2018 NFL Picks: Score prediction for Super Bowl 52

The Philadelphia Eagles are Super Bowl 52 champs

The Eagles have embraced the underdog role, and it’s working out very well for them. They head into Super Bowl 52 with low external expectations considering they’ll be up against the GOAT, but I can assure you they’re aiming for another blowout.

While I don’t believe this will end in a blowout for either team, I’m predicting the Eagles will secure their first Lombardi Trophy when the clock strikes zero.

As I’ve alluded to earlier, this is going to come down to which defense can make more plays. While the Patriots’ defense got better in the second half of the season, it has struggled at times to slow down efficient offenses. As we saw during the Divisional Round, Philadelphia may have one of the most efficient offenses in the NFL, especially if it doesn’t need Wentz to put up big points.

The Eagles’ defense, meanwhile, has been lights out for most of the season. They’ve employed the bend-but-don’t-break approach, and it earned them the top seed in the NFC. As great as Brady is and has been on the NFL’s biggest stage, he’s not perfect. Philadelphia is going to capitalize when those mistakes come, creating a couple of key turnovers along the way.

The Eagles hoist the Lombardi Trophy for the first time. Brady adds another Super Bowl loss to his record, although it doesn’t do much to tarnish his legacy. Foles goes home the hero, and finds himself a starting gig during the offseason. Everyone outside of Boston is happy.

Next: Grading every 2017 first-round pick after Year 1

It’s not at all how I foresaw this season playing out. And yet, the Eagles winning it all seems like a storybook ending to the 2017 campaign. Philadelphia wins by playing tough, physical football complemented by an offense that simply can’t be stopped. All is right in the world.

Final Score Prediction: Eagles win 26-24