2018 NFL Picks: Score prediction for Super Bowl 52

What to expect from the New England Patriots

Well what else should we expect besides plenty of Brady? It’s been the Patriots’ recipe for success for over a decade, so I wouldn’t look for anything different during the Super Bowl. In fact, it’s probably the only way the AFC’s top dog is going to survive this one.

Look for Brady to air it out early and often, relying on smart, mistake-free football to keep the Philadelphia offense on the bench. As we saw during the NFC Championship game, this Eagles defense has a knack for creating turnovers and forcing quarterbacks into costly mistakes. Even Brady can be bothered by an excellent pass rush.

It’ll also be key to determine Rob Gronkowski’s status. He seems on track to return, but will two weeks off be enough? If not, the Patriots are going to have to rely on their other weapons to carry the load, which hasn’t always worked in the past. Danny Amendola and Dion Lewis got it done against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but this Eagles defense knows how to nullify opponents’ top options.

Realistically, I think this one will come down to the New England defense. Can they get after Nick Foles and force him to make his own costly mistakes? Will they have it in them to corral Jay Ajayi? It won’t be easy, but it will be necessary if they want to make it two Super Bowl wins in a row.

The plan of attack: lean on Brady and get after Foles early and often. If they can do both of those things, the Patriots will be in prime position to win their sixth Lombardi Trophy.