One-on-one matchups will likely make the difference in a Super Bowl that's expected to be close in score.
The New England Patriots enter as four-point favorites over the Philadelphia Eagles. These five head-to-head battles will come into focus when the game's in the balance.
Patriots WR Danny Amendola vs. Eagles CB Patrick Robinson
"Playoff Dola" is having another postseason to remember. With or without tight end Rob Gronkowski in the lineup, Amendola has been the object of Tom Brady's desire. He went for 11 catches and 112 yards in the divisional playoffs, and 84 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns in the AFC title game.
The slot receiver came up huge in Super Bowl LI, but this year, he'll have to contend with the Eagles' Patrick Robinson, who is having a career year.
Robinson was ranked fourth at his position this season by Pro Football Focus. Aside from batting down 18 passes and hauling in four interceptions during the regular season, he's been part of a shutdown secondary in the postseason. The highlight was his 50-yard pick-6 in the NFC Championship Game.
Eagles DE Brandon Graham vs. Patriots RT LaAdrian Waddle
Waddle started on the right side of the offensive line in the Patriots' divisional playoff game and picked up a knee sprain. Cameron Fleming played in his place in the AFC Championship Game, but Waddle has yet to appear on the injury report this week. Regardless of who starts, he'll be in tough territory against the Eagles' sack leader.
Graham broke out for a career-high 9.5 sacks this season. His mandate in the big game is clear: get to Tom Brady. If Philadelphia's game plan is to replicate what made the New York Giants successful in their two Super Bowl wins over the Patriots, Graham will have to perform when it matters the most.
Working in his favor is the fact he'll be lined up against the weakest portion of the Patriots' O-line.
Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski vs. Eagles S Malcolm Jenkins
Assuming Gronkowski is cleared from concussion protocol in time, he'll be featured in a clash of two of the best at their positions.
The ultimate matchup nightmare, Gronk has no defensive equal. This year, he's been particularly disruptive, averaging 15.7 yards per catch and leading the Patriots in all receiving categories.
At 6-feet, 204 pounds, Jenkins will be at a size disadvantage against the 6-foot-6, 265-pound behemoth. The task of slowing down Gronkowski is likely the most important one, and it can't be left to Jenkins alone.
Eagles WR Alshon Jeffery vs. Patriots CB Stephon Gilmore
Expect the Patriots to ask Gilmore - not Malcolm Butler - to shadow Jeffery. The team has been reserving Gilmore for the more physically imposing receivers.
Jeffery, 6-foot-3, has seen his usage go up in the postseason. He's had a reception on every one of his targets and turned them into 146 yards and two scores.
Gilmore, 6-foot-1, didn't allow a catch in the divisional round and had a crucial, game-sealing pass breakup on the Jaguars' last play in the AFC title game. While the 5-foot-11 Butler chases speedy Eagles receiver Torrey Smith, Gilmore will again have to come out ahead, this time against Jeffery, his former college roommate.
Patriots LB Elandon Roberts vs. Eagles RB Jay Ajayi
The Eagles can roll out a stable of running backs capable of doing the job, but in the playoffs, Ajayi has earned the lion's share of the carries. He's averaging a tick under four yards per carry and will need to provide quarterback Nick Foles with the protection a productive running game provides.
The Patriots are capable of blowing up those plans, however, as they have all postseason. The Titans' exotic running game was bottled up and held to 65 yards, and Leonard Fournette was kept to 76 yards and a score.
Roberts and fellow linebacker Kyle Van Noy are the Patriots outside of the secondary who lead the team in tackling. Neither grades out well in run defense and both will be tested when it comes to the power style of Ajayi and former Patriot LeGarrette Blount.
(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)
