3 reasons why the Patriots will win Super Bowl LIII

Life, death, taxes, and the New England Patriots advancing to the Super Bowl. OK, maybe the last one doesn't count as a certain fact of life, but the Patriots breezing through the AFC is becoming an expected January routine.

Tom Brady is looking to win his sixth Super Bowl as he squares off against the Los Angeles Rams, the same franchise that he defeated to win his first title. There are some familiar faces and some new contributors, but the Patriots' excellence remains unchanged.

Here are three reasons why the Patriots will win Super Bowl LIII.

White will exploit Rams' linebackers

James White was the hero of Super Bowl LI, setting a record for receptions while scoring three touchdowns, including the game-winner. It's likely that White will be used heavily again, primarily as a receiver coming out of the backfield to exploit the Rams' linebackers.

James White has averaged 2.81 yards per route run this postseason - leading all running backs by some margin. pic.twitter.com/J0XktIeMhm

- Pro Football Focus (@PFF) January 23, 2019

The Rams' defensive line, led by Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh, is a terrifying force that could steal this game. White will be counted upon to get to the second level, create a mismatch against outside linebacker Samson Ebukam, and cause havoc inside against Mark Barron and Cory Littleton.

James White continues to eat #EverythingWeGot pic.twitter.com/hN22FvR6W6

- Roto Street Journal (@RotoStJournal) January 21, 2019

White excels on screen plays and essentially hides behind Patriots tackle Marcus Cannon, waiting for the play to develop before sprinting past a host of defenders. It's possible that the Rams use a safety to crash toward the line of scrimmage in hopes of minimizing White's ability to leave the backfield, but he's incredible at gaining yards after the catch. He's in line to cap off the best year of his career with another monstrous Super Bowl performance.

Patriots will neutralize Donald's disruption

Donald is an absolute wrecking ball that can and will take over games, a rarity from a defensive lineman. New England's offensive line may be the unit best equipped to stop Donald, and it will serve as a major key to victory Sunday night.

New England allowed 21 sacks - the third-lowest total in the NFL - and finished first in adjusted sack rate, according to Football Outsiders. This is the best offensive line of Brady's career and, though the Rams probably won't stunt against him, he'll be hyper-aware of where No. 99 is at all times. Donald will likely be matched up against Joe Thuney throughout the game, and center David Andrews will need to assess where the reigning Defensive Player of the Year is prior to the snap.

The greatest strength of the Patriots' offensive line is their balance, with no weak point among the starters. New England can break the opposition with their tempo and the offensive line should be aware on plays designed to get the ball out quickly.

Bill Belichick deemed Donald unblockable. While that may be true, if the collaborative strength of the Patriots' offensive line outweighs the Rams superstar's singular impact, the Patriots have an excellent chance to hoist the trophy.

Tom will defeat time, again

With under two minutes remaining in Super Bowl XXXVI, Brady orchestrated a game-winning drive for a stunning 20-17 upset of the Rams. It was the first moment that illustrated Brady's unmatched calm in the clutch, and 17 years to the day of his first victory, the Patriots' star quarterback will be counted on again to lead his team to glory.

Narrative aside, it's perhaps unwise to compare the 2018 version of Brady to the 2001 vintage, considering that he's evolved into arguably the greatest quarterback of all time. We all know Brady should never be counted out. He proved as much during Super Bowl LI by bringing the Patriots back from a 28-3 deficit to topple the Atlanta Falcons in overtime.

Brady's unmatched ability to dictate the tempo of the game should gravely concern the Rams' defense. New England's drive chart during the AFC Championship Game perhaps best illustrates this point. Brady is capable of relying on a robust running game, led by Sony Michel and Rex Burkhead, and ate up the clock on a 15-play, eight-minute touchdown drive. This strategy could be employed again if the Patriots jump out to an early lead. New England can also score at will, as it proved by engineering a six-play, 65-yard touchdown drive in under 90 seconds.

Quarterbacking at its finest.

Brady to @Dorsett_4 for the 29-yard TD! #EverythingWeGot

: #NEvsKC on CBS pic.twitter.com/R8Lmqh6HGV

- NFL (@NFL) January 21, 2019

The pace of the game may be unpredictable, but Brady will be prepared for all outcomes and there's nothing new the Rams can throw at him. No quarterback is better at executing the hurry-up offense and Julian Edelman comes alive with the stakes at their highest. It ain't over until the final whistle blows, and this concern may push the Rams over the edge.

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