When the Eagles meet the Patriots in Super Bowl 52 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, it will mark the fourth time in five years that the top seeds in the NFC and AFC have battled for the NFL championship.
Philadelphia and New England were the best teams in the league all season, and they have backed it up with strong playoff runs. The Eagles and Patriots match up well with each other, offensively and defensively.
A good 13 years since the franchises met in Super Bowl 39, who will take the rematch in Super Bowl 52? Here's an early prediction.
SUPER BOWL 52: Odds for Eagles vs. Patriots
Super Bowl 52: Odds, picks for Eagles vs. Patriots
- Opening line: Patriots -5.5
- Over/under: 48
- Kickoff: Sunday, Feb. 4, 6:30 p.m. ET
- Location: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis
- TV: NBC
- Live stream: fuboTV (sign up for 7-day free trial)
The Patriots used a familiar formula to get to their eighth Super Bowl under coach Bill Belichick: clutch play from both quarterback Tom Brady and their defense. The Eagles have been the NFL's most complete team in their ability to light up the scoreboard while also shutting down opponents.
What looked like a lopsided QB advantage for Brady feels a little different after Nick Foles turned in one of the greatest playoff passing performances ever against the Vikings. Facing another daunting defense that will stop the run, Brady will have no issues passing often in a game that has all the makings of a shootout.
MORE: David Steele's Super Bowl 52 pick
The Patriots have the better secondary to contain Foles' targets, but the Eagles have the better front-four pass rush to throw at Brady. Look for both Doug Pederson and Josh McDaniels to be aggressive and call upon their QBs to go after big plays downfield.
Dion Lewis and Jay Ajayi both will flash in the running game, but it comes down to which gamebreaking wide receiver-tight end combination — Alshon Jeffery and Zach Ertz vs. Brandin Cooks and Rob Gronkowski — can have more success stretching the field.
The Patriots are vulnerable in linebacker coverage but have the cornerbacks and safeties to contain big plays. The Eagles' defensive weaknesses lie on the edges of their back seven.
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The Eagles will make more plays in the slot with Nelshon Agholor working on former Eagle Eric Rowe, and the Patriots will see Danny Amendola cool off against Patrick Robinson. Overall, not much will separate the offense explosiveness. And with weather not being a factor, the game likely will come down to the final possession.
In the end of a close, somewhat high-scoring game, it's easier to trust the steady Brady over the streaky Foles.
Super Bowl 52 pick: Patriots win 30-27 but fail to cover the spread.
