Super Bowl XXXIX Betting Preview

New England will look for their third Super Bowl victory in four years. Attempting to succeed where St.Louis and Carolina failed are Philadelphia Eagles. The bookies make the Patriots odds-on favourites, and seven points ahead on the handicap. Why the AFC Champions are such a short price is mainly due to their two-time Super Bowl MVP quarterback Tom Brady, who is 8-0 in postseason games, as well as the formidable coaching set-up headed by Bill Belichick. The question we must now pose is it realistic to expect the NFC Champions to at least run the Patriots close. The answer to that is a firm yes in my opinion. Maybe a victory might be too much too ask, but staying within a seven point handicap is possible. After three consecutive conference losses, the Eagles finally cleared that particular hurdle when defeating Atlanta Falcons a fortnight ago. What has been impressive about Philadelphia in the play-offs is they have done without Terrell Owens. The wide-receiver has stated his intention to suit up on Sunday evening. Even if T.O plays a few downs, his mere presence on the sidelines would be a massive emotional lift, as well as giving the Patriots defensive schemers potentially an extra headache. Where the Eagles have the potential to be very dangerous is through the running of Donovan McNabb. The QB has been outstanding this season, passing with increased accuracy, as well as gaining valuable yardage on the ground often at key moments.There is also Brian Westbrook, who can be equally effective on the ground, or lining up as a receiver. While the Patriots' linebackers are disciplined, they will have trouble with Westbrook's speed, plus his ability to break tackles and make long runs.A common theme for the past few months has been the injuries sustained by the Patriots secondary. Despite losing key players, the back-ups did an excellent job against Indianapolis Colts and then against Pittsburgh Steelers.Although not exposed so far in the play-offs, it is quite possible McNabb and his set of receivers can do some serious damage when it matters most. The Eagles coaches have had two weeks to prepare and should have come up with a decent offensive plan.Assuming Philadelphia's offence are capable of putting up 20+ points against New England, we must now consider whether their defence can make sufficient stops against Brady, Dillon, and the fleet of receivers. The prospects are encouraging.Javon Kearse has been a welcome addition to the Philadelphia defensive line, and along with tackles Corey Simon, Darwin Walker, Sam Rayburn, should give the Patriots offensive line, including hobbled Richard Seymour problems. The defensive backs aren't too shabby either. Dawkins and Lewis are both Pro Bowlers, while it isn't too often cornerbacks Sheppard and Brown are embarrassed. One final factor to consider is the possibility of Brian Westbrook resuming his kick-return duties for Philadelphia. That would give the Eagles a big edge, as big returns is a speciality of Westbrook. It might even mean the difference between a close defeat and victory. Despite what New England have achieved for the past few years, the advice has to be a decent investment on the Eagles to stay within the handicap, plus a smaller bet on the outright win.