February 9, 2025

Eagles The Chiefs are on a quest for a historic three-peat, but standing in their way is arguably the best team they’ve faced in a Super Bowl during the Patrick Mahomes era. The Eagles have been a force to be reckoned with this season, losing only three games, two of which were due to dropped passes that could have sealed victories. Since their Week 5 bye, the Eagles have gone 15-1, boasting a plus-27 turnover margin and winning their games by an average of 13.8 points. This Eagles team is stronger than the one the Chiefs defeated two years ago in Super Bowl LVII and even more formidable than the 49ers teams Kansas City bested in Super Bowls LIV and LVIII. Philadelphia’s prowess is reminiscent of the Tom Brady-led Buccaneers, who handed Mahomes his only championship game defeat in Super Bowl LV. While this may not be the best Chiefs team we’ve seen, it is certainly the craftiest. The Chiefs have mastered the art of winning close games, securing a series of narrow victories throughout the 2024 season. Their ability to hold on to a win against the Ravens in Week 1 by the length of Isaiah Likely’s toenail set the tone for a season filled with dramatic finishes. The Chiefs have consistently found ways to sprinkle just enough magic dust into each victory, culminating in their 15th consecutive win in games decided by seven points or fewer with their triumph over the Bills in the AFC Championship Game. Can the Eagles thwart the Chiefs’ bid for history? Philadelphia’s offseason moves have bolstered their roster, making them the better team on paper. At the heart of their success is Saquon Barkley, a running back the Chiefs must contain if they hope to secure another title. Meet the Teams Kansas City Chiefs Coach: Andy Reid Andy Reid brings a wealth of playoff and Super Bowl experience to the Chiefs. In 26 seasons, including 12 with Kansas City, Reid boasts a 28-16 postseason record and a 3-2 Super Bowl record. Despite the challenges of injuries, protection issues for Mahomes, and defensive inconsistencies, Reid has guided the Chiefs to the brink of a third consecutive championship. How did they get here? The Chiefs’ journey to a 17-2 record, including two playoff victories, was no easy feat. Kansas City won 11 regular-season games and the AFC Championship Game against the Bills by narrow margins, often relying on a touch of luck. However, their knack for making crucial plays at critical moments, such as a blocked field goal to secure a win against the Broncos in Week 10, has been anything but luck. Philadelphia Eagles Coach: Nick Sirianni Nick Sirianni has made history as the first coach in the Super Bowl era to reach the playoffs in each of his first four seasons while making multiple Super Bowl appearances. With a regular-season record of 48-20, Sirianni boasts the third-highest winning percentage by a head coach in the modern era, trailing only legends John Madden and George Allen. How did they get here? The Eagles overcame a shaky 2-2 start to the season, which tested the nerves of their fan base following a disappointing 1-6 collapse last season. By focusing on Saquon Barkley during their Week 5 bye, the Eagles embarked on a 10-game winning streak, finishing the regular season with a 14-3 record. Philadelphia’s top-ranked rushing game and defense earned them the No. 2 seed in the NFC, and they secured their Super Bowl berth with three consecutive postseason home victories, including a dominant 55-23 win over the Commanders in the NFC title game. Quarterback Breakdown Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs Despite a “down year” by his standards, Mahomes ranked eighth with a 68 QBR in the regular season. The Chiefs faced challenges with their tackle situation and playmakers, but Mahomes’ postseason prowess remains unmatched. His 79 QBR ranks third in the playoffs, and his career postseason QBR is significantly higher than his regular-season performance. Strength: Decision-making. Mahomes excels in critical moments, ranking first on third down with a 90 QBR. His ability to adjust his risk profile and find open players is a testament to his football IQ. Weakness: Accuracy. Surprisingly, Mahomes has struggled with accuracy, recording a minus-2 completion percentage over expectation this season. Despite this, his ability to make plays when it matters most sets him apart. Jalen Hurts, Eagles The Eagles’ run-heavy offense reflects Hurts’ strengths and limitations. While he benefits from a strong offensive line and exceptional skill players, Hurts’ 65 QBR ranks 10th, with scrambles and designed runs being his most efficient plays. Strength: Runs. Hurts’ ability to execute designed runs and scrambles, including the infamous “tush push,” has been a game-changer for the Eagles. Weakness: Sack avoidance. Despite playing behind a solid offensive line, Hurts has taken sacks on 9.4% of his dropbacks, highlighting an area for improvement. Projecting the Passing Box Score As we prepare for the Super Bowl, it’s essential to consider the passing dynamics of both teams. Mahomes’ quick throws have been successful, but the Eagles’ defense has been equally effective in limiting yards per attempt. In the red zone, Reid’s strategic prowess could be a game-changer. Hurts, on the other hand, has improved against the blitz and become more accurate. However, he may need to rely on his arm to keep the Eagles in the game, as the Chiefs’ defense will likely present challenging looks to disrupt his rhythm. Biggest Questions Can the Chiefs defend the Eagles’ tush push? The