Can the Philadelphia Eagles, the team that has never won a Super Bowl, the team that lost three straight N.F.C. championship games, really upset the quietly confident New England Patriots? You'd better believe it. For a team like the Eagles, being the undisputed underdog is just fine. They feed off of it. When quarterback Donavan McNabb was chosen in the draft, Philly fans booed him. All he did in response was win 11 games during his first season as a starter. Coach Andy Reid was villified by fans and media for benching his starters late this seaon, effectively forfeiting the last two games. Reid only used the criticism as motivation and is now going to his first Super Bowl as a head coach.

Even Phildaelphia's "soft" receivers have risen to the challenge. Everyone thought that Freddie Mitchell, Greg Lewis and Todd Pinkston were going to just curl up and die in the playoffs without the injured Terrell Owens. Instead, the trio combined for a healthy 10 catches and 175 yards in the Eagles' divisional win over the Vikings.

In last year's playoffs there was a moment when the Eagles where supposed to lose. It's known as "Fourth and 26." The Eagles were on the brink of elimination against the Packers, when Mitchell grabbed a pass from McNabb, closing a 26-yard gap and keeping the seaon alive. Needless to say, they didn't lose.

Philadelphia has all the X-factors in this game. Running back Brian Westbrook is the most prolific receiver at his position and can make a play from anywhere on the field. McNabb is still the best mobile quarterback in the game, and just because he hasn't run with the ball very much this season doesn't mean he isn't capable of pulling it down and making a huge play against the Patriots. And of course there's Owens, who is going to have an impact whether he's on the side-lines or between them.

No matter what happens, don't expect a huge day from the Patriots' offense, not with how the Eagles' defense has come together lately. It's rare that a team reaches its peak in January, but that's exactly what this defense has done. Led by the re-emergence of linebacker Jeremiah Trotter, this defense can stuff the running game while getting to the quarterback early and often. If the pass rush can get into Tom Brady's head early, look for the talented Eagles' secondary to make big plays and change the game.

Statistically, the Patriots are a better team. Historically, the Patriots are a better team. This season New England played in a better conference, had a better record and have performed better in the playoffs. The Eagles are supposed to lose. And that's exactly why they're going to win.

Eagles win, 23-20.