Both teams have had great years to work their way through the minefields of the NFL, and to play for the World Championship is a remarkable achievement. The New England Patriots, the NFL’s version of a dynasty and the defending Super Bowl Champions, scored 458 points in the regular season; that’s a plus/minus margin of 162. They are 15-3 with victories over Tennessee and Jacksonville in the playoffs.
Philadelphia, also 15-3, dominated the NFC East and survived losing quarterback Carson Wentz, who threw 33 touchdown passes before tearing his left ACL late in the season. Nick Foles has guided the offense to playoff wins over Atlanta and Minnesota.
The Eagles allowed just 295 points during the regular season and have gotten better in the playoffs, winning 15-10 over the Falcons and 38-7 over the Vikings. They are also plus/minus 162 and are currently a -5 underdog in Super Bowl LII.
Ten times the Patriots have reached the Super Bowl. That’s a record eight times with Head Coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady. If the Patriots win Sunday they will tie Pittsburgh with six Super Bowl titles.
Quarterback Tom Brady is the best I’ve ever seen, and this is my 37th Super Bowl. Experience in the Super Bowl is huge; you cannot underestimate the advantage it is to have it.
This is the third Super Bowl for the Eagles, who are in pursuit of their first Super Bowl victory. They have a versatile running attack with power and speed and big receivers. They will challenge the Patriots.
Both the Patriots and Eagles proved in the AFC and NFC title games that they can come back if they get behind. The Eagles trailed 7-0 before rallying to smash the Vikings 38-7. The Patriots trailed 20-10 in the fourth quarter and Brady, as he did in Super Bowl LI vs. Atlanta, rallied them for a 24-20 win over Jacksonville.
Rob Gronkowski, the Patriots Pro Bowl tight end, was knocked out of the Jacksonville game with a concussion. He is currently in concussion protocol; if he plays, and I believe he will, he gives the Patriots the edge. I’m picking the Patriots to win.
Belichick, Brady and their experience will be critical. I see it Patriots 23-Eagles 17.
Larry Fitzgerald can be heard weekday mornings on KMOJ Radio 89.9 FM at 8:25 am, on WDGY-AM 740 Monday-Friday at 12:17 pm and 4:17 pm, and at www.Gamedaygold.com. He also commentates on sports 7-8 pm on Almanac (TPT channel 2). Follow him on Twitter at FitzBeatSr. Larry welcomes reader responses to info@larry-fitzgerald.com, or visit www.Larry-Fitzgerald.com.