Before the start of America’s biggest game in just a few days, the Xavier Review will weigh in with who we think will win. The Eagles and the Chiefs, perhaps the two teams most expected to be facing off in this matchup, will meet on the field this Sunday in a historic matchup. Let’s take a look at what each team brings to the table.
After a disappointing end to the season last year that had some questioning why head coach Nick Sirrianni still had his job, the Eagles have bounced back tremendously. Many credit this revitalization to the addition of all-pro running back Saquon Barkley, who inked a long-term contract with the team at the end of last season. Barkley has been so good that he has already rushed for the 8th most single-season yards of all time, coming very close to breaking the record. This statistic is increasingly impressive, considering the running back has become less important in the modern NFL.
This does not mean, however, that the Eagles lack talent on offense in terms of throwing the ball. Quarterback Jalen Hurts has had an impressive season, and although he has not thrown for many yards, his QBR ranks in the top ten in the league. The Eagles also have a pair of talented receivers in AJ Brown and Dovanta Smith, who both have the talent to shine in big games.
The Eagle’s biggest strength, however, is their incredible defense. Ranked number 1 in the league, it is hard to find any flaws in this formidable unit. Their defensive line is highlighted by second-year pro bowler Jalen Carter, who has racked up 61 combined QB hits and pressures this year. They have a strong linebacker core with pro bowler Zach Baun leading the charge, and a formidable secondary with rookie Quinyon Mitchell having locked down many of the league’s top receivers this season.
The Eagle’s biggest concerns do not lie with their defense but instead rest squarely on the shoulders of Jalen Hurts, who has yet to prove he can be clutch in big moments. With the Chiefs having such an amazing defensive line the Eagles might be forced to lean a little more on their pass game, which in turn will force Hurts to step up.
The Chiefs have officially become the league’s newest dynasty and hope to cement that position with a historic third Super Bowl victory in a row. This Chiefs team is very similar to the team we saw in the Super Bowl last year because their offense has been relatively mediocre. The Chiefs’ offense isn’t even in the top ten yards generated per game during the regular season. This team relies on two things: their defense and Patrick Mahomes’ clutch ability. No matter what, they always seem to get it done late in the game.
Despite having a relatively mediocre season for his standards, Patrick Mahomes has managed to lead this team to 15 regular season wins. There should be no questions surrounding his ability to perform in the clutch, but will the rest of the offense be able to match his performance?
The Chiefs’ wide receiver core has had some question marks throughout the season. Besides the emerging talent in rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy and the constantly great Travis Kelce, this team lacks elite offensive weapons. Facing off against an Eagles defense that has several elite corners and safeties will not be easy, and they will likely have to lean heavily on Kelce.
The Chiefs have also lacked a consistent running game throughout the season. Although they are happy to have Isiah Pacheco back, he hasn’t received a large volume of carries since he returned from his early-season injury. The Chiefs offensive line, however, has been a top 5 unit in the league. This will make for an amazing battle in the trenches as they face off against an elite front four on the Eagles’ side.
Kansas City’s defense has been the backbone of their success this season, ranking among the league’s top 10. Pro Bowler Chris Jones continues to anchor a formidable defensive front, while the Chiefs’ corners and linebackers have played exceptionally well. They will have to rely on Trent Mcduffie as their number one corner, who will have the spotlight on him all night in his exciting matchup against AJ Brown. This defense has forced 13 interceptions during the regular season and has also been great in the clutch.
This Chiefs team might, on paper, be one of the weaker Chiefs teams we have seen in recent years. The biggest question mark will be their offense, specifically their wide receivers and offensive linemen. These two position groups will be heavily tested by the Eagle’s defense, and if they can’t perform then the rest of the team will fall apart.
Overall, this is one of the most exciting Super Bowl matchups we have had in a long time. With these teams, it is impossible to expect anything but an extremely close game. Based on the stats and recent team performance, however, we can make a prediction. This seems to be the Eagles’ year, and with their incredible talent on both offense and defense, the only thing that might cause them to lose would be poor coaching. This Chiefs team does not have the talent to keep up with the Eagles. If Saquon Barkley can get going, then the Eagles will not have to lean on Jalen Hurts and should secure the victory.
