TEAM ODDS 2004 RECORD 2004 RECORD ATS KEY TREND New England Loser -7 16-2 13-3 PHILLY 47 15-3 11-7 2.5.05 If it wasn't enough that the Pats are undefeated in the playoffs, you can now add in the Hollywood drama of both Brady's grandmother passing away, and the emergence of Dillon's Pro Bowl invitation. Not that the extra motivation is needed for a Pats team that is 9-1 ATS versus good defensive teams (allowing 17 or less points per game) over the last 3 seasons. Unlike 'Rocky', few, if any, want to see T.O. climb those famous stairs with hands held above his head. In fact, this move, 'win-or-lose', could be one the worst things to hit the NFL since his end zone celebrations began. Of course, it has served the Eagles well to cover the loss of Lewis (9.2 yards per reception), who has been a critical part of the Eagles' Super Bowl run. 'He (Belichick) is somewhat of a mad scientist...the smartest coach I've been around', Rodney Harrison, L.A. Times, 2.5.05. Is he ever! Don't you have to 'mad' to enter the game 34-17 ATS, 4-0 versus NFC East teams, over the last 3 seasons. 'Mad' as ever, entering the game averaging 30.6 points on 21.9 first downs per game on the Road this year. 'Sure' you say, 'Belichick has not run up against Kearse (7.5 sacks, 31 tackles) or Trotter (69 tackles)'. Please. With his rushing attack hammering an average of 4.2 yards for 137 yards per game, Dillon, who has already put up 217 yards in 2004's playoffs, will overwelhm Reid's defense. Unlike the one dimenisonal Falcon's offense, Brady's (92.6 rating) cool spirited demeanor will allow him to take advantage of the single coverage with his arm, 7.9 yards per attempt for 231 yards per game this year; Branch's 26.2 yards per catch in the playoffs as the big playmaker. This spells trouble for an Eagles team allowing 12.7 first half points in its last 3 games as the Pats ability to allow an average of only 4.3 first half points, and 8 in the second half will leave McNabb with little hope for a second half comeback. Relying on Westbrook to drive the field will pay few dividends against a Pats D that has only allowed 6.4 yards per attempt on a 58.9% completion percentage to oppoisition quarterbacks in the playoffs; Harrison and Bruschi both entering with over 120 tackles a piece in 2004. While many had hoped for a 'battle royal', the Pats 12-3 ATS in the first half in the playosffs since '92 signals that this one will be over as soon as it starts. New England -7 Recommended Sportsbook Starting 2005