The definitive Super Bowl 52 pick

It’s been a long season, much like the two weeks leading up to the big game. NFL betting on the Super Bowl is always nuts. You bet on everything from the color of the national anthem singer to various questions about the commercials. But let’s concern ourselves with the actual game, a matchup of the New England Patriots versus the Philadelphia Eagles.

Super Bowl 52 Pick

The spread is 4.5 points in favor of the Pats in this one, which isn’t surprising seeing as New England’s title game wins are always of the one-possession variety. Tom Brady and the offense have been good in these playoffs, albeit after slow starts in both postseason games. Still, they’re getting the job done in the clutch. It also looks like they’ll have Rob Gronkowski back in this one, which is a huge weapon that Philly will struggle to defend.

For the Eagles, Nick Foles played the best game of his career last time out. It’s hard to imagine him living up to that level two games in a row. But he sure did seem confident in the game plan. The Eagles have a solid running game and a good blend of deep throws and quick, short passes.

But it’s the defense of Philly that I think will come up big in this game. They’re not quite as dominating as the Jags D, which gave Brady trouble at times two weeks ago. But the Eagles can mount a lot of pressure on the quarterback, and that will get Tom out of his comfort zone.

I truly believe that special teams will be a wash. Both kicking games are solid and both have reliable return games.

No, this one will come down to how much pressure the Eagles can get on Brady, and if they can create a turnover or two. I believe that Foles will be slightly more conservative than last time out. So this will come down to ball control and grinding out first downs.

In what I see as a close game with the Patriots winning, I do like the point and the Eagles to cover the Super Bowl point spread. I also like the under 48 point total bet.

Preojected Super Bowl 52 pick Patriots 24 Eagles 20

Matthew Ross is a sports commentator and a radio host on TSN 690 Radio in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Follow him @MatthewWords.

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Written by Matthew Ross

Matthew Ross is a sports commentator and a radio host on TSN 690 Radio in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He's also a contributor to ESPN 101.3 Plattsburgh/Burlington. Follow him @MatthewWords.