With all of the expectations that the NFL had going into this season for certain teams, this years Super Bowl 52 matchup was not what most people would have predicted.  The New England Patriots are set to defend their title against the Philadelphia Eagles.  The most interesting part of this match up is not even the fact that the Eagles are in the Super Bowl, but they reached the championship game without their phenom quarterback Carson Wentz.  Due to a week 12 season ending injury, the Eagles have leaned on strong defensive play and the steady play of backup quarterback Nick Foles.  This matchup is not going to be an easy task for the Eagles.  The Patriots feature arguably the greatest coach and quarterback in NFL history in Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.

Although both teams have earned the right to play for this championship, most experts believe that Tom Brady will win his record sixth Super Bowl and even at the age of forty, there are no signs of slowing down.  If the Eagles are to have a shot at winning, they will have to rely on a stifling defensive effort that was displayed this season.  According to NFL.com, the Eagles defense ranked fourth in the league and scored six defensive touchdowns this season.  That containment will have the Philly fans hoping that they will be able to score enough points to edge out the Pats.

If the Eagles are able to be victorious, it would mark their first ever Super Bowl championship in franchise history in three appearances.  Ironically, the last time the eagles played in a Super Bowl it was a 24-20 loss against the Patriots in 2004.  If the expert favorited Patriots can win, it would mark their sixth championship since 2001 and twelfth overall appearance.  Not too shabby for a coach who was fired once before and the last quarterback drafted in the 2000 NFL Draft.

This year’s Super Bowl will be played on Sunday, February 4, 2018 at 6:30 Pm on NBC and the halftime performer will be Justin Timberlake.

Lion’s Roar Prediction: New England 28, Philadelphia 13