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The Top 15 Players to Watch in Super Bowl XLIX

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By @Brandon__Raper

Top 15 Players to Watch in Super Bowl XLIX

Russell Wilson Super Bowl XLIX
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The matchup for the big game is set: the New England Patriots will battle the Seattle Seahawks on February 1 in Super Bowl XLIX.

As the NFC and AFC champions prepare for the biggest game of their careers, which players will step up and lead their team to the Lombardi Trophy? Let's take a look at the 15 guys you should keep an eye on in Glendale.

15. Jamie Collins

Jamie Collins
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15. Jamie Collins

Jamie Collins
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After racking up 116 tackles in the regular season, Collins has become a key cog in the Patriots' defensive scheme this postseason. As Sunday's AFC Championship game wore on, he was all over the field, even picking off Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck late. He'll be the guy to watch for whenever Russell Wilson thinks about taking off with the ball.

14. Rob Ninkovich

Rob Ninkovich
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14. Rob Ninkovich

Rob Ninkovich
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Ninkovich brings a veteran presence to the New England defense, and even though he hasn't won a Super Bowl with the team yet, he's completely in tune with Bill Belichick's defensive scheme. He has a remarkable ability to get to the quarterback, and could quickly become a pain for Marshawn Lynch in the backfield.

13. Bobby Wagner

Bobby Wagner
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13. Bobby Wagner

Bobby Wagner
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On a defense with outspoken leaders like Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas, Wagner sometimes goes under the radar by just getting the job done quietly. From the middle linebacker position, though, he's the true leader of the defense, and with all the tricks the Patriots roll out, he'll have to be on top of his game for the Seahawks to repeat as champions. He could be seeing a lot of Rob Gronkowski, as well.

12. Doug Baldwin

Doug Baldwin
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12. Doug Baldwin

Doug Baldwin
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For all of Russell Wilson's success, he doesn't have a particularly flashy corps of receivers to throw to. Baldwin was by far Wilson's favorite target, and will continue to be in the Super Bowl. Baldwin is also an emotional leader in the locker room, reminding anybody who will listen that the Seahawks are the team that "nobody believed in" this year. One more game and that all changes.

11. Cliff Avril

Cliff Avril
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11. Cliff Avril

Cliff Avril
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Avril, another veteran presence on the Seahawks defense, is a versatile player who can not only get to the quarterback, but protect in pass coverage on the short crossing routes that the Patriots love so much. He may not rack up huge stats, but you'll see his presence -- or lack thereof -- come Super Bowl Sunday.

10. Danny Amendola

Danny Amendola
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10. Danny Amendola

Danny Amendola
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At one time an oft-injured afterthought in the Patriots passing game, Amendola has re-emerged as a valuable weapon for Tom Brady...and sometimes, Julian Edelman. When the Ravens focused their attentions on Edelman and Gronkowski, Amendola was there for two key scores in the divisional round, and he'll be there to keep the Legion of Boom honest in the same way in the Super Bowl.

9. Kam Chancellor

Kam Chancellor
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9. Kam Chancellor

Kam Chancellor
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Part of the vaunted "Legion of Boom" secondary, Chancellor will lay said "boom" on any receiver or runner unfortunate enough to cross his path. There's little Chancellor can't do on the field, whether it's rattling runners' teeth, leaping the line to block a field goal, or taking interceptions to the house. He's the "Anti-Gronk", if you will, and that's a rare thing indeed.

8. Darrelle Revis

Darrelle Revis
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8. Darrelle Revis

Darrelle Revis
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Welcome to Revis Island, Seattle. Please enjoy your stay.

Revis has proven this year that he's still an elite cornerback in the NFL, and he matches up well against any receiver the Seahawks could put on him. Russell Wilson isn't afraid to go deep when given the opportunity, and Revis could be left in one-on-one coverage frequently.

7. Julian Edelman

Julian Edelman
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7. Julian Edelman

Julian Edelman
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The former quarterback from Kent State has not only earned Tom Brady's trust as a receiver, but that of Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels as well. He's been one of New England's brightest stars this postseason, and will have to step his game up one more level if the Patriots are going to get past Seattle.

6. LeGarrette Blount

LeGarrette Blount
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6. LeGarrette Blount

LeGarrette Blount
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LeGarrette Blount is a lot of things, but whatever other terms you may use about him, he's a gamer. At once cast off from the Pittsburgh Steelers and always seeming to carry character issues wherever he goes, he's home once again with the Patriots, and as the closest thing they have to a featured back, he'll be the guy to carry the load in the Super Bowl. If he brings the heat like he did against the Colts, it could be a long day for the 'Hawks.

5. Marshawn Lynch

Marshawn Lynch
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5. Marshawn Lynch

Marshawn Lynch
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"Beast Mode" may not give great answers to reporters, and he may not even be playing for Seattle next year, but it's clear that if he's leaving, he's going out with a boom. Lynch carried Seattle through the NFC Championship Game, and not only will he be a focal point of the Seahawks offense, his most important role may be keeping Brady and company on the sidelines in Glendale.

4. Richard Sherman

Richard Sherman
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4. Richard Sherman

Richard Sherman
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Richard Sherman became a household name a year ago, and as the anchor of the Seattle secondary, this "Legion of Boom" leader will rise to the occasion again in the Super Bowl. He should be able to handle Amendola and Edelman, but even more important will be his recognition of the trick plays that the Patriots are sure to roll out along the way. It's time for the best corner in football to be at his best.

3. Russell Wilson

Russell WIlson
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3. Russell Wilson

Russell WIlson
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Wilson is back on the game's grandest stage for the second time in his three-year career, and with one more strong game he could start to build a legendary legacy in the NFL. Wilson got beat up badly in the game against Green Bay, and while the running game and defense are outstanding enough to keep the Seahawks in most games, he'll have to be better to take down the Patriots. Expect just that out of No. 3.

2. Rob Gronkowski

Rob Gronkowski
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2. Rob Gronkowski

Rob Gronkowski
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If you don't know how important Gronk is at this point, I don't know what to tell you. Healthy for the playoff run for the first time in three years, even when he's not getting the ball he's a tremendous factor in the offense. He generally draws at least a safety, in addition to a linebacker in coverage, and he catches balls nobody else can. The offense isn't all about Gronkowski, but it's pretty close. He's an invaluable asset.

1. Tom Brady

Tom Brady
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1. Tom Brady

Tom Brady
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Regardless of which side of the "is Tom Brady the GOAT?" discussion you find yourself on, this Super Bowl is going to be his legacy-defining outing. After losing his last two Super Bowls to the New York Giants and coming so close to this game in recent years, he knows this may be his last chance to win another ring. If the Patriots win, chances are good it'll be on No. 12's shoulders.

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