Super Bowl 52: NFL Spin Zone staff picks, predictions

Members of the NFL Spin Zone staff make their picks for Super Bowl 52 between the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles.

Every year, there are certain narratives that arise when the Super Bowl comes around. Sometimes, the media and fans have to dig a bit deeper than others to find that sort of thing. However, as the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles get set to meet in Minnesota on Sunday for Super Bowl LII the narrative is a time-tested and simple one: David vs. Goliath.

Sure, these are both storied franchises that will take up their post inside U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday. However, when you consider that the Patriots will be starting the greatest quarterback of all time and the Eagles will trot out a backup that didn’t take the field until Week 14 this season, it’s a mismatch in that regard.

With that said, Philadelphia isn’t without a chance in Super Bowl LII. They have a defense far superior to that of New England’s. What’s more, there’s always the possibility that the underdog plays with a bit more passion and fire than the favorites. And in only 60 minutes of play, that difference in attitude can make a huge amount of difference.

So then, will the Eagles shock the world and the New England area on Sunday? Or will Tom Brady and Bill Belichick add a sixth ring to their collection in this dynasty? Members of the NFL Spin Zone staff weighed in, giving their thoughts on the affair to come.

Cody Williams – Editor/Expert

I’ve toiled about this decision over the past two weeks, trying to decipher the narratives I’m buying too much into and the ones I’m ignoring. At the end of the day, however, it’s near impossible to bet against Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. With that said, you’re damn right that’s exactly what I’m going to do.

While the lack of faith in Nick Foles is understood and while he’s been wildly inconsistent throughout his career, the Eagles were a juggernaut with Carson Wentz because they are one of the best-constructed overall rosters in the league. At every level, they have guys that can beat anyone and cause opponents problem. Particularly with the strength of their pass rush and the speed on the edge with their offense, I think they do enough to get past New England and keep Brady-Belichick from title No. 6 (for now).

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Pick: Eagles: 27, Patriots: 17

Randy Gurzi – National Writer

Philadelphia is a fun story as backup quarterback Nick Foles is living every kid’s dream right now. The underdog comes off the bench and convincingly leads his team into the biggest game of the season. He’s not alone either as the Eagles have a nasty defense, including several guys who can put pressure on Tom Brady. We have all seen in the past that this is the only way to ever slow down the Patriots, but the question becomes if they can do it for a full 60 minutes. Atlanta couldn’t last year, and Jacksonville couldn’t a couple weeks ago.

Hard to bet against New England, so why do it now?

Pick: Patriots: 31, Eagles: 27

Bruce Matson – Denver Broncos contributor

It’s hard for me to go against the Patriots in this game. The leadership of Tom Brady should help them to overcome just about anything the Eagles throw their way. I also don’t think Nick Foles has what it takes to get the Eagles over the hump. He played lights out against the Vikings in the NFC Championship Game and the odds of him duplicating his previous performance is slim to none.

Pick: Patriots

Chris Langone – NFL Draft contributor

This may not be the most dominant Patriot team of the Brady-Belichick era, but they have enough weapons to defeat the Eagles and win their sixth Super Bowl.

The biggest question mark facing the Pats is the health of Brady and Gronk. However, Brady proved he could play effectively with an injured hand, and Gronk should be okay given the two-week rest following his brutal hit in the AFC Championship game. Boston is getting ready to roll out the duck boats for what will be yet another Patriot championship celebration.

Pick: Patriots

Donnie Druin – Pittsburgh Steelers contributor

Through my time of watching football, I’ve learned it’s never wise to doubt the abilities of Brady/Belichick team. The Eagles defense presents an interesting dynamic for New England, as teams that have defeated New England in the big game have featured dynamic defensive fronts such as the Eagles posses. What it boils down to trusting Nick Foles to make enough plays to keep pace with the Patriots, and with two weeks to prepare, it’s almost inevitable the flaws of Philadelphia’s offense will be exposed. I’m going with experience, great coaching and great quarterback play.

Pick: Patriots

Dan Salem

We’ve been on a roll in sports lately, with teams claiming their first title or vanquishing curses. The Eagles have never been in a better position to claim their first Super Bowl, and they do so against a vulnerable New England team. Philadelphia exposed every hole on the Vikings, so I fully expect them to silence the Patriots. It will be a close game until the end, because Tom Brady, but the Eagles pull away and pull out the victory.

Pick: Eagles: 31, Patriots: 20

Todd Salem

The New England Patriots are entering Super Bowl LII with perhaps the worst defense they have had in the Bill Belichick era. Fortunately for them, the coaching staff is still wise enough to be able to thwart Nick Foles and company on Philadelphia’s side. The Eagles’ magic runs out against a superior staff, even if the Philly defense does all it can to keep the squad in the game. Rob Gronkowski’s availability could be the difference between a NE cover or not, but the Patriots should win outright regardless.

Stephen Smith – New York Jets contributor

The Eagles capture their first Super Bowl victory behind MVP Nick Foles

Pick: Eagles: 24, Patriots: 23

Maruice Moton – Oakland Raiders contributor

The Nick Foles joyride ends Sunday. The Philadelphia Eagles defense successfully shut down an inconsistent Atlanta Falcons offense and a unit led by quarterback Case Keenum that won its previous outing on a miracle throw in the final seconds. For defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz’s group, it’s a major step up in competition facing the New England Patriots in their eighth Super Bowl in 16 years. The defending champions have the better quarterback, his receiving options are healthy and head coach Bill Belichick knows how to counterpunch with second-half adjustments to erase early deficits.

Pick: Patriots: 27, Eagles: 23

Michael Pallas – New York Jets contributor

As the old saying goes, defense wins championships. The New England Patriots defense has been ok throughout the year, but getting better toward the season’s end, but the defense of the Philadelphia Eagles has been consistent all year long. They are a reminder of the type of defense the New York Giants had in their two victories over the Patriots in the Super Bowl. The defense will harass Tom Brady all day, and he won’t have enough time to find his receivers.

Pick: Eagles: 17, Patriots: 14

Brenden Deeg – Buffalo Bills contributor

If the Eagles front-four can get pressure without defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz blitzing, Tom Brady could be in for a long night. Brady is the greatest quarterback of all time, and a big reason for that is his ability to get the ball out early, which would help slow down the eagles front-four. Ultimately, I think the game is won in the trenches, and the Eagles defensive line will dominate.

Pick: Eagles: 24, Patriots: 17

Next: Super Bowl 52: 20 Bold predictions

For various levels of reasoning and thinking, it seems like we have a split room regarding Super Bowl 52. We’ll see if those taking the favored Pats made the smart call, or if the ones willing to bet on the underdogs had it right all along.