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We’ve played 272 regular season games and 12 postseason games to get to Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans. For 30 teams, the focus is on the offseason. For the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, the Lombardi Trophy is at stake for the second time in three seasons. Kansas City is trying to become the first team in the Super Bowl era to pull off a three-peat. Philadelphia famously denied the New England Patriots a repeat to win its first Super Bowl back in the 2017 season. The Chiefs won a 38-35 thriller over the Eagles in Super Bowl 57 to start this extraordinary run of dominance. Revenge time for Philly? Or history for KC?
Here’s how the Field Gulls staff sees this Sunday going down.
Mookie Alexander: I’ve not picked any of the Chiefs Super Bowls correctly. Why change now? I think the Philadelphia Eagles have a better roster and a defensive front that’s even more formidable than the one that got stymied in their first Super Bowl meeting. Saquon Barkley getting a ring after leaving New York Giants purgatory would be awesome to see, and he’s capable of breaking any defense. If I were to pick a team more likely to win be blowout, I’d pick the Eagles. But after watching the Chiefs repeatedly find ways to win no matter what the circumstance, I have no choice but to do the simple thing and not bet against Patrick Mahomes. He’ll outduel Jalen Hurts in the clutch, while Chris Jones and George Karlaftis compromise that elite Eagles OL to make the critical, game-deciding stand.
Chiefs 24, Eagles 20 and Mahomes wins Super Bowl MVP with three touchdown passes and the game-winner. A four-point win for a four-time Super Bowl champion.
Frank T. Raines (FTR!): Raise your hand if the Chiefs-peat seems inevitable. (Looks ‘round the forum and sees A LOT of hands in the air.) Two years ago, the final score in the Super Bowl was Chiefs 38, Eagles 35 and that seems about right this year too.
On a side note, Pat Riley apparently owns the phrase “three-peat” but gave the Chiefs permission to use it. Me, I think Chiefs-peat sounds cooler. And, as a bonus, Kansas City can use it again next year when Cooper Kupp helps them win their fourth consecutive title.
Personally, I’m pulling for the Eagles on Sunday, but … ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Tyler Alsin: I have been told for two weeks how I am supposed to appreciate the Kansas City Chiefs and what they are doing. I will not. The Chiefs have been interesting before; fascinating even. This year they are not. The most interesting thing about the Chiefs this season is the storyline of blocked kicks, botched plays, questionable calls, QB flops, and one-score victories. In the past, that suited the NFL, and while I will never officially call Conspiracy Theory, I do wonder if for the first time the emotional and speculative situation is primed for Patrick Mahomes to not be the beneficiary of a call that might otherwise win them the game. Eagles 31, Chiefs 27. Super Bowl MVPs are as random as it gets but Saquon Barkley would be awesome.
John Tapia: When making a Super Bowl prediction, my mind goes in two directions.
(1) The Eagles have the superior roster with superior offensive line play, arguably the MVP of the season in Saquon Barkley, better weapons for the quarterback in AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert, and a better all-around defense (Philadelphia ranks 1st in points/game allowed, yards/game allowed, ranks 2nd in passing yards/game, and ranks 8th in rushing yards/game – all of which outrank Kansas City’s defense.)
(2) Despite the Eagles having a better all around roster, the Chiefs are stronger where it might matter most – better head coach (Andy Reid), better quarterback (Patrick Mahomes), a first ballot hall of fame tight end (Travis Kelce) and a monster at defensive tackle (Chris Jones). On top of this, the Chiefs just know how to win close games, which Super Bowl 59 is bound to be.
Considering these two though processes, I am truly torn. Part of my brain leans Philadelphia, while the other leans Kansas City. However, my heart truly is with the Eagles, in the hope that Barkley can prevent a three-peat from happening. However, I worry that my heart is creating bias within my brain as well. It is because of this fear, and the Chiefs ability to finish close games, that I sadly chose the Chiefs to win a thriller – on a last second touchdown to DeAndre Hopkins in the corner of the end zone. Kansas City Chiefs, 38-34, with Patrick Mahomes getting his fourth Super Bowl MVP.
John Fraley: The first time I pick against Patrick Mahomes in the postseason, please take away my keys. And change my ATM pin. And slap me across the cheek for good measure. With a glove if that’s your thing.
That being said, there’s a Tom Brady lesson to be learned as Mahomes attempts to out-Brady Tom on Sunday. And that’s in the Patriots’ twin losses to the Giants. Their pass rush neutralized the GOAT (for now) and evened the playing field somewhat, allowing the game to come down to other heroics. I expect that to happen with the Eagles’ d-line again, but for the heroics to favor KC, as they always seem do.
Chiefs 26, Eagles 25. Chris Jones MVP. Very dark horse MVP: Saquon Barkley in a losing effort, reminiscent of how Thurman Thomas should’ve won in 1991 and would’ve if the Norwood FG goes through. That’s no way to decide an individual award.
Ted Zahn: “Yo Adrian…I did it!!” – Saquon Barkley, probably.
Last year I predicted the Chiefs would beat the 49ers 27-23 which was pretty dang close to the final! Mostly, I chose that outcome because I hate the 49ers while I just strongly dislike the Chiefs. In that same vein, I’m going with the Eagles to put an end to this Chiefs winning streak with a 23-21 victory on a last-second field goal. It’s going to be a slog for most of the game with fireworks saved for the end. Jalen Hurts will be the de facto game MVP as there won’t be any standout performances.
Patrick Hood: All season long, it has appeared as though the Chiefs winning their next game has been a near-certainty. No matter how good their opponent may be, Kansas City has been able to find ways to win on a regular basis (sometimes through questionable means), infuriating the rest of the league in the process.
I think that Kansas City will annoy the other 31 fanbases one last time this year by winning yet another one-score game. Even though nobody except for Chiefs fans wants it to happen, I am afraid that this year will be the first time that a team will win three consecutive Super Bowls. Chiefs 35, Eagles 31.
John P. Gilbert: When in Kansas City be sure to drink Boulevard and stop by Rosedale’s to eat. Philly is the worst. Go Chiefs.
Gavin Feek: Mother Mary of God, why do I have to watch the Chiefs in the Super Bowl again? Sweet Jesus, theoretically, I don’t have to. Dear Lord, I could catch up on my window shopping, or play with my kids. Good God, I could find a mature potted tree to cover up the view of my neighbor’s weird backyard obsession