Super Bowl LII Preview

I have watched every Super Bowl since XIV

Once again, the Patriots late game magic reared its head in coming back from double digit on the young and inexperienced Jaguars.  Trust me when I say, it's painful to watch Brady do this time after time if you're not a fan of his.  But credit where credit is due.  He does what it takes to win.  The bigger surprise wasn't necessarily that the Eagles won, but they did so so easily.  Nick Foles looks all the part of an MVP type player and the team is balanced with a strong defense.

As we wind down our playoff blogs, J.R. Ewing and "Bulldog Babe" (@bulldogbabexo) have offered you a full range analysis of the NFL playoffs week by week.  Here each playoff game will have a short breakdown with thoughts on key factors then a final score predict.  The final score predict then gives you a Straight Up, Over/Under, and Against the Spread (ATS) pick to chew on for "recreation purposes only".  We'll be tracking our own progress.  Or if you're someone with disposable income, gamble away (but this blog is not responsible for losses).

Not a good week for either of our pickers last week.  Not horrible, but not good.

J.R. Ewing (1-1 ATS, 2-0 S/U, 0-2 O/U).  J.R. did well picking both winners and having the Eagles cover.  Otherwise had no clue.  Good numbers for the playoff run, though.  All of J.R.'s picks can be tracked at CappedIn.com
(Totals through three weeks: 5-4-1 ATS, 7-3 S/U, 6-4 O/U). 

Bulldog Babe (2-0 ATS, 1-1 S/U, 2-0 O/U).  BDB had a very solid week at the betting both, nailing both ATS and O/U.  Just missed the upset pick of Jacksonville, one could easily feel that she deserved that one as well.  She was quick to note that she had the exact score correct on Jacksonville, just the wrong team winning!
(Totals through two weeks: 5-4-1 ATS, 4-6 S/U, 4-6 O/U).

I owned last week's picks, you better listen up!

Lines and spreads are from VegasInsider.com.


February 4, 2018: 18:30 EST
New England Patriots  (-4.5, -200) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (+4.5, +170) O/U 48

New England Patriots (15-3)
Last eight games: 7-1
Against Playoff teams: 7-2

Philadelphia Eagles (15-3)
Last eight games: 6-2
Against Playoff teams: 4-1

J.R. Ewing prediction
Here's the kicker for this game.  Tom Brady isn't the best quarterback suiting up.  No, I'm not talking about overall or historically, I mean right now.  Nick Foles is as hot as a QB can be.  He's playing loose, not overthinking, and just winning, baby.  Meanwhile the Eagles defense is stout, having defeated the Falcons and Vikings the past two weeks.  I think they'll pressure Brady and make him uncomfortable.  I think Foles shreds the Patriots defense.  I'm going upset all the way.
Final Prediction: Eagles 31 Patriots 20

Bulldog Babe prediction:
Everybody may be riding the Pats train, but i’m not. I think the Eagles will be able to capitalize and beat New England. They have something to prove and I feel like they will do so on February 4th. They’re without a doubt the strongest team in the NFC and they deserve to be in the Super Bowl. It will be close, but I have Philly winning. 
Final Prediction: Eagles 34 Patriots 28

What a postseason it has been.  A personal thanks to Bulldog Babe for her contributions this year, this whole thing would be just me talking to myself without her.  Be sure to check out her contributions to the awesome NASCAR Blog Ladies in Black which will be ramping up as the Daytona 500 approaches!

Enjoy your Super Bowl Sunday, fans!