SUPER BOWL 39

New England 30 *(-7) Philadelphia 20 over 47.

The Patriots are 1 victory away from equaling the Cowboys' run of 3 championships in 4 seasons. They dismantled two strong AFC opponents, the Colts and the Steelers, in the playoffs. New England took away Indy's downfield open-space passing game, then shut down Pittsburgh's power running game a week later while making big offensive plays against the NFL's #1 defense.

Philadelphia's Donovan McNabb might be a tougher QB for the Patriots to contain then Manning and Roethlisberger were since he is mobile and effective throwing the ball all over the field. Not having WR Terrell Owens at full strength is a huge handicap for the Eagles to try to overcome against the solid Patriots defense. RB Brian Westbrook is the playmaker that McNabb will look for; WR Greg Lewis has the ability to get open downfield; New England has been playing reserves at CB in the playoffs, but that hasn't hurt them yet.

The Eagles are a good football team like the Patriots, but unlike the Colts (offense) or Steelers(defense), they don't have an advantage against the Patriots in one aspect of the game. The hallmark of Bill Belichick's Patriots has been to play hard every play, all 11 players on the field, all the time. I don't see that changing in this game. I thought New England was at risk against the Colts with both coordinators departing, both starting CB's out, DL Seymour out, the 5-yard chuck penalty being enforced, etc., etc. Instead, they dominated the Colts offense and wore down a strong effort by a below average Colts defense. Once the Patriots reminded me how good they are, they went back to being my pick to win the title.

Side Investments: **New England (-2.5) more first downs than Philadelphia. I can't see the Eagles sustaining drives having to throw the ball to Freddie Mitchell and Todd Pinkston.
*Brian Westbrook (under 66.5 yards rushing). The Patriots LB are the strongest part of their defense.