Last year, at the Chiefs Super Bowl parade, Patrick Mahomes promised to return to the Super Bowl again, pledging a three-peat and making NFL history. Here we are, a year later, and Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are in New Orleans for Super Bowl 59 – 4 quarters from accomplishing something not even Tom Brady was able to do: winning 3 Superbowl in a row.
Opposite Mahomes, Jalen Hurts, and the Eagles carry the burden of being the ones to knock off the reigning champs. If you polled America on who they are rooting for in the Super Bowl, the consensus would be unanimous in favor of Philadelphia – except among the small band of Chiefs fans. Eventually, people get tired of greatness, we saw it with the Tom Brady Patriots, and we’re seeing it again.
The betting odds have the Chiefs winning this game. However, the game is far from a foregone conclusion. The Eagles’ multifaceted offense has the tools to force this game to be a shootout. Saquon Barkley has continued his outstanding season throughout the playoffs, and the tandem of AJ Brown and Devonta Smith is just as threatening. So yes, the Eagles have all the offensive tools to outscore Kansas City.
Chiefs’ keys to victory
- Create space underneath on offense. The Eagles’ defense has an elite secondary, allowing the fewest passing yards per game this season. However, KC can still have success by scheming up plays that will create space underneath routes. This game plan can be so effective due to having shifty, speedy receivers in Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown. Get the ball in their hands in space and let them turn upfield to gain yards after the catch.
- Win at the line of scrimmage on defense. The Eagles have punished teams all season long through their run game. Saquon and Jalen Hurts both have big play ability if they’re able to get in the open field. The Chiefs must win at the line of scrimmage to prevent the Eagles from creating lanes for their running backs – keep Saquon in the box, keep him in front of you.
- Force the Eagles to shift to the passing game. KC needs to get off to a good start and go up a couple of scores. Getting up early will force the Eagles to have to throw the ball instead of leaning on their run game. The Eagles have a dismal pass offense –ranking 29th in passing yards per game. The Chiefs have been good at defending the pass and getting to the quarterback – so, get up early, make Jalen Hurts try and beat you in the air.
Eagles’ keys to victory
- Set the edge on defense. One of Mahomes’ biggest strengths is his ability when he gets outside the numbers. The Eagles need to keep him inside the pocket and force him to make throws from the middle of the field. Philly has an elite secondary that they can rely on to blanket KC’s receivers.
- Win the turnover battle. One of the biggest keys to victory for the Eagles is not turning the ball over. Once you turn the ball over, you give the Chiefs the chance to go up by multiple scores. As soon as that happens, you have to get away from the run game and shift to throwing the football, and the Phili pass game is not exactly proficient. It ranks almost dead last in pass yards per game and is in the middle of the pack in passing touchdowns.
- Be aggressive in your game plan. The common rule of thumb when the Chiefs is that you can’t leave points out on the field. You should avoid settling for field goals and be aggressive on fourth and short. This applies to the Eagles in this game; although their pass defense is elite, you can’t expect the defense to consistently hold up against the Chief’s offense – Control your destiny, be aggressive when it makes sense, and don’t leave points out on the field.
My final prediction: Kansas City 31 – Eagles 24
I’m taking the Chiefs to win their third straight Super Bowl. The Eagles have a very well-constructed roster and have a Super Bowl worthy squad. However, if I was a betting man, I wouldn’t choose to bet against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. KC is a team that’s been here before and will be more used to playing in a Superbowl than the Eagles will be.
