atlanta

Underrated Patriots That Could Affect The Outcome Of Super Bowl 51

  • CB Malcolm Butler: The Patriots cornerback has a big job ahead of him, being tasked with stopping Julio Jones which by all intents and purposes is a mountain of a feat. However, Butler is having his best year as a pro getting 63 tackles, four interception and 17 defended passes.
  • Linebacker Dont’a Hightower: A disruptive player that will be tasked with pestering Ryan and also stopping the Falcons ground attack. Hightower is a key player for the Patriots stern run defense and can turn the ball over to Brady so he can run the offense.
  • Pass Catchers Not Named Julian: Julian Edelman has been Brady's most consistant target over the last few years after Gronk. But the Pats are knowns for the next player up philosophy. So who out of Chris Hogan, Malcolm Mitchell, Danny Amendola and Martellus Bennett will step up and be the hero of Super Bowl 51? Don't forget that the Pats also have rushers Dion Lewis and James White who are talented pass-catchers out of the backfield.

Underrated Falcons That Could Affect The Outcome Of Super Bowl 51

  • WR Mohamed Sanu: The former Rutgers do it all star, turned wide receiver for the Bengals and now part of the Falcons receivers crew. The reason why Sanu can be the X Factor? If you’ve paid attention to part of Bill Belichick’s strategy to limit opposing offenses, you’d notice the entire focus goes to the opponent’s best offensive weapons which means they’ll go after Julio Jones. The Patriots will likely spend much of their time from here to game time trying to figure out how to stop Jones and who does that leave open? Well, though Ryan has plenty of targets, arguably none are better than Sanu. If Sanu can grab at least 6-7 catches for at least a cumulative 100 yards or more, the Falcons have a great chance of upsetting the Patriots.
  • LB Vic Beasley: The Falcons defense has steadily improved in the postseason. Last game against the Packers, they kept Aaron Rodgers and the rest of the Packers offense to a minimum and gave Ryan plenty of ball time to put up 44 points in the victory. But, one player can sway the odds to Atlanta’s side and Vic Beasley. Let’s be certain, if you want to defeat the Patriots you’re going to have to disrupt Tom Brady, rattle his cage and break through his offensive line so that he’s pushed to work outside the pocket and maybe even give him a hit or two. And, there’s no one better at this than Beasley. This year, the Falcons linebacker racked up 15 sacks, the most in the league and though he’s been quiet in the postseason, this game might wake up the sleeping giant.
  • LB Deion Jones: Jones might be a rookie but he’s made one heck of a splash in his first year leading the team with 108 tackles and three interceptions. If there’s one player that can disrupt the Patriots short passing game it’s him.

As Featured by

Contact us at 1-877-717-7747
Check our sign-up bonuses to start with a boost!
Call now to get in touch with an account manager