Super Bowl 52: Predictions for Eagles vs. Patriots Stats, Final Score and MVP

Figuring out which players will thrive at the Super Bowl is far from an exact science.

The unexpected heroes from years past include Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Dexter Jackson and Seattle Seahawks linebacker Malcolm Smith.

Although it may be hard for an unlikely star to outshine four-time Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII, it's not an impossible task.

While we think Brady will shine, especially in the second half, on Sunday, there's another member of the New England Patriots offense we think will come away with the MVP following a massive performance.

Super Bowl LII Stat Predictions 

Passing Stats

Nick Foles: 20-of-37, 275 yards, 2 TD

Eagles quarterback Nick Foles has been the surprise star of the team's run to the Super Bowl, as he put together a pair of solid performances against the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings.

The University of Arizona product succeeded against the Falcons by executing a game plan full of high-percentage passes, and his offensive line was able to protect him from Atlanta's pass rush as he was sacked once.

Michael Perez/Associated Press

The Eagles let Foles loose in the NFC Championship, as he threw for 352 yards and three touchdowns in the 38-7 thumping of the Vikings.

Foles' showing at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21 has plenty of people expressing faith in the backup quarterback ahead of the Super Bowl.

The 29-year-old, who gained a wealth of confidence in the last month, should be efficient enough to keep the Eagles in the game as he uses a collection of short passes and a few bombs down the field to hit a plethora of wide receivers.

Tom Brady: 21-of-32, 260 yards, 3 TD

Predicting a 260-yard total for Brady seems a bit unfair given his past play in the Super Bowl, including his 466-yard outburst in the come-from-behind overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI.

Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

With the Eagles defense focusing on controlling Brady's production from the start, the five-time Super Bowl champion won't hit his stride until the second half.

As the Patriots defense comes up with a few stops and hands Brady a short field, the masterminds on the sideline will find gaps in the Eagles defense that will benefit the 40-year-old.

Wide receiver Danny Amendola and tight end Rob Gronkowski will be the top targets for Brady, but just like Super Bowl LI, he'll rely on running back James White to earn key yards out of the backfield on third down and in the red zone.

As has become tradition in the Super Bowl, Brady will lead a fourth-quarter charge and the game-winning score will come deep into the final period of the football season.

Rushing Stats

Eagles

Jay Ajayi: 15 carries, 70 yards

LeGarrette Blount: 7 carries, 24 yards

Despite what any narrative suggests about Eagles running back LeGarrette Blount having a monster performance against his former team on Sunday, he won't be the workhorse in the Eagles backfield.

That title belongs to Jay Ajayi, who will be able to break a few runs over 10 yards because of his ability to get around the edge.

Matt Rourke/Associated Press

With the Patriots trying to make Foles uncomfortable in the pocket, the Eagles will turn to Ajayi's agility and quickness to produce a few first downs and get the offense into a rhtyhm.

Blount will only come into the picture on short-yardage situations and in the red zone, but the Patriots will stack the box when he's in the game and limit his production.

Patriots

Dion Lewis: 12 carries, 55 yards

James White: 9 carries, 34 yards

The Patriots running backs will play a diminished role on the ground in the second half after fighting for every yard in the first half against the tenacious Eagles rushing defense.

Dion Lewis and White will have their opportunities to break through the Philadelphia front seven, but once head coach Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels make their halftime adjustments, they'll focus more on carving up the opposing defense with Brady.

Elsa/Getty Images

Look for Lewis and White to produce a handful of first downs to help New England gain a bit of a rhythm in the first half, but they won't be able to make a ton of progress due to the smothering play of the Eagles defensive line led by defensive tackle Fletcher Cox.

Both players could end up being better assets in the passing game, with most eyes on White, who had 14 catches in the comeback against the Falcons a year ago.

Receiving Stats

Eagles

Zach Ertz: 6 receptions, 76 yards, TD

Alshon Jeffery: 5 receptions, 68 yards, TD

Torrey Smith: 4 receptions, 55 yards

Nelson Agholor: 3 receptions, 45 yards

Corey Clement: 2 receptions, 31 yards

Tight end Zach Ertz was Foles' top target in the NFC Championship, as he hauled in eight passes for 92 yards, while wide receiver Alshon Jeffery caught five balls for 85 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Don't be surprised if wide receiver Torrey Smith, who has Super Bowl experience from his time with the Baltimore Ravens, receives a healthy amount of targets, especially in the first half as the Eagles try to get rid of whatever big-game jitters appear.

Chris Szagola/Associated Press

Wide receiver Nelson Agholor will fly under the radar with Ertz, Jeffery and Smith receiving so much attention. Although we predicted three catches for the USC product, he could end up with more if he creates separation with his route running out of the slot.

Much like the Patriots will call on Lewis and White, the Eagles will look for rookie running back Corey Clement, who led the team with five receptions in the divisional round against Atlanta, to make an impact out of the backfield on third down.

Patriots

Danny Amendola: 8 receptions, 97 yards, TD

Rob Gronkowski: 4 receptions, 85 yards, TD

James White: 6 receptions, 60 yards, TD

Brandin Cooks: 3 receptions, 18 yards

Amendola will make a strong case to be the second Patriots wide receiver to win Super Bowl MVP against the Eagles.

The former Eagles practice squad player could join Deion Branch in that category if he shines in the second half like we expect him to as Brady heats up.

Gronkowski will get his share of targets and receptions, but the Eagles will game plan well enough to limit how many touches the tight end receives.

Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

White will become a vital asset in the second half as well, and he'll be able to find the end zone with his longest reception of the contest, but Amendola will form a constant connection with Brady as New England formulates a second-half comeback.

Wide receiver Brandin Cooks will be important to the Patriots but mainly as a decoy down the field as he attracts defenders due to the deep threat he possesses. With Cooks opening up the middle of the gridiron, Amendola will thrive as he beats defenders off the line of scrimmage.

Final Score: Patriots 23, Eagles 17

The Eagles will catch the Patriots off guard and get off to a hot start behind a balanced offense led by Foles and Ajayi, but the momentum will fade in the second half.

Brady will work his Super Bowl magic in the third and fourth quarters by slicing up the Eagles secondary, and he'll finish off the victory with a fourth-quarter toss to Amendola in the back of the end zone.

MVP: Danny Amendola

Brady will once again receive the attention for bringing the Patriots back from the jaws of defeat, but Amendola will take the Most Valuable Player award because of his second-half exploits and his game-winning touchdown catch.

Amendola will join Branch as the second Patriots wide receiver to win Super Bowl MVP, and he'll become the first wide receiver to earn the honor since Pittsburgh's Santonio Holmes at Super Bowl XLII.

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.

Statistics obtained from Pro Football Reference.