Predicting studs and duds for Super Bowl LII

Super Bowl LII is finally here. This game features last year’s winner and a Philadelphia Eagles squad that entered the 2017 season with 40:1 odds to win this Super Bowl. On the Patriots side, a win would earn quarterback Tom Brady his sixth Super Bowl ring. As for the Eagles, they are making their first Super Bowl appearance since playing in the title game in Feb. of 2005. Now, the Eagles must rely on quarterback Nick Foles to continue with his amazing postseason success. Will Philly pull off one more underdog win? Or will the Patriots — with their years of postseason experience — manage another victory? Soon enough this story will play out. In the meantime, here are our stud and dud predictions for Super Bowl LII.

Stud: Zach Ertz, tight end, Philadelphia Eagles
While Nick Foles has been playing well he still isn't a starter in the NFL and having a big target like Ertz should make things a little easier for Foles in the passing game. I expect Ertz to have a big game in his first ever Super Bowl.

Dud: Dion Lewis, running back, New England Patriots
Although Lewis was a big boost for the Patriots offense last season (especially through weeks 10-17) this season Lewis hasn't been very productive. After the Patriots lost LeGarrette Blount to the Eagles in free-agency everyone believed Lewis would be the premiere back in New England. But he quickly fell out of favor to Rex Burkhead in their week 1 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Since then Lewis has been averaging less carries and should have a minimal role in the big game.

Stud: Patrick Robinson, cornerback, Philadelphia Eagles
After the Eagles lost Ronald Darby in week 1 to a dislocated ankle somebody in the Eagles secondary needed to step up. And it came from Robinson the Eagles had acquired him off the waivers from New Orleans and quickly became the heart and soul of the Eagles young secondary. He managed four interceptions, defended 18 passes and tallied 45 combined tackles. Robinson also gathered another interception which he returned for a 50-yard touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship game. I  believe Robinson will be able to play a big role in forcing Brady to work outside of his comfort zone.

Dud: Torrey Smith, wide receiver, Philadelphia Eagles
Although I believe Smith has drastically improve his play in the playoffs, he did lead the team in drops in 2017 with four. And he also had a couple of drops in the NFC Championship game, although I don't think Smith will have a bad game per say i just believe that Smith will have less depended on by the Eagles.