UPDATE: 6:04 p.m. EST — His relationship with Patriots quarterback Tom Brady already under the microscope, President Donald Trump tweeted out his campaign slogan and told the world to “Enjoy the Super Bowl” just before New England squares off against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday night.
During his interview with Fox News’ Bill O’Reilly, Trump was pressed to make a prediction and said the Patriots would win by eight points.
UPDATE: 5:55 p.m. EST — As the world waits for the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons to take the field for Super Bowl LI, some of the biggest companies across the globe have already released their commercials for the big game.
One is website creator SquareSpace and their ad featuring actor John Malkovich.
And Bud Light bringing back “Spuds Mackenzie.”
Original Story:
After passing an 18-game gauntlet and lighting up most of their opponents, the New England Patriots (16-2) and Atlanta Falcons (13-5) will fight for the NFL’s crown in Super Bowl LI Sunday at NRG Stadium in Houston. New England, led by quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick, is seeking its fifth all-time championship in their ninth appearance in the Super Bowl and currently stands as a three-point favorite over Atlanta.
Previously, the Patriots opened as six-point favorites after pummeling Houston 34-16 in the divisional round and Pittsburgh 36-17 in the AFC title game. New England was barely tested in either matchup.
The Falcons, who are powered by recently named NFL MVP and quarterback Matt Ryan, enter their second Super Bowl and aim for their first victory. Atlanta last appeared in Super Bowl XXXIII in 1999, when it fell to Denver 34-19, but comes in red-hot after smoking Seattle and Green Bay by a combined 39 points in their two victories to reach the Super Bowl.
Each team does have some injury concerns. The Falcons are hoping top wide receiver Julio Jones can be in peak form despite a toe injury that’s bothered him for some time. Jones totaled 83 receptions for 1,409 yards and six touchdowns during the regular season and he’s expected to face the Patriots but may require surgery on his injured toe in the offseason.
Ryan’s offensive line also faces some serious questions. Pro Bowl center Alex Mack will play with a fracture in his left fibula, but how much remains to be seen. Ryan was sacked 37 times this season but still helped Atlanta post the highest-scoring offense in the NFL with 33.8 points per game.
The Patriots, meanwhile, listed seven players on their injury report mostly on their top-ranked defense. Defensive tackles Alan branch (toe) and Vincent Valentine (back) are each questionable but are likely to play, while defensive back Nate Ebner (concussion) and middle linebacker Dont’a Hightower (shoulder) are also banged up.
New England, usually known for Brady’s stellar clutch play and offensive firepower, actually led the NFL with 15.6 points allowed per game and were eighth in opposing passer rating at 84.4 per contest.
The game is scheduled to kick-off just after 6:30 p.m. EST, and throughout check back here for live updates, including scores and highlights.
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