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Sky Sports NFL presenters predict Super Bowl LI result

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To end the pain, the Atlanta Falcons must end the reign the New England Patriots have had in the Super Bowl, winning it five times

This weekend, Houston plays host to the NFL's showpiece event.

Something has got to give on Super Bowl Sunday, when the top-scoring Atlanta Falcons face the New England Patriots, who boast the league's stingiest defence.

Ahead of the big game, which you can watch live on Sky Sports 1 HD and Sky Sports Mix from 10pm, we asked each member of the team for their predictions...

Live NFL Super Bowl LI

Dara Kennedy - Presenter

I'm going with the Atlanta Falcons. I believe if they start fast, they will confuse the Patriots defence, forcing New England to go against their usual Super Bowl strategy.

Usually, the Patriots suss out their opponent and strike in the second quarter, but the Falcons can keep them off the field.

Prediction: 23-17 Falcons

QUIZ: Patriots or Falcons
QUIZ: Patriots or Falcons

Unsure who to support on Sunday? Take our quiz to find out!

Neil Reynolds - Analyst

I've gone back and forth on this game - a lot. I think that if you give Patriots head coach Bill Belichick extra time, he's going to come up with a plan.

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But it's not just taking Julio Jones away, the Falcons have so many weapons on an explosive offence, I think they've improved on defence and, on a coin-flip game that could go either way, I'm going to go for Atlanta.

Prediction: 28-24 Falcons

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 22:  Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons looks to avoid the tackle attempt of LaDarius Gunter #36 of the Green Bay Packers during
Image: Controlling Julio Jones will be just part of the challenge for New England's defence

Jeff Reinebold - Coach

In my heart, I would love to see the Falcons win, because I coached Aldrick Robinson and I like what they do offensively.

However, I'm just not sure they're physical enough on defence. If the Patriots can keep it close early on, or get on top, New England will win the game.

Prediction: 31-28 Patriots

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 14: Dion Lewis #33 celebrates with Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter during t
Image: Can the Patriots outscore the Falcons? Jeff Reinebold believes so

Ndamukong Suh - Special Guest

If I were a betting man, which I'm not, I would probably go for the Patriots. They're experienced, and obviously have an elite quarterback that has been there many, many times. Their defence is a good one that bends, but doesn't break. As a defensive guy, I want to see the defences shut things down.

Too close to call a score, but I'll go with New England.

Prediction: Patriots

Matt Ryan and  Julio Jones come celebrate after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks
Image: The Falcons offence has a number of scoring options, and will look to get on top early

Shaun Gayle - Super Bowl Winner

The Pats look to be the easy choice. They tick all the boxes; offence, defence and special teams. Atlanta's offence is a monster and the defence is well on their way but not quite there yet…

But sometimes the champion goes up against a talented draft pick that's finally realised how good he can be. Sometimes experience and a boat load of trophies can't compete with faith, heart and fate. I think Sunday maybe that day.

Prediction: 38-35 Falcons

Richard Graves - Sky Sports News Reporter

It will be a close and competitive match-up; No 1 offence against the No 1 scoring defence. They say defence wins championships, but I'm going to go against that.

The key to this game will be how the Patriots cover the running backs, as well as Jones out wide - I just don't think they'll be able to cover everybody.

Prediction: 31-24 Falcons

Belichick and Brady have overseen a record number of Super Bowl appearances and AFC East title wins
Image: Belichick and Brady have overseen a record number of Super Bowl appearances

Tom Julian - Digital Editor

The heart says Falcons, who have been one of the most enjoyable teams to watch all year. 13 different scoring options, led by Jones, who's arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL.

But to go against Belichick and Brady - four-time champions, with their own weapons in both the run game and at receiver? Head says New England, in another close-fought win.

Prediction: 27-24 Patriots

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