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15 bold predictions for Super Bowl 51

By John Buhler

Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dwight Freeney (93) looks on during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive end Dwight Freeney (93) looks on during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Dwight Freeney shines in his final NFL game

Defensive end Dwight Freeney is in his first season with the Falcons, but this might also be his last. Freeney is 36 years old and well on his way to Canton as a lock to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. There is a great chance that Super Bowl LI will be the final game of Freeney’s illustrious pro football career.

Freeney already won a Super Bowl with the 2006 Indianapolis Colts. His patented spin move has helped him garner 122.5 quarterback sacks, seven Pro Bowl nods, and three first team All-Pro designations. While Brady is the most accomplished player in Super Bowl 51, Freeney is clearly No. 2.

The Patriots offensive line will key in on second-year pass rusher Vic Beasley of the Falcons. However, it will be Freeney who headlines the Falcons pass rush on Sunday evening. He’ll get into the Patriots backfield and finish with 1.5 quarterback sacks.

Freeney has a ton of experience against Brady from his days of starring in Indianapolis. Given that he has had an extra week to get ready for this game physically, look for Freeney to have one last outstanding game as a professional football player before retiring this offseason.

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