Philadelphia EaglesVERSUSNew England Patriots

Philadelphia had lost MVP-caliber starting quarterback Carson Wentz to a torn ACL in December, leaving backup Nick Foles to carry a team still seeking its first Super Bowl-era championship. New England returned as defending champion, with Tom Brady making his eighth appearance and the Patriots positioned to extend their dynasty.

• The Eagles had not won an NFL championship since 1960 and had lost both of their previous Super Bowl appearances.
• Foles had once considered retirement and entered the postseason surrounded by doubts after an uneven end to the regular season.
• Philadelphia's aggressive fourth-down identity under Doug Pederson stood opposite a Patriots team famous for controlling high-pressure situations.

Sources: NFL Super Bowl LII recap · Official NFL gamebook