New England Patriots vs Atlanta Falcons: 5 Predictions for Super Bowl LI

1) The Unlucky Seven

As is the case with every NFL game, seven players will be declared inactive before kickoff. For the Patriots they are remarkably healthy going into this game with Rob Gronkowski being their only key player on injured reserve. Seven players will be forced to watch the game in NFL sponsor approved sideline gear instead of a game uniform. Rookie quarterback Jacoby Brissett will miss out despite his return from injured reserve late in the season. Running back D.J. Foster will miss out in a numbers game in the backfield. Tackle LaAdrian Waddle, also known as Mr Inactive to Andy Hart from Patriots Football Weekly makes his regular appearance on this list.

Rookie corner Cyrus Jones has become a recent feature as his initial NFL campaign has been nothing short of a disappointment while safety and special teamer Jordan Richards will also miss out on this game.

The final two spots are slightly tougher to work out as they will come down to how Bill Belichick plans to go after the Falcons. Receiver Michael Floyd missed out on the AFC Championship after a few errors against the Texans. With four inactives on offense already, the last one will come along the defensive line with Vincent Valentine succumbing to a back injury and allowing Justin Coleman to come in and provide some depth in the secondary to help matchup with the Falcons multiple receiver sets.