Feb 2, 20195 min read

NFL: Super Bowl Preview

Blake Stoll (New England Patriots, 31-24): The Patriots have Tom Brady. The same guy that threw for 505 (!) yards in the Super Bowl last year, at 40-years-old. Despite New England going down to the Philadelphia Eagles in that game, Brady continued to show that his age has no effect on his play, especially when we get to the postseason. And that sentiment has reigned true through two games during these playoffs, as well. Brady had 343 yards and a touchdown on 75.0 percent passing against the Los Angeles Chargers, before totaling 348 yards and a score on 65.2 percent. What I'm getting at is we shouldn't expect anything less than a stellar performance from Brady, and when he's on, this team wins almost every time. Super Bowl LII wasn't the norm, and the Patriots will correct it this time around.

Caleb Henderson (New England Patriots, 41-38): The Patriots have been to the Super Bowl the last three years and four out of the last five seasons, so this team has plenty of big game experience at all levels. Another reason I believe New England will be crowned champions for the sixth time is the collective experience of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, being in nine Super Bowls with one another. Brady has always had the ability to wear defenses down with ease due to the short passing game and he'll pick apart an overly-aggressive Rams defense. Both teams will score points and it'll be close, but I just don't see New England losing for the second year in a row. Brady wins the MVP and how fitting it will be for the 41-year-old to add yet another accolade to an already incredible career.

Charles Post (Los Angeles Rams, 34-27): The Rams come into this game playing as good of football as they have played all year long, and the reason is the run game has seen a resurgence over the past five games. The addition of C.J. Anderson has made a huge difference, and has provided Los Angeles with a short-yardage back with a ton of postseason experience. Anderson has fit in perfectly with this organization, and works nicely alongside Todd Gurley. In the past five outings, in which the Rams are 4-1, they've averaged 127.8 yards per game between the two backs and totaled eight touchdowns on the ground. If Los Angeles can run the ball consistently versus the New England Patriots, they'll be crowned Super Bowl champions. Give me the Rams by a score. Gurley and Aaron Donald share the MVP.

Chinedum Wejinya (Los Angeles Rams, 35-28): The Rams have more weapons on offense, and that's going to be the main reason they win this game. Todd Gurley (1,251 yards, 17 touchdowns) finished the year with the third most rushing yards and the most touchdowns of any running back in the league, and he'll have a big day versus the Patriots. And once he gets going, it'll open things up for the passing game, where Brandin Cooks (1,204 yards, 80 receptions) and others will be dangerous. New England allows 112.7 rushing yards per game and Gurley doesn't take much to get going. He'll thrive in this big moment and lead the Rams to a Super Bowl victory while winning the MVP. This might be the last time Tom Brady gets to the big game and he's going to lose for the fourth time.

Greg Schwochow (New England Patriots, 28-26): The Patriots are playing with a chip on their shoulder because this is the first time in a number of years that they entered the postseason and weren't considered an overwhelming favorite to come out of the AFC. Two games later, and they've taken down the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs, who combined for a 24-8 record during the regular season. New England is playing better now than they have all year long and that's why they're headed to a third straight Super Bowl. The offense, with skill players like Julian Edelman (850 yards, 74 receptions) and Sony Michel (931 yards, six touchdowns), will bee too much for the Rams in a tight battle. In the end, the Patriots' experience and the pairing of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady will prove to be too much.

Max Heningburg (Los Angeles Rams, 31-21): I believe the Rams offense will give New England trouble for the majority of the night, especially in the passing game. Los Angeles will try to get after Tom Brady and disrupt the future Hall of Famer. With such a strong defensive line, including Aaron Donald (59 total tackles, 20.5 sacks), Ndamukong Suh, Dante Fowler Jr., and Michael Brockers, the Rams should be able to do so. Donald is one of the best players in the league and he'll be ready to go in this one. They'll be able to cause trouble among the Patriots offense. I think the Rams' dual threat offense will also propel them to a victory. Jared Goff will be expected to throw some passes while the Patriots will try hard to take away the running game. Goff takes home the MVP and the Rams win by double digits.

Raven Martin (New England Patriots, 28-24): The Patriots have looked like a different team ever since their December 16th loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. It seems like the 17-10 loss woke up the offense and turned Tom Brady (4,355 yards, 29 touchdowns) back into the player we've become accustomed to watching for nearly two decades. In those four games, New England has won by a combined margin of victory of 140-74. The most the Patriots have given up in that span was the 31 points allowed to the Kansas City Chiefs last weekend. The way New England is playing right now, there is no one in the league who can beat them, and that includes the Los Angeles Rams. As long as Brady has time to throw, he'll pick apart the defense to the tune of an MVP award and his sixth title.

Tyler Taylor (Los Angeles Rams, 35-31): The Rams and Patriots shared six opponents in the season and both teams went 5-1 in said outings. According to the ESPN FPI, Los Angeles has a 52.4 percent chance to win this game, and I agree with them. Although New England has more experience in these types of big games, the Rams are more talented and that reigned true during the previously mentioned six matchups. Los Angeles scored 192 points in those games, earning double digit victories over the Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions, while also hanging 54 points on the Kansas City Chiefs. The Patriots don't have a bad defense, but there will be plenty of opportunities for the Rams to score points and that's what Jared Goff does best. On defense, Aaron Donald and Co. will put pressure on Tom Brady all night.

Potential MVPs:

1. Todd Gurley (Rams)

2. Tom Brady (Patriots)

3. Jared Goff (Rams)

4. Aaron Donald (Rams)

5. Sony Michel (Patriots)

Championship Round Records:

T-1. Raven Martin (7-3)

T-1. Blake Stoll (7-3)

T-1. Charles Post (7-3)

T-1. Chinedum Wejinya (7-3)

5. Caleb Henderson (6-4)