Chiefs have shown promise in defending the Bills’ version of the play, but Hurts’ success with the tush push against Kansas City in previous matchups remains a concern. What do the Eagles need from receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith? The Eagles will need efficient passing to complement their run game, as seen in the NFC Championship Game. Brown and Smith’s contributions will be crucial in keeping the Chiefs’ defense on their toes. Keys to a Chiefs Win Positional advantage: Quarterback Mahomes’ ability to excel in critical moments and create plays with his legs gives the Chiefs a significant advantage at quarterback. His instincts and decision-making will be vital in extending drives and keeping the Eagles’ defense on edge. Chiefs’ X factor: Jaylen Watson, CB Watson’s return to the lineup has bolstered the Chiefs’ defense, and his ability to shut down opposing receivers will be crucial in limiting the Eagles’ passing attack. Rookie to watch: Xavier Worthy, WR Worthy’s speed and dynamic abilities make him a key target for the Chiefs’ offense. His performance against the Eagles’ secondary could be a game-changer. Keys to an Eagles Win Positional advantage: Secondary The Eagles’ secondary, led by standout rookies and experienced veterans, has been a formidable force. Their ability to create matchup advantages against the Chiefs’ receivers will be crucial in limiting Mahomes’ impact. Eagles’ X factor: Nolan Smith Jr., LB Smith’s emergence as a pass-rushing threat has been instrumental in the Eagles’ success. His ability to pressure Mahomes and disrupt the Chiefs’ offense will be vital in securing a victory. Rookie to watch: Quinyon Mitchell, CB Mitchell’s man coverage skills and playmaking ability make him a key player in the Eagles’ defense. His performance against the Chiefs’ passing attack could be a deciding factor. What ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) Says ESPN’s FPI gives the Eagles a 56.1% chance of winning, with an average margin of victory of 2.2 points. This matchup features two top-10 teams in FPI, with the Eagles ranked fifth and the Chiefs sixth. Who Wins the Game? Among 67 experts, 41 (61.2%) picked the Chiefs to win, while 26 (38.8%) favored the Eagles. The most common score predictions were 27-24, 27-23, and 31-28. Who Will Win Super Bowl MVP? Of the 67 experts, 37 (55.2%) picked Mahomes as the Super Bowl MVP. Mahomes, Barkley, and Hurts are the betting favorites, with Mahomes leading the pack. Stats to Know Mahomes has four straight playoff victories when trailing at the start of the fourth quarter, the longest streak by a quarterback all time. Chris Jones ranks third in pass rush win rate among interior defenders, despite a high double-team rate. This will be Reid’s 45th playoff game as a head coach, passing Bill Belichick for the most all time. The Chiefs have won nine straight postseason games, tied for the second-longest streak in NFL history. The Eagles need 27 points for the most in a single postseason in NFL history. Bold Predictions Worthy will finish as the top wide receiver in receiving yards. His speed and versatility will be key against the Eagles’ defense. Hollywood Brown will score the game-winning TD. Brown’s performance will be crucial in securing the Chiefs’ victory. The Eagles will win convincingly. Their edge in offensive and defensive metrics could lead to a dominant performance. Barkley will rush for 125-plus yards and earn MVP honors. His impact in the second half will be pivotal for the Eagles. The deciding play will come from the foot of one team’s kicker. A field goal could be the difference in this closely contested game. Who is In, and Who is Out? The Chiefs have listed wide receiver Skyy Moore as doubtful, but the rest of the roster is expected to be available. The Eagles are optimistic about the availability of key players, with only linebacker Nakobe Dean likely to miss the game. What to Know About the Officiating Ron Torbert will officiate the Super Bowl, having previously worked Super Bowl LVI. His crew has been known for throwing a high number of flags, which could impact the flow of the game. How to Bet Super Bowl LIX The current line from ESPN BET Sportsbook has the Chiefs favored by 1 point, with an over/under of 48.5. Underdogs have had success in recent Super Bowls, making this a compelling matchup for bettors. Who is Playing the Halftime Show? Kendrick Lamar will headline the halftime show, with special guest SZA. Lamar’s performance promises to be a highlight of the evening, adding to the excitement of Super Bowl LIX. Super Bowl FAQs Who has won the most Super Bowl rings? Which NFL team has the most Super Bowl wins? Which NFL teams have never won a Super Bowl? Who are the winningest NFL coaches of all time? More Preview Must-Reads Chiefs Travis Kelce in no hurry to retire, even if Chiefs win again If the Super Bowl is a one-score game, the Chiefs aren’t worried Three-peat or not, this Chiefs team is built to last ‘It is inescapable’: Chiefs have become the team fans love to hate Don’t forget Jones, Spagnuolo and the Chiefs defense Eagles Hurts motivated by Super Bowl LVII loss to Chiefs Barkley and the making of ‘2K Sa’ Hurts gets another opportunity to show growth South Carolina State laid path to coaching for Eagles’ Eric Dickerson Other 58 Super Bowl rings, 58 stories Super Bowl squares: Chiefs-Eagles printable party sheet Which Chiefs and Eagles can bolster Hall of Fame cases? Ranking every Super Bowl champion team from 1-58 (ESPN+) Picking the winner of Super Bowl LIX

