5 Matchups to Watch in Super Bowl LI

Julian Edelman vs. Brian Poole

From Weeks 10-17, Julian Edelman had at least 70 receiving yards in each contest while averaging over 12 targets per game, and he's gone on to exceed those numbers in the postseason.

The intermediate area is where Edelman has excelled, and it doesn't hurt that he has the best quarterback throwing to him there.

Per Matt Harmon of NFL.com, Tom Brady's 134.9 passer rating on intermediate throws (10-19 extended air yards) easily led the NFL. The elusive Edelman also ranks fourth in yards after the catch, with Brady often finding ways to hit him in stride for additional yardage.

Slot corner Brian Poole will have his hands full with Edelman this Sunday. He's done a decent job in the slot, allowing just 0.22 fantasy points per route defended and ranking as PFF's 37th-best corner. It's worth noting that Poole hasn't allowed many big games to opposing slot receivers this season, though.

Jordan Matthews (6-73-0) and Willie Snead (3-82-0) were two of the top-performing slot receivers against Atlanta this season.

However, we're talking about Brady's top receiving target in a game where he'll likely need to utilize him. Edelman has the safest floor among all wide receivers given the matchup and his recent heavy production.

nF Projection

Julian Edelman: 5.80 receptions, 70.20 receiving yards, 0.53 receiving touchdowns