The stage is set, and the New England Patriots will take on the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII. New England is the ultimate champion, and have plenty of experience playing on the big stage. The Rams are a young and hungry team, but it will be interesting to see how playing under the bright lights will affect them. This is a rematch of the 2002 Super Bowl, which the Patriots won by a score of 20-17.
Both the Patriots and Rams went on the road and won their Conference Championship Games in dramatic fashion. New England finished the regular season with an 11-5 record, but they have looked sharp in the postseason. Los Angeles went 13-3 during the regular season, and were a Super Bowl favorite dating back to the preseason. The Patriots are 2.5 point favorites over the Rams in this game.
Is This the Patriots Last Stand?
The New England Patriots have been the standard of excellence in the National Football League, but this could be the end of their reign. Many people believe that tight end Rob Gronkowski will retire after this game, and a victory could push Tom Brady and Bill Belichick into retirement as well. The Patriots will be going for their sixth Super Bowl victory of all time and are trying to get revenge for last season’s stunning loss to the Eagles.
The Patriots have been running the ball like crazy since the playoffs began. Rookie running back Sony Michel has racked up 242 yards and five touchdowns so far in these playoffs, and he will be a huge key in this game. Quarterback Tom Brady has been sharp as well, completing over 70 percent of his passes, but has thrown a pair of interceptions. Brady has a history of putting up legendary performances in the playoffs, and expect another one from “Tom the Terrific” in this game.
Rams Need Gurley To Shine
If the Rams are going to pull off the upset in Super Bowl LIII, they are going to need a healthy and effective Todd Gurley. Gurley struggled in the NFC Championship Game and has just 20 rushing attempts so far in these playoffs. C.J. Anderson has provided a spark to the Rams offense, but the Patriots defense is too good for Anderson to exploit. The Rams have a high powered offense, but they must have balance to defeat Belichick and the Patriots.
Aaron Donald racked up over 20 sacks during the regular season, and he must find a way to get pressure on Brady in this game. The Rams have just three sacks so far in the playoffs, and this performance won’t work against the Patriots. Los Angeles does have a weapon in place kicker Greg Zuerlein, who has made 7 of 8 field goals so far this postseason. The Rams are going to need their defense and special teams to help their offense in the Super Bowl.
New England Wins Sixth Title
It seems fitting that the Patriots‘ run started against the St. Louis Rams and could possibly end against the Los Angeles Rams. New England has absolutely dominated the NFL since that 2002 season, and they look primed to win another Super Bowl title with Brady under center. The Rams will have their turn in the coming years, but until Brady retires, I’m always betting on him. Bet the New England Patriots -2.5 over the Los Angeles Rams.