February 9, 2025
4:58 am

sportsfeed

Unexpected Flag Incident at Super Bowl Halftime Show Sparks Debate

How Saquon Barkley Bolted to Philly, Won a Super Bowl, and Might Have Started a Running Back Revolution

Serena Williams adds star power to Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show

Chiefs and Eagles Prepare for Super Bowl LIX Showdown: Live Updates

DeAndre Hopkins Honors Late Father with Special Super Bowl Attire

Chiefs and Eagles Prepare for Epic Super Bowl LIX Showdown in New Orleans

Men’s Bracketology: The SEC could send how many teams, now?!

Texas Longhorns End South Carolina’s 57-Game SEC Winning Streak in Thrilling Showdown

Chiefs’ DeAndre Hopkins dons late father’s mink jacket for Super Bowl LIX arrival

Moss makes emotional return as ESPN analyst

Pep Guardiola’s Lighthearted Take on Job Security After Manchester City’s Narrow FA Cup Escape

UFC 312: Du Plessis Dominates, Zhang Weili’s Next Move, and Local Fighters’ Mixed Night

Our one-stop Super Bowl cheat sheet: Everything you could possibly want to know about Chiefs-Eagles

Chris Berman Predicts Chiefs to Win Super Bowl LIX in a Historic Showdown

Who could be Indiana’s next basketball coach? Likely (and unlikely) candidates.

Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid Battle to a 1-1 Draw in LaLiga Showdown

UFC 312: Du Plessis and Zhang Dominate, Local Fighters Falter

Du Plessis Dominates Strickland in Rematch Rout

sportsfeed

Recent Articles

Sports

Top Sources

Hot Topics

sportsfeed