After a somewhat disappointing championship weekend, we are left with another Chiefs-Eagles Super Bowl. Although this is a matchup most (including me) would not have wanted to see, I do think that this will be an entertaining game. The Chiefs are coming off another AFC Championship win against the Bills in one of the best games of the year. The Eagles steamrolled through the NFC Championship game beating the Commanders 55-23. In this article, we will go through all of the ins and outs of the game and make picks for who will win.
When: Sunday, Feb. 9, 6:30 p.m. ET on Fox
Where: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans
Overview:
This game is a rematch of Super Bowl 57, which capped the 2022 season and started the Chief’s historic Super Bowl run. The Chiefs came from behind to defeat the Eagles in that game, 38-35, then defeated the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in Super Bowl 58 last season. Now, as the Chiefs make their fifth Super Bowl appearance in the past six seasons, they can become the first team in the Super Bowl era to win three consecutive championships.
Chiefs X-factor: Xavier Worthy
- Outside of Patrick Mahomes, one X-factor for the Chiefs is Xavier Worthy. Worthy has come alive in the playoffs and has emerged as the number-one target for the Chiefs. In the AFC Championship game Worthy caught 6 catches for 85 yards and a touchdown. Using his speed against some of the older Eagles Defensive Backs in Darius Slay and Isaish Rodgers, Worthy, if utilized the right way, could be a key piece for the Chiefs.
Eagles X-factor: Saquon Barkley
- The Eagles obvious X-factor is Saquon Barkley. An MVP candidate this year, Barkley is having one of the greatest running back seasons ever. He is an absolute threat on the ground behind the best offensive line in the NFL. His elusiveness, speed, and ability to break tackles are second to none. If he is given any open space he could easily take it for a 60-yard touchdown.
Image Via: ESPN Statistically, the Chiefs’ run defense has slightly struggled and Joe Mixon of the Texans and James Cook of the Bills were able to have solid games against the Chiefs. Saquon is however levels above them and I believe is primed for a huge game in his first opportunity at winning the Superbowl. His presence alone is also a huge factor as the fear of him running can greatly open up the passing game for Jalen Hurts, AJ Brown, and Devonta Smith, and the read option game for Hurts can be opened up as well.
QB Matchup: Mahomes vs Hurts
This is an intriguing QB matchup between two high-level QBs. Mahomes outlasted Hurts two years ago in Super Bowl LVII, but the two are 1-1 in the regular season games. The last time these two teams met was back in 2023 when Hurts beat Mahomes in a 21-17 game in Arrowhead. One thing to watch for in the Super Bowl is Mahomes’ running game. In the AFC Championship Mahomes was able to evade Bills defenders to rush for the most yards he’s had in a while. To me, these two QBs are opposites of each other: Where Hurts is a threat with his legs, Mahomes is a threat with his arm. If Hurts can open up the passing game, the Eagles will be in a prime spot to win. However, if Mahomes can keep the Eagle’s defense guessing, the Chiefs will likely succeed.
Why the Chiefs will win
- The Chiefs have more experience than the Eagles and they have simply been unstoppable in the past three years. Patrick Mahomes is rising to GOAT status year by year. The Chiefs won’t necessarily have to score a lot of points to win their third straight Super Bowl because their defense has consistently kept them in games.
Image Via: Philadelphia Inquirer Kansas City finished the regular season ranked fourth in scoring defense (19.2 points per game). The pass rush, which had 10 sacks combined against the Texans and Bills this postseason, has also been productive of late. (ESPN) To me, Patrick Mahomes is one of the sole reasons why the Chiefs are where they are. The man is generational, and with just a solid defense he can do wonders. If Mahomes does what he does, and the defense plays well, this is the Chiefs game to lose.
Why the Eagles will win
- The Eagles simply have the more talented and complete roster. Jalen Hurts, despite criticism, is an elite QB and a winner. He rarely turns the ball over and he has the benefit of being behind the best offensive line in the NFL and an elite receiver core consisting of AJ Brown, Devonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert. The Eagles defense is also elite at all levels. The D-line is very good, led by possibly the best interior d-lineman in the NFL, Jalen Carter. Carter is an absolute beast who is capable of being a game wrecker. The emergence of Nolan Smith Jr. has also been crucial to this D-line’s success. Zach Baun has transformed into an All-Pro and one of the best LB’s in the game. The secondary has been completely shut down with a CB core of Darius Slay, Cooper Dejean, and Quinyon Mitchell who, as a rookie, is already one of the best CBs in the league. CJ Gardner Johnson and Reed Blankenship have also been a great safety duo as well. The biggest reason the Eagles can win is Saquon Barkley. If Saquon is having a good game the offense will be rolling and unstoppable. His abilities open up the offense and make it easier for the passing game to thrive.
Picks
- Luke: I have the Eagles winning this rematch. A 3-peat has never happened and this Eagles team has a better defense and a better run game than the previous Super Bowl roster.
- Kevin: I think the Chiefs win. I have learned my lesson twice now betting against Mahomes. He is so incredibly clutch and I don’t think I’d trust any other QB in this spot. (no glaze)
- Oliver: Even though the 3-peat has never been done in the NFL, the Chiefs will win. Mahomes is the most clutch player in the league and I think if the Chiefs’ defense can limit Saquon they will win.
