In a rematch of the 2022 Super Bowl, the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs will face off again in the Super Bowl this Sunday. The Chiefs won the last bout between the two 38-35. The Chiefs kicked a game-winning field goal after a controversial holding penalty was called against Eagles corner James Bradberry against Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster on a third down. Bradberry after the game, admitted to holding, but some argued it should not have been called, given the circumstances.
The Eagles come into this game after beating the upstart Washington Commanders 55-23. The Eagles rode their strong run game, scoring seven touchdowns on the ground, with running back Saquon Barkley and quarterback Jalen Hurts punching in three each. The Commanders held close with the Eagles for most of the first half, but turnovers would be their undoing, fumbling three times and throwing one interception.
Saquon Barkley, who led the league in rushing this season with 2,005 rushing yards, is on the cusp of breaking many records, including the most rushing yards in a season and post-season (needs 30), first 2,500 yards rushing yard season (needs 53), most rushing yards in a postseason (needs 169).
The Chiefs come into the game after beating the Bills for the fourth time since 2020 in the postseason 32-29. The Bills attempted a tush push on a fourth and short that came up short after review. There was some controversy behind this, leading people to once again question the decision by the refs in favor of the Chiefs. The Chiefs kicked a field goal to go up by three in the late fourth quarter and then got a fourth down stop on the ensuing Bills drive. The Chiefs would then kneel it out, sealing their victory and making it to their third consecutive Super Bowl.
This will be Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ fifth Super Bowl appearance since 2019. Mahomes and the Chiefs will have a rare opportunity in this Super Bowl, with the possibility of becoming the first team to “three-peat” and win three consecutive Super Bowls.
The Chiefs come into this game with a strong defense, allowing the fourth least points per game in the regular season with 19.2. They have an efficient offensive attack, a good passing unit, and an above-average run game.
Most people in the “football-verse” are not thrilled with the matchup of teams, but it, on paper, should be a good game. Both teams feature strong offenses, good defenses, and experienced quarterbacks.
In my belief, the Eagles probably have the edge in this one. Their run game and receivers outmatch those positions on the Chiefs offense. Mahomes is the better quarterback between the two, but I think the Eagles run game will outmatch the Chiefs defense late in this game. Saquon Barkley has the most 60-yard rushing touchdowns in a season this season, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he breaks another one. My prediction is that the Eagles will win 27-24.
