Eagles vs. Patriots: Latest Odds, Picks After Super Bowl 52 Opening Night

The New England Patriots (-4.5) remain the favorites to beat the Philadelphia Eagles in Minneapolis at Super Bowl LII, according to OddsShark.com, and while there may be some variance in that line ahead of the big game, it's hardly surprising that Las Vegas is siding with the team that has Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and their five titles. 

The line has already shifted somewhat, however, as the Patriots opened at -6. The over-under sits at 48 points, meanwhile. If you are picking the Patriots to beat the spread, that means something in the range of a 27-21 final score.

So, will you play it safe and stick with the Patriots? Or will you go the riskier route and put your money on Nick Foles and the Eagles?

If you are unsure of that answer, we'll break down some of the key factors heading into the game, other picks around the sporting world and offer a prediction. 

Analysis

Charles Krupa/Associated Press

If you were going to point out the most obvious advantage the Patriots have in this game, it's at quarterback. Brady is arguably the greatest quarterback to ever live. Nick Foles, meanwhile, has largely been a backup in his career. While he's played well in the postseason, Foles isn't on Brady's level. 

Belichick holds the coaching advantage as well—he's 5-2 in Super Bowls, after all—though Doug Pederson deserves credit for emerging as one of the NFL's best play-callers this past season. 

On offense, the playmakers are probably a wash. Rob Gronkowski is the best of the bunch, but his availability for the game is unknown, and Zach Ertz is hardly a slouch on the other side. Each team has running backs and wideouts capable of making plays. 

On defense is where the Eagles hold the advantage. They are deep and talented on the defensive line, capable of giving Brady problems without having to blitz. In Fletcher Cox, Timmy Jernigan, Brandon Graham, Vinny Curry, Chris Long and Derek Barnett, the Eagles have a shot at disrupting Brady. 

In Malcolm Jenkins, they have a versatile safety who likely will spend a good portion of the game following around Gronkowski. 

Philly's defense was one of the best in the NFL this year, finishing fourth in yards per game allowed (306.5) and fourth in points sacrificed per contest (18.4). The Patriots were fifth in points given up (18.5), but 29th in yards allowed (366.0).

The Eagles are likely going to try to establish the run game, grind out tough yards and control time of possession. Philly led the NFL in time of possession (32:41) this season and was fourth in turnover differential (+11).

If the underdogs can generate a pass rush with their front four—namely up the middle, which won't allow Brady to step through the pressure on the outside—win the turnover battle and control possession the Eagles have a real shot to win this game.

But they also have far less margin for error. Foles could choke. The defense could throw the kitchen sink at Brady, and he still could torch them. Belichick could whip up another masterful defensive game plan.

There is a route for the Eagles to win this game. But it has far more twists and turns than New England's route to victory 

Picks

We start with EA's Madden 18, which picked the Patriots to beat the Eagles, 24-20. It's not the most scientific way to pick a winner, but the game has gone 10-4 picking winners straight up since 2004, per Owen S. Good of Polygon.

Amazon's Alexa has gone with the Eagles, while Apple's Siri prefers the Patriots. Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout is going with the Eagles, though he's a lifelong fan of the team.

The Patriots are a common pick among the sportswriters out there. Six of seven Sporting News writers picked the Patriots, for instance. In ESPN's "gut-reaction predictions," five of six went with the Pats. Four out of four at the Detroit Free Press took the Patriots.

The Pats are the favorites. But will they win?

Prediction

Matt Rourke/Associated Press

If you were going to draw up a team to beat the Patriots, it would probably be the Eagles. They have the defense to frustrate Brady and the precise game plan needed to beat the Pats. 

Add in a solid offensive line, an assortment of offensive weapons, Pederson's creative play calling and a solid group of veterans, and it's easy to see how the Eagles reached the Super Bowl.

Foles, of course, is the key. And while he struggled at times in the regular season after Carson Wentz was lost to injury, Pederson has now had ample time to build a game plan that takes advantage of Foles' strengths and hides some of his weaknesses. 

Foles is no longer running a Wentz game plan. And while it seems crazy to pick a backup quarterback over Brady, it isn't so crazy to pick the rest of the Eagles over the rest of the Patriots. Top to bottom, the Eagles have the better roster and one well-suited to beating the Brady-Belichick dynasty. 

It goes against conventional wisdom, but the Eagles will win, 24-21.