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 not only better than the one the Chiefs defeated two years ago in Super Bowl LVII, but they also surpass the 49ers teams Kansas City bested in Super Bowls LIV and LVIII. Philadelphia’s prowess even eclipses that 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 might be the craftiest. The Chiefs have consistently found ways to win close games, often relying on a bit of magic to secure victory. Their win over the Bills in the AFC Championship Game, a measure of revenge for Buffalo costing the Chiefs a chance at an undefeated regular season, marked their 15th consecutive victory in games decided by seven points or fewer. Can the Eagles thwart the Chiefs’ bid for history? Philadelphia’s offseason moves have bolstered their roster, making them the better team on paper. A key player to watch is Saquon Barkley, who has been a standout this season. The Chiefs will need to find a way to contain him 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 table. In 26 seasons, including 12 with the Chiefs, Reid boasts a 28-16 postseason record and a 3-2 Super Bowl record. Despite facing challenges such as injuries 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 timely plays and a bit of luck. A blocked field goal in Week 10 against the Broncos was a testament to their resilience. 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 ranks third in winning percentage among modern-era head coaches. How did they get here? The Eagles overcame a shaky 2-2 start to finish the regular season with a 14-3 record. A focus on Saquon Barkley during their Week 5 bye propelled them to a 10-game winning streak. Philadelphia’s top-ranked rushing game and defense earned them the No. 2 seed in the NFC and a spot in the Super Bowl. Quarterback Breakdown Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs Despite a “down year” by his standards, Mahomes remains a formidable force. His postseason QBR of 79 ranks third, and his decision-making on third downs is unparalleled. However, accuracy has been a weakness, with a minus-2 completion percentage over expectation this season. Jalen Hurts, Eagles Hurts has thrived in Philadelphia’s run-heavy offense, ranking 10th in QBR. His strength lies in his running ability, both on designed plays and scrambles. However, sack avoidance remains a challenge, with Hurts taking sacks on 9.4% of his dropbacks. Biggest Questions Can the Chiefs defend the Eagles’ tush push? The Chiefs have had mixed success against this play, with Josh Allen and the Bills struggling against them in the AFC Championship Game. However, Hurts has found success with it against Kansas City in the past. What do the Eagles need from 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 will be key targets for Hurts, especially with the Chiefs focusing on stopping Barkley. Keys to Victory Chiefs Positional Advantage: Quarterback Mahomes’ ability to excel in critical moments gives the Chiefs an edge. His success on third downs and as a runner makes him a formidable opponent for the Eagles’ defense. Eagles Positional Advantage: Secondary The Eagles’ secondary, led by standout rookies and experienced players, has been a force to be reckoned with. Their ability to create matchup advantages against the Chiefs’ receivers will be crucial. Who Wins the Game? In a poll of 67 experts, 41 picked the Chiefs to win, while 26 favored the Eagles. The most common score predictions were 27-24, 27-23, and 31-28. Who Will Win Super Bowl MVP? Patrick Mahomes is the favorite among experts, with 37 picking him to win MVP. Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts are also strong contenders, with Barkley being a near-unstoppable force in recent games. 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. Hurts already has the most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in the postseason (nine). The Eagles need 27 points for the most in a single postseason in NFL history. Bold Predictions Xavier Worthy will finish as the top wide receiver in receiving yards. Hollywood Brown will score the game-winning touchdown. The Eagles will win convincingly. Saquon Barkley will rush for 125-plus yards and earn MVP honors. The deciding play will come from the foot of one team’s kicker. Who is Playing the Halftime Show? Kendrick Lamar will headline the halftime show, with special guest SZA. Lamar, a 22-time Grammy winner, is known for his powerful performances and will undoubtedly deliver a memorable show.