The New England Patriots will face the Philadelphia Eagles in the much-anticipated Super Bowl 52 encounter at the U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday the 5th of February.
Fixed Winner:
New England Patriots 9/20
Philadelphia Eagles 15/10
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots played the full 60 minutes to ensure they could defend their Super Bowl 51 title. Danny Amendola’s fourth quarter leaping touchdown and Stephon Gilmore’s block were some of the standout moments in their AFC championship against the Jaguars.
Tom Brady completed two touchdown passes in a game that seemed to be all but over for the Patriots. But a late surge was enough to carry the them over the line for a 24 – 20 win over a tiring Jaguars. But on the contrary, the Jaguars morale appeared to dip due after some poor officiating.
Tom Brady was kept busy all night as the pocket was constantly threatened by a pumped up Jaguars team that threw him off his game. But the five-time Super Bowl winner and four-time MVP winner, kept his cool to deliver the goods.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles will make their third appearance in Super Bowl history when they challenge the New England Patriots on Sunday the 4th of February. Quarterback, Nick Foles, will appear in his first Super Bowl, alongside many of his team-mates.
The Eagles demolished the Vikings to secure a spot in Super Bowl LLI. Touchdowns from Alshon Jeffrey and Zack Ertz were capped off by magnetically pinpoint throws from Nick Foles.
In particular, the Eagles’ defence in the trenches unsettled the Vikings QB, Keenum, forcing him to make incomplete passes and a 50-yard return from Robinson saw the Eagles soar to a 38 – 7 NFC Championship victory.
Favourites:
The New England Patriots come into the tie as favourites to defend their super bowl title at 9/20. The Pats will play in their 10th Super Bowl, having won five, led by captain Tom Brady, and with a chance to win back to back Super Bowls – all the signs are pointing to another win for Brady and his Patriots.
The Quarterbacks
Nick Foles – Eagles
Foles will make his Super Bowl debut when he runs on to the U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday. He stepped up after Carson Wentz was lost to injury in Week 14, but after a few shaky appearances, the second choice QB carried the team to the final. With a shortened passing game, and the ability to throw Hail Marys, as he demonstrated in the NFC Championship – Foles is well equipped to carry his team over the line come Sunday.
Tom Brady – Patriots
Leading the NFL with 4577 passing yards, Brady could become the first athlete to lead with passing yards and win a Super Bowl in the same year. The highly decorated QB leads and directs the play from the front, with meticulous decision making, testament to that are his five Super Bowl wins and four MVP selections, which is the most ever in history by a quarterback. The 40-year-old is loaded with experience and he currently plays in his 18th season for the New England Patriots.
Potential MVP’s
Tom Brady – Quarter Back – Patriots – 57/100
Brady will have the best shot at winning his fifth MVP selection should the Patriots win. The quarterback could become the first to win the Super Bowl and have the leading passing yards in the same year, and an MVP award will be the cherry on top.
Nick Foles – Quarter Back – Eagles – 7/2
Foles will play in his first Super Bowl after the absence of first-chpice quarterback Carson Wertz. Foles could well be in the running for the MVP should he provide match winning touchdowns and big passing yards on Sunday.
Alshon Jeffery – Wide Reciever – Eagles 40/1
Jeffery could well be in line after his performance against the Vikings, scoring two touchdowns and running 85 yards. A big game from him is needed this Sunday.
Rob Gronkowski – Tight End – Patriots – 16/1
Gronkowski is one the leading catchers for the Pats and became the third tight end to reach four 1000 yard seasons when he completed that feat this year. If Rob gets the nod to play after suffering a concussion against the Jaguars – the Pats could well claim victory.
Danny Amendola -Wide Receiver – Patriots 40/1
Amendola’s clutch catch in the end zone in the AFC Championship will long be remembered, as he stepped up after Gronkowski suffered a helmet to helmet collision that resulted in a concussion. Amendola could take it should he provide the same consistency.
Verdict: New England Patriots 9/20
As huge favourites to win back to back Super Bowl titles the Patriots should win and with an absolutely loaded squad. The Patriots will walk away with the Super Bowl again, and captain Tom Brady will claim his sixth Super Bowl ring.
