5 Reasons Why the Philadelphia Eagles Will Win Super Bowl LII

Coin From the Slot

Speaking of that certain Philadelphia slot receiver, no receiver on the field has a more favorable matchup in the Super Bowl than Nelson Agholor, who will square off against Patriots slot cornerback Eric Rowe.

Rowe, per Pro Football Focus, is allowing 1.89 yards per route covered this year – the most permissive mark among New England defensive backs. With Foles under center this year, Agholor is earning 1.58 yards per route run – the most prolific mark among Eagles receivers – and is averaging 9.40 yards per reception, a 3.85 percent touchdown rate, and a 76.90 percent catch rate.

In terms of our Net Expected Points (NEP) metric, which you can read more about in our glossary, primary slot receivers have averaged 0.72 Reception NEP per target against the Patriots this season. That means slot receivers have become something like DeAndre Hopkins or Adam Thielen when getting to play against New England’s Rowe this year.

With Ertz likely blanketed by safety Patrick Chung in this game and fellow wideouts Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith facing tough matchups of their own, Agholor needs to be Foles’ go-to receiver on Sunday.