Super Bowl LII: Niner Noise staff picks

With Super Bowl Sunday right around the corner, the Niner Noise staff makes their predictions for the big game. Will the Patriots or Eagles win the Super Bowl?

It’s that time of the year again — the week leading up to the Super Bowl, the biggest game in sports. This year, we are treated to the New England Patriots (again!) trying to defend their title against the Philadelphia Eagles, who are trying to win their first Super Bowl ever.

So who will take home the Lombardi Trophy this Sunday? Here are Niner Noise’s Super Bowl picks.

San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

Peter Panacy

"If there’s one lesson I’ve learned over the past two decades, never count the Patriots out of anything until they’re actually out. Super Bowl LI reinforced that notion.I wouldn’t be shocked to see the Eagles get off to a good start, possibly up by two scores heading into halftime. As we’ve seen this postseason, other teams have a difficult time moving the ball against Philadelphia’s defense. Especially that formidable pass rush. But the same story repeats itself from last year, as the Pats do what they do in the second half, eventually coming away with a one-score victory and back-to-back Super Bowl titles.While 49ers fans may be sick of the Patriots’ dynasty by now, I think most would welcome it after the Jimmy Garoppolo trade. Here’s to you, New England."

Prediction: Patriots 27 Eagles 21

Aaron Tan

"First of all, I just want to thank the New England Patriots for trading Jimmy Garoppolo to the 49ers. San Francisco would still be deep down in rebuild mode if the trade did not occur in the middle of the season.That being said, I really hope the Patriots lose. Most non-Patriots fans will be rooting for the Eagles to win because they are tired of seeing Tom Brady and Bill Belichick hoist the Lombardi Trophy on the national stage.However, America will probably see that scene again on Sunday night as I am predicting the Philadelphia Eagles to fall to the Patriots in the Super Bowl.The Eagles possess a well-rounded team this year. They have one of the most underrated defensive units in football and playmakers on offense. However, quarterback Nick Foles will have to play at the level he played during his prime, like he did in the NFC Championship, in order to win the game. I don’t think that he will. Nick Foles is no match for Tom Brady."

Prediction: Patriots 23 Eagles 16

Logan Stanley

"As great as the Philadelphia Eagles defense has been playing and as impressive as Doug Pederson’s play-calling has been, I’ve learned better to bet against Tom Brady. The 40-year-old quarterback has been stellar this season, and after seeing his dismantling of the Jacksonville Jaguars in that fourth quarter in the AFC Championship game, I am convinced Brady can walk on water.It has been a Cinderella story for the Eagles after losing Carson Wentz in December, no doubt. I just believe the brilliance of Brady and Bill Belichick will ultimately prevail."

Prediction: Patriots 25 Eagles 21

ST PAUL, MN – JANUARY 29: Nick Foles #9 of the Philadelphia Eagles and Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots answer questions during Super Bowl Media Day at Xcel Energy Center on January 29, 2018 in St Paul, Minnesota. Super Bowl LII will be played between the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles on February 4. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

Chris Wilson

"The outcome of this game will hinge on whether the Eagles are able to get Jay Ajayi going on early downs, and whether the Patriots are able to jump out to an early lead. While the Eagles — and Ajayi — have piled up chunk runs this season, it will be more important for Philadelphia’s running game to get consistent positive yardage in order to stay in the run-heavy game script that has allowed Nick Foles to excel. Foles forced into obvious throwing situations — due to chasing points or down-and-distance — is a recipe for disaster; the Eagles need to attack the Patriots with a steady run game and the play-action pass. Look for Belichick’s Patriots to focus on stopping the run — like they did against the run-heavy Titans and Jaguars — and forcing the Eagles to beat them through the air. On the other side of the ball, Brady will likely pepper the Eagles with short passes in the middle of the field, while sprinkling in deep shots to his outside receivers. Even if Rob Gronkowski plays — which he likely will — Danny Amendola and the Patriots’ running backs will be active in the passing game. The difference in this game will likely be the quarterback play, but don’t count out the Eagles if they’re able to mount a lead against the reigning Super Bowl champs."

Prediction: Patriots 24 Eagles 20

Florito Maniego

"If Rob Gronkowski is ruled out, Tom Brady’s receiving options will be limited. Philadephia’s stout defense will take advantage and win a goal-line stand against Brady in the final minutes."

Prediction: Eagles 24 Patriots 20

Jeremy Wohlfart

"Patriot Super Bowls tend to be dramatic and I’m backing it to happen again. Nick Foles did well to step up and take the Eagles to the big game, but New England simply have too much with Brady for them to overcome."

Prediction: Patriots 24 Eagles 20

Ikaika Valeria

"The Eagles defense has been playing lights out this year. Their defense finished 4th overall and they’ve only allowed a total of 17 points this postseason. Unfortunately, their defense is going against arguably one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Tom Brady plays his best under the biggest lights (amirite Falcons fans?). I don’t think Brady will have statistics that’ll jump off paper, but he’ll do enough to walk away with another ring."

Prediction: Patriots 20 Eagles 16

Titus Briseno

"The Philadelphia Eagles have everything working in their favor to win Super Bowl 52, and they can thank three other teams for the learned lessons. The Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars have all given the Eagles the blueprint to beat the New England Patriots. Don’t let up. That’s all there is. Keep your foot down on the gas and do not lift it until the clock reads 00:00. That said, the Eagles have great momentum going into the Super Bowl. The Eagles have just practiced the “keep your foot down” theory against the Minnesota Vikings and they know now what it takes to finish a game. They maintain the underdog complex heading into this week’s games while holding on fully to the thought that they can beat the Patriots. Nick Foles is playing with confidence and poise, and the Eagles defense is absolutely relentless. They have all of the tools that they need to beat the Patriots and I believe they will pull them all out at the right time on Sunday."

Prediction: Eagles 28 Patriots 27

Next: Ranking the 5 best individual Super Bowl performances in 49ers history

Conclusion

The consensus here over at Niner Noise seems to be that the Patriots will win another Super Bowl, with six out of eight writers picking New England.