Below is a ranking of all the starters in the Super Bowl. Kickers and punters are included. Interesting to note that the Patriots have four players in the top 10 and the Seahawks have six. Of those guys, five of the six Seahawks are defensive players and the Patriots have a better balance of two on each side of the ball.
1. Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
After a down year last year he was back to putting up elite quarterback numbers. With his track record and experience in the Super Bowl, he’s clearly the best player on the field
2. Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots
A big part of Brady’s resurgence is the healthy of Gronkowski. He completely changes the game all on his own and he’s the best playmaker in the game.
3. Richard Sherman, CB, Seahawks
Someone he got 4 picks this year despite the ball never coming his way. The elbow injury is something to watch very closely, but he’s clearly the best cover corner in the NFL.
4. Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seahawks
Beast Mode continues to play at the same level we are used to. He’s impossible to tackle and will wear you down over the course of the game and eventually break a big one.
5. Earl Thomas, FS, Seahawks
He perhaps didn’t play always as well this year and expected, but he continues to be the most dangerous defender on the field and the quickest to the ball. His injury is definitely something to keep an eye on. Without him the Seahawks are still extremely good defensively, but not nearly as terrifying.
6. Jamie Collins, LB, Patriots
He’s not as much of a household name as the players above, but let me assure you this guy had a monster season. He led the team in tackles, had 4 sacks and 2 interceptions. He’s only a 2nd year player but the Patriots hit the jackpot taking him in the 2nd round. He’s already a Pro Bowl level player.
7. Michael Bennett, DE, Seahawks
He had 7 sacks this year and by his standards that’s perhaps a little low, but he’s a complete player and the best defensive lineman in the game.
8. Kam Chancellor, SS, Seahawks
He will make any of those slot receivers think twice about coming over the middle. The hardest hitter in this game.
9. Dont’a Hightower, LB, Patriots
He’s really developed into a complete player and a blitzing specialist. With 6 sacks this year, the Pats will count on him to limit Wilson’s scrambles.
10. Bobby Wagner, LB, Seahawks
By far the most underrated player in this game. He is all over the field.
11. Darrelle Revis, CB, Patriots
He may not be what he once was, but he’s still a premiere cover guy. Wilson would be well advised to stay away from him.
12. Sebastian Vollmer, T, Patriots
The best offensive lineman from either side and he’s playing currently at a very high level.
13. Russell Wilson, QB, Seahawks
This feels a little low for him but his performance in the NFC Champion Game is a bit to blame for that. But too often he’s labelled as a “game manager” that is protected by an elite defense and rushing attack. Let’s not forget he also rushed for close to 900 yards this season and played with incredible efficiency. His performance against the Packers should be very concerning, but he’s proven all year he is as steady as it comes and can make the explosive plays when his team needs it.
14. K. J. Wright, LB, Seahawks
He led the Seahawks in tackles this year.
15. Stephen Gostkowski, K, Patriots
He was 35 of 37 on field goals this year. When you’re that automatic, you’re a weapon. And if the game comes down to a kick at the end he’s a critical guy to have.
16. Vince Wilfork, NT, Patriots
Perhaps long in the tooth, he’s still a beast on the interior that anchors the defense.
17. Max Unger, C, Seahawks
He’s a Pro Bowl quality center that’s one of the best at his position.
18. Julian Edelman, WR, Patriots
Hard to know how good he would be in a different offense, but it’s hard to ignore his 92 catches for 972 yards this year. He’s extremely productive.
19. Devin McCourty, FS, Patriots
Excellent compliment to Revis in the backfield. He has good over the top ability and has played well.
20. Rob Ninkovich, LB, Patriots
The Patriots’ best pass rusher, he finished with 8 sacks this year.
21. Jon Ryan, P, Seahawks
One of the most reliable and solid punters in the business. We also found out he can throw the ball a little bit with his touchdown pass in the NFC Championship. He’s also solid on kickoffs.
