Superbowl LII - 12 Different Roads to Winning It

​

12 different teams have their sights set on the Vince Lombardi Trophy

The 2017-18 NFL Regular Season is over. It was business as usual in some ways (Tom Brady and the New England Patriots got the 1st seed in the AFC, again), and very surprising in others (the Buffalo Bills made the playoffs for the first time since 1999).

Injuries and suspensions to key players made a big difference in this season (Aaron Rodgers, Carson Wentz, Ezekiel Eliott). Also, Jimmy Garoppolo proved to be an absolute stud with the San Francisco 49ers.

However, all of that is behind us. After a frantic week 17, where Andy Dalton and the Cincinnati Bengals beat the Baltimore Ravens to put the Buffalo Bills in the playoffs (it was that complicated and close), all the 12 teams have been finalised and the playoff picture is set. Let's take a look at what each of these teams needs to do, in order to lift the Lombardi Trophy on February 4th, 2018 at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

​

NFC #1: Philadelphia Eagles

Quarterback Nick Foles needs to prove his mettle in the playoffs

With MVP candidate and starting Quarterback Carson Wentz gone for the playoffs with a knee injury, the onus falls on the backup QB Nick Foles to take the 13-3 Philadelphia Eagles, deep into the playoffs. The Eagles will also need to utilize their 3 Running Backs a lot more. Their defence is stellar and if it can create turnovers, they can reach the Superbowl and win it.

Superbowl odds : 15-1

Writer prediction : NFC Divisional Round

​

AFC #1: New England Patriots

Quarterback Tom Brady continues to be dominant at the age of 40

The Superbowl LI champions New England Patriots lost the first game of the season to the Kansas City Chiefs. Before that, they lost star wide receiver Julian Edelman in the pre-season. And still, they ended the season with a 13-3 record and the top seed in the AFC. Tom Brady led the league in passing yards and is an MVP candidate, again. In the playoffs, Tom Brady will do what he always does, dominate. Tight End Rob Gronkowski is a matchup nightmare and by far the biggest offensive weapon (who's not a Quarterback) in the NFL. They have two very good Running Backs in Dion Lewis and James White. So offensively, they look set. Defensively however, they have to stop the running game and not give up big runs on 1st and 2nd downs.

Superbowl Odds: 2-1

Writer prediction: Superbowl LII Champions

​

​