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2004 NFL Playoffs Scores Schedules Injuries Statistics Teams Players
Posted: Thursday February 3, 2005 1:49PM; Updated: Friday February 4, 2005 8:09PM
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SI.com Experts' Picks
Dr. Z
The Patriots will throw short to get the Eagles in their nickel, then they'll come back with Corey Dillon and score early. Donovan McNabb will go up top to Greg Lewis and put six on the board, in a catch-up mode. The game will turn on a Troy Brown pick.
Patriots 31, Eagles 20
Peter King
I believe Charlie Weis is going to call Tom Brady's name a lot more than he'll call Corey Dillon's. Tom Brady throws for 319 yards and two touchdowns to win his third Super Bowl MVP. And as ridiculous as it sounds, he finishes Sunday night not in Joe Montana's league but slightly above it. That's how bizarre the Brady Story will be with an impressive third win.
Patriots 23, Eagles 16
Don Banks
After the heartbreak of three NFC title-game losses, the Eagles can't convince me that they're not just happy to be here. The Patriots and their steely-eyed head coach Bill Belichick won't be happy until they're hoisting another Lombardi Trophy. Which they will be doing late Sunday night. The ultimate team wins the ultimate team prize. Again.
Patriots 27, Eagles 14
Michael Silver
Every great team in its prime has one signature game in which all its powers are on display, and this is it for New England. A lousy Super Bowl week foreshadows a crappy game, with drama quickly giving way to talk of dynasties and the coronation of Brady and Belichick as all-time greats.
Patriots 45, Eagles 13
Jeffri Chadiha
I can't see Philadelphia beating New England. Tom Brady won't make mistakes. The Patriots defense will find a way to fluster Donovan McNabb. And Bill Belichick will have his team convinced that it's the underdog by kickoff. Add all that up and you get a Super Bowl that won't be decided by Adam Vinatieri's leg.
Patriots 24, Eagles 20
Josh Elliott
In years with a two-week break between the championship games and the Big One, it's inevitable that many talk themselves into the underdog. This year, that would be a mistake. Though Philly is clearly the class of the NFC, New England -- the class of the NFL -- will build an early lead, unleash the hounds (Bruschi, Harrison, et al), and throttle the offensively lacking Eagles. Let the talk of a modern-day, salary-cap-era dynasty begin.
Patriots 31, Eagles 14

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