22. Cliff Avril, DE, Seahawks
Maybe a bit on the decline, his 5 sacks this season were tied for a career worst. But you have to worry about him on passing downs.
23. Chandler Jones, DE, Patriots
Dangerous pass rushing specialist.
24. Doug Baldwin, WR, Seahawks
When the Seahawks throw to stretch the field, Baldwin in their guy. But how much of an impact will he make with the Patriots cover guys? The Seahawks will need him.
25. Bruce Irvin, LB, Seahawks
Solid and reliable.
26. Russell Okung, T, Seahawks
He’s a solid player but didn’t have a great season. The question lately has been health.
27. Brandon LaFell, WR, Patriots
No one saw him have the kind of season he’s had but this offense has revived his career. He’s a large target and a big threat.
28. Ryan Wendell, G, Patriots
Solid interior player that’s very smart and has good technique.
29. Steven Hauschka, K, Seahawks
He was a little shaky late in the year out of nowhere but he’s still one of the best kickers of all time. He’s 31 of 37 on the season.
30. Patrick Chung, SS, Patriots
As bad as he was with the Eagles last year I must admit I thought the Pats were in a world of trouble bringing him back to start. But the return to New England has clearly reinvigorated him. He had a great season and is playing at a high level.
31. Byron Maxwell, CB, Seahawks
On many defenses he would probably be a stand out player. On the Seahawks he’s just a compliment player. Still a solid cover guy, though.
32. LeGarrette Blount, RB, Patriots
When he’s played this year he’s been really good, whether that’s been with the Patriots or Steelers. He had a mammoth game against the Colts in the AFC Championship game. Depending on the Pats’ gameplan, he could rush for 150 and 3 scores, or have 3 carries for 1 yard. A very feast or famine player, but he’s shown he still has the potential to have monster performances.
33. Akeem Ayers, LB, Patriots
With 4 sacks on the season, he’s a guy that can make plays here and there.
34. Shane Vereen, RB, Patriots
Solid but unspectacular.
35. Nate Solder, T, Patriots
Deserves bonus points for his fat guy touchdown last week. He’s a former tight end so the Seahawks need to watch that. Pretty good player but not dominant.
36. Brandon Browner, CB, Patriots
The former Seahawk has been a pretty good #2 to Revis.
37. Luke Wilson, TE, Seahawks
He hasn’t caught a ton of balls this year but he always seems to make a big play when his team needs it most.
38. Danny Amendola, WR, Patriots
Overpaid and one of the most overrated players in the league, he can still be dangerous and has shown some ability on returns.
39. Jermaine Kearse, WR, Seahawks
Hasn’t demonstrated he’s a consistent player but he’s still dangerous, especially with Wilson’s ability to buy time.
40. Kevin Williams, DT, Seahawks
At 34 he’s still playing at a good enough level. He’s just not the Kevin Williams you remember.
41. Bryan Stork, C, Patriots
He’s a promising center that’s stepped in and done a decent job as a rookie.
42. James Carpenter, G, Seahawks
He’s a young interior player that has benefited from a lot of experience already. Pro Football Focus graded him as only 47th out of 78 guards, though.
43. J. R. Sweezy, G, Seahawks
The former 7th round pick is holding his own and playing above expectations.
44. Will Tukuafu, FB, Seahawks
Plays limited amounts but provides the occasional run blocking boost.
45. Ryan Allen, P, Patriots
Very mediocre by league standards.
46. Chris Jones, DT, Patriots
The young interior defensive lineman has already bounced around a lot in the league and seems to have found a home for now in Foxboro. He hasn’t been overly impressive, though.
47. Tony McDaniel, DT, Seahawks
He’s older and has had a disappointing season.
48. Dan Connolly, G, Patriots
He’s had a poor season and could possibly be exploited.
49. Justin Britt, T, Seahawks
The rookie has struggled in his first season despite playing in 16 games, and is now dealing with knee injury. He should play but the Patriots will want to attack him.
