As it happened: Super Bowl LII - New England Patriots vs Philadelphia Eagles

Join us here for live updates of the Super Bowl 52 matchup between the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles.

The coldest Super Bowl won't be felt inside the cozy US Bank Stadium as most numbers indicate the New England Patriots are in great position to hoist a sixth Lombardi Trophy.

The temperature at kick-off time in Minneapolis is expected to be below zero degrees celsius when the Philadelphia Eagles attempt to end the Patriots' recent NFL domination.

However, the reasons favouring New England begin in the only place they could: with Tom Brady.

At 40 years old Brady would be the oldest quarterback to win a Super Bowl. He would dethrone Peyton Manning, who won at age 39 with the Denver Broncos to cap the 2015 season.

Brady has put up numbers in his 18th season unmatched by any player in NFL history. He led the league with 4,577 yards passing during the regular season and his five touchdown passes are tied for the most in the playoffs.

His seven Super Bowl appearances are as many as the entire Eagles roster.

Last year Brady dug the Patriot's out of 25-point hole against the Atlanta Falcons without tight end Rob Gronkowski, who will be in uniform after being cleared late this week.

No player in the Super Bowl era has more fourth-quarter comebacks in the playoffs in his career than Brady's eight.

It's probably why Brady chuckled this week when he was again asked about how long he wanted to keep playing.

"Why does everyone want me to retire so bad?" Brady said.

"... I know I'm a little bit older than most of the guys, but I'm really enjoying it.

" ... I'm not thinking about retirement. I'm thinking about the Super Bowl and trying to win the most important game of the year."

As big as the Brady factor is, he's not the only advantage New England has.

In Bill Belichick they have one of the game's greatest coaches. A a sixth Super Bowl win would pass Vince Lombardi and tie George Halas and Curly Lambeau for most NFL championships by a coach.

In receiver Brandin Cook has posted 1,000 yards receiving in his first season for the franchise, Gronkowski is Brady's go-to when it matters and running back Dion Lewis led the team with 896 yards rushing and six rushing touchdowns.

Though there have been reports of alleged friction this season between Belichick, Brady and team owner Robert Kraft, it's clear they are on the same page when it comes to the pursuit of championships.

"Each one is unique. Each one's special," Belichick said.

-AP

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