Match Preview

New England Patriots vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Super Bowl LII Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Preview

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Get the chicken wings and burgers on the grill as the Super Bowl returns for its 52nd edition this Sunday!

This year’s American Football extravaganza takes place from the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis and defending champions, the New England Patriots and Tom Brady return to defend their crown. In their way stand the Philadelphia Eagles, who are making their first Super Bowl appearance since 2004. Ironically, they lost 24-21 to the Patriots on that day.

The Patriots are the first team since the Seattle Seahawks in 2014 and 2015 to make back-to-back Super Bowl appearances and they’re hoping to become the first team to win consecutive titles since they won in Super Bowl XXXVIII and XXXIX.

The Eagles are making just their third appearance in the Super Bowl. They’ve never won American Football’s biggest prize, losing both times back in Super Bowl XV and Super Bowl XXXIX.

Super Bowl Predictions

It’s hard to bet against the Patriots in this game. Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are very experienced in these situations. They overcame a record deficit against the Falcons in last year’s showpiece event and it’ll take something to beat them this time around.

Super Bowl Betting Tips

  • Philadelphia Eagles to win: 33/20
  • New England Patriots to win: 20/41
  • Over 10.5 points in the first quarter: 33/20
  • Rob Gronkowski to score the first touchdown: 15/2

Head to Head

  • The NFC is represented by the number one playoff seed Philadelphia Eagles, while the AFC was represented by the number one playoff seed New England Patriots, marking the fourth time in the previous five years that the Super Bowl had featured the top team from each conference.
  • The Eagles finished the regular season with a record of 13-3, one of four teams (along with New England, Minnesota and Pittsburgh) with that record.
  • Carson Wentz record a passer rating of 101.9, threw for 3,296 yards and 33 touchdowns, with just seven interceptions this season.
  • The Eagles defence ranked fourth in the league in the fewest yards allowed (4,904).
  • For the 16th time in 18 seasons under coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots recorded double-digit wins, finishing the regular season with a record of 13-3.
  • New England’s offense led the league in yards gained (6,307) and ranked second in points scored (458).
  • Brady threw for a league-leading 4,577 passing yards and 32 touchdowns with just eight interceptions, earning him his 13th selection to the Pro Bowl.
  • Rob Gronkowski finished the year with 69 catches for 1,084 and eight touchdowns in just eight games.
  • The Patriots defence gave up just 296 points this season, fifth in the whole NFL.
  • This will be a rematch of Super Bowl XXXIX. Only one player, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady remains on either roster from that contest.
  • Two members of the Eagles, running back LeGarrette Blount and defensive lineman Chris Long, were both on the Patriots roster for Super Bowl LI.

Words by @dominictrant