Computer simulates Super Bowl 53 between Rams and Patriots 10,000 times

Since reporting to training camp back in late-July, everything the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams have done has been with Super Bowl 53 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in mind. Both teams had clear title aspirations from the start and they've looked like two of the best in the NFL throughout the season. 

On Sunday, one of the two teams will realize those goals and hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy. The game kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on CBS with another thriller a distinct possibility given the matchup. 

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These are two elite teams offensively and the Patriots have saved their best for late in the season. They finished fourth in the NFL in scoring by averaging 27.3 points per game but have stepped up in the postseason to average 39 points per game in wins over the Chargers and Chiefs to book their ticket to Atlanta.

New England has done that with exceptional balance on offense. Rookie running back Sony Michel has erupted, with 242 yards and five rushing touchdowns on 53 carries so far this postseason. That ability to pound it has opened up avenues through the air for Tom Brady.

The 41-year-old is already in line to go down as the greatest quarterback of all-time, but he's thrown for 691 yards already this postseason and a sixth Super Bowl win would only stand to enhance his already pristine legacy. And on the defensive side, the Patriots have buckled down to limit their playoff opponents to just 60 yards rushing, forcing the other side to play a one-dimensional game. 

Meanwhile, the Rams have been even more prolific and consistent on the offensive side of the ball. They ranked second in the NFL by averaging 32.9 points per game and second with 421.1 yards of total offense per game. In the postseason, they've stayed around those averages with 28 points and 419 yards of total offense per game.

Sean McVay has proven to be a master manipulator of matchups and he's got a stocked cupboard of offensive weapons to create those mismatches. Jared Goff was a Pro Bowl selection at quarterback, Todd Gurley is an All-Pro running back and C.J. Anderson has three 100-yard rushing performances in his last four games.

Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods both had over 1,200 yards receiving this season while Josh Reynolds has stepped up at wide receiver in the absence of Cooper Kupp. Gerald Everett and Tyler Higbee combined to catch 57 passes for 612 yards and five touchdowns while sharing reps at tight end.

On defense, the Rams have also buckled down against the run in the postseason. They've allowed just 99 yards rushing in two games against potent rushing attacks and that's helped them limit postseason opponents to 22.5 points per game and freed up Aaron Donald and company to pin their ears back on passing downs. That will be a key against Brady and the Patriots.

Ultimately, these two teams should be really well matched and that should translate to an enjoyable Super Bowl. Let's take a look at what the SportsLine Projection Model predicts for the action. 

Below are the projected final score and statistics for Super Bowl LIII. Projections are updated every 10 minutes.

Sunday, Feb. 3

SportsLine Projection Model's score: Patriots 29, Rams 28

Projected stats: Tom Brady completes 25 of 38 pass attempts for 309 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. Julian Edelman catches six passes for 81 yards while James White has seven receptions for 60 yards. Sony Michel rushes for 77 yards and a touchdown. For the Rams, Jared Goff goes 22-of-36 for 304 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. Todd Gurley provides 117 yards from scrimmage and Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods both chip in five catches for 85 and 80 yards, respectively.