Philadelphia (+4.5) vs New England
This has the potential to be a fun game. While I believe the Eagles have a really good chance of winning this one due to their front seven, I remember that they are dealing with a few injuries including losing starting QB Carson Wentz, Jason Peters, and Jordan Hicks to season ending injuries. I suppose it also depends on which Eagles offense that we see. The Eagles manged to put up 28 points against a strong Minnesota defense but only managed to score 15 points against a a decent but far from great Falcons' defense. And even Minnesota's defense may not have been that strong as indicated by Saints 24 point outburst in the 2nd half in the divisional round. I would be surprised if the Eagles were that successful offensively against a Patriots defense in which Bill Belichick has had 2 weeks to prepare.
On the other hand, while the Patriots have been the best team in the NFL but they have shown they are not invincible, the Patriots appeared more vulnerable than ever to lose until Tom Brady put together an incredible game ending drive. Although Bortles showed flashes of competence as well against the Steelers, he really struggled in the 2nd half that may have had to due with the Patriots defense but frankly he missed open targets which I suspect Eagles quarterback Nick Folesis more than capable of converting those opportunities. The Eagles running game is pretty good with Ajayi, Blount, and Clement, although it remains unclear if the Eagles can create a similar advantage that Jacksonville created with Leonard Fournette. Still, the Patriots linebackers could have trouble containing Zach Ertz.
While the Eagles took the Vikings to the tool shed in a 35-7 game, I'm going to say I am more impressed at how the Patriots were able to overcome adversity. I am expecting the Patriots to win a close game. All of their Super Bowls have been decided by 6 points or less.
As for my rooting interests, let the best team win. The Eagles are a division rival with some passionate fans, while it is fun to throw the no rings argument at them, the Eagles have been more relevant than Washington in the last 20 years and hopefully the Eagles' success inspires the DC franchise to get their act together. As for the Patriots winning 6 Super Bowls and everyone getting tired of seeing the same thing over and over again, remember the Patriots were in a similar position as the Eagles in 2001. Tom Brady is the last backup quarterback to win a Super Bowl (although technically he pretty much supplanted Drew Bledsoe as a starter). Nonetheless, while the Eagles may find themselves in the underdog in this one, one has to figure they are more likely to be in this position again in the not to distant future with Carson Wentz and already look like the favorites to win the NFC East next season.
This has the potential to be a fun game. While I believe the Eagles have a really good chance of winning this one due to their front seven, I remember that they are dealing with a few injuries including losing starting QB Carson Wentz, Jason Peters, and Jordan Hicks to season ending injuries. I suppose it also depends on which Eagles offense that we see. The Eagles manged to put up 28 points against a strong Minnesota defense but only managed to score 15 points against a a decent but far from great Falcons' defense. And even Minnesota's defense may not have been that strong as indicated by Saints 24 point outburst in the 2nd half in the divisional round. I would be surprised if the Eagles were that successful offensively against a Patriots defense in which Bill Belichick has had 2 weeks to prepare.
On the other hand, while the Patriots have been the best team in the NFL but they have shown they are not invincible, the Patriots appeared more vulnerable than ever to lose until Tom Brady put together an incredible game ending drive. Although Bortles showed flashes of competence as well against the Steelers, he really struggled in the 2nd half that may have had to due with the Patriots defense but frankly he missed open targets which I suspect Eagles quarterback Nick Folesis more than capable of converting those opportunities. The Eagles running game is pretty good with Ajayi, Blount, and Clement, although it remains unclear if the Eagles can create a similar advantage that Jacksonville created with Leonard Fournette. Still, the Patriots linebackers could have trouble containing Zach Ertz.
While the Eagles took the Vikings to the tool shed in a 35-7 game, I'm going to say I am more impressed at how the Patriots were able to overcome adversity. I am expecting the Patriots to win a close game. All of their Super Bowls have been decided by 6 points or less.
As for my rooting interests, let the best team win. The Eagles are a division rival with some passionate fans, while it is fun to throw the no rings argument at them, the Eagles have been more relevant than Washington in the last 20 years and hopefully the Eagles' success inspires the DC franchise to get their act together. As for the Patriots winning 6 Super Bowls and everyone getting tired of seeing the same thing over and over again, remember the Patriots were in a similar position as the Eagles in 2001. Tom Brady is the last backup quarterback to win a Super Bowl (although technically he pretty much supplanted Drew Bledsoe as a starter). Nonetheless, while the Eagles may find themselves in the underdog in this one, one has to figure they are more likely to be in this position again in the not to distant future with Carson Wentz and already look like the favorites to win the NFC East next season.
Last Week Against the Spread - 0-2
Last Week Straight up - 1-1
2017-18 Against the Spread- 221-224-7
2017-18 Season Straight Up - 167-91
2016-17 Against the Spread - 141-115-7
2016-17 Straight Up - 101-41
2015-16 Against the Spread - 140-107
