Super Bowl 2018: Initial Odds, Final-Score Prediction for Eagles vs. Patriots

The No. 1 seeds in both conferences prevailed Sunday. The New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles will play for the ultimate prize in Super Bowl LII February 4.

The Patriots pulled off a comeback after falling behind 14-3 to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Championship Game. The Eagles surrendered the first score in their contest with the Minnesota Vikings and then dominated the rest of the way, scoring 38 unanswered points.

These teams met 13 years ago in Super Bowl XXXIX. Quarterback Tom Brady returns as a familiar face. Philadelphia hopes to win its first title in the Super Bowl, era while the Patriots look to win their sixth in 16 years.

Let's dig into the details of the title game with an early projection on the winner.

Super Bowl LII

Philadelphia Eagles vs. New England Patriots: 6:30 p.m. ET, NBC, NBC Sports

Date: Sunday, February 4

Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Odds: New England (-5.5), via OddsShark

Super Bowl 52 Breakdown

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

After watching the Patriots overcome obstacles year after year with Brady in command under center, it's difficult to imagine anyone toppling this dynasty.

ESPN's Seth Wickersham reported division within the organization, but the team continues to flourish under the brightest postseason lights.

If there's static in the relationship between head coach Bill Belichick and Brady, the team has a way of compartmentalizing the off-field issues to come together as a cohesive unit on game day.

The Jaguars' No. 1 pass defense couldn't keep the Patriots out of the end zone in the final quarter, and Brady looked sharp as ever behind a solid offensive line. By the way, the signal-caller's hand injury didn't prevent him from throwing for 290 yards and two touchdowns against a vaunted defense:

Many thought the Vikings defense would smother the Eagles en route to hosting a Super Bowl, but quarterback Nick Foles shocked his critics with a 352-yard passing performance to go along with three touchdowns against the No. 1 unit in total yards and points allowed.

Foles, Carson's Wentz's replacement, looked every bit like a starter against the Vikings. The ground attack tacked on 110 rushing yards to balance the production. Philadelphia's defense also gained its respect, forcing three turnovers in the matchup.

Vikings quarterback Case Keenum stepped into the starting role for an injured Sam Bradford. Many questioned how long he'd play at an optimal level. Unfortunately for Minnesota, the 29-year-old passer fell flat one step before the final game. Give credit to defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz's for devising an effective game plan.

Super Bowl 52 Prediction

Winslow Townson/Associated Press

Eagles fans will fill U.S. Bank Stadium with their dog masks because the early odds favor the Patriots. Though, Philadelphia has taken the field as the underdog in both postseason matchups. The doubt doesn't faze this team. However, head coach Doug Pederson's group sets up to face arguably the best head coach-quarterback tandem of all time.

Brady stands levels above Foles in quarterback play. He's going to test the Eagles secondary, which has been inconsistent even with cornerback Ronald Darby on the field for eight games during the regular season. Look for offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to test the Eagles' solution to tight end Rob Gronkowski, assuming he's cleared to play after missing the second half of Sunday's contest with a concussion.

Like Blake Bortles, Foles must start the game with an aggressive approach. He's flashed a hot hand against the Vikings. If Philadelphia wants to increase its chances at an upset, the passing attack must spread out a defense that's susceptible to intermediate passes targeting the linebackers. Tight end Zach Ertz should have another productive postseason performance.

Under Belichick, the Patriots play near flawless situational football down the stretch in critical moments. Expect the Eagles to control the clock to keep the game close enough to strike late. However, Brady will make more plays than the opposing quarterback, as we're accustomed to seeing in the postseason.

Prediction: Patriots 27, Eagles 23