Eagles The Chiefs are on a quest for a 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 are a formidable opponent, having improved significantly since their last Super Bowl encounter with the Chiefs. Philadelphia’s roster is stacked, and they are the better team on paper, thanks in part to a historic offseason that bolstered their lineup. On the other hand, the Chiefs have shown resilience and a knack for winning close games. Their victory over the Bills in the AFC Championship Game marked their 15th consecutive win in games decided by seven points or fewer. Can the Eagles deny the Chiefs their place in history? Much will depend on the performance of Saquon Barkley, who has been a standout player this season. Meet the Teams Kansas City Chiefs Coach: Andy Reid Reid’s experience in the playoffs and Super Bowls is unmatched. In 26 seasons, including 12 with the Chiefs, he boasts a 28-16 postseason record and a 3-2 Super Bowl record. Despite challenges like 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 marked by close games and a bit of luck. They won 11 regular-season games and the AFC Championship Game against the Bills by one score, often relying on timely plays and a touch of magic. Philadelphia Eagles Coach: Nick Sirianni Sirianni has made history by leading the Eagles to the playoffs in each of his first four seasons, reaching the Super Bowl multiple times. With a regular-season record of 48-20, he ranks among the top coaches in the modern era. How did they get here? The Eagles overcame a shaky start to the season, transforming into a Saquon Barkley-focused offense that propelled them to a 10-game winning streak and a 14-3 regular-season record. Their dominant 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 force to be reckoned with. His postseason performance is exceptional, with a 79 QBR ranking third in the playoffs. Mahomes’ decision-making and ability to find open players are key strengths, though his accuracy has been a point of contention. 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, impacting the Eagles’ offensive efficiency. Projecting the Passing Box Score As we look ahead to the Super Bowl, it’s clear that both Mahomes and Hurts will play pivotal roles. Mahomes excels in quick throws, but the Eagles’ defense is adept at limiting yards per attempt. Hurts, on the other hand, has improved against the blitz and will need to avoid turnovers to keep the Eagles in the game. Biggest Questions Can the Chiefs defend the Eagles’ tush push? The Chiefs have had mixed success against this play, and it will be crucial for their defense to step up. What do the Eagles need from their receivers? A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith will need to complement the run game with efficient passing, as seen in the NFC Championship Game. Keys to a Chiefs Win Positional advantage: Quarterback Mahomes’ ability to perform in critical moments and create plays with his legs gives the Chiefs an edge. His instincts on third down are unmatched, making him a key factor in extending drives. Keys to an Eagles Win 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? We asked 67 experts to weigh in on who will win. The Chiefs were picked by 41 of them (61.2%), while the Eagles claimed 26 votes (38.8%). The most common score predictions were 27-24, 27-23, and 31-28. Who Will Win Super Bowl MVP? Of the 67 experts who weighed in, 37 (55.2%) picked Mahomes to win Super Bowl MVP. Mahomes (+105), Barkley (+275), and Hurts (+360) are the ESPN BET betting favorites. 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 Worthy will finish as the top wide receiver in receiving yards. Hollywood Brown will score the game-winning TD. The Eagles will win convincingly. Barkley will rush for 125-plus yards and earn MVP honors. Who is Playing the Halftime Show? Kendrick Lamar will perform at the halftime show. He is a 22-time Grammy winner, and in 2018, he became the first non-classical, non-jazz musician to win a Pulitzer Prize for his album “DAMN.”