Arrowhead Pride
Let’s see what AP staffers (and readers) think about Sunday’s game between Kansas City and Philadelphia.
Before the AFC Championship almost two weeks ago, almost all of our Arrowhead Pride panelists picked the Kansas City Chiefs to defeat the Buffalo Bills in a close game. For the third time this season (and the second consecutive game), our aggregate prediction for a 30-25 Kansas City victory had eight points of error from the 32-29 final: it missed the point spread by two points, the Chiefs’ score by two and the Bills’ score by four. Almost one in five of our readers picked Buffalo to win — most calling for a close game.
On Sunday, the NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles will host the AFC Champion Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Kansas City is favored by 1.5 points.
Let’s see what the staff — and our readers — think about the matchup.
You might look at the offensive talent in this game and think a shootout is coming, but I think it will be a low-possession game. The Eagles want to run the football and avoid committing turnovers. On defense, their style is to give up long drives of underneath throws, forcing the opponent to matriculate the ball downfield. The Chiefs are fine playing that style — and will attempt to limit Philadelphia’s explosive runs. I think we’re going to see an awesome game from quarterback Patrick Mahomes. While it might not be the best statline for a Mahomes Super Bowl, the big plays he’ll make on third down will swing the game. As long as the game is tight — and he can make high-leverage plays in the fourth quarter — he will do it. I think he will cement his status as the greatest quarterback ever.
Chiefs 24, Eagles 20
I'm certain that most Kansas City players very much want to claim a third straight Super Bowl win. But the team has already made history by becoming the only back-to-back Super Bowl winner to reach the next title game. That means the pressure is off — and there is no more dangerous opponent than a Chiefs team with nothing to lose. There’s no question the Eagles will be a strong opponent. Even so, I don’t think this game will be as close as many people think.
Chiefs 27, Eagles 17
In two of the Eagles’ three losses this season, running back Saquon Barkley was held under 100 yards. That could be the key to a Kansas City victory. If the Chiefs can jump out to an early lead — forcing Philadelphia into a one-dimensional, pass-heavy attack — they’ll have a chance to control the game more easily than many expect. I believe the Chiefs will do just that. With history on the line, Kansas City will deliver its best performance of the season, playing with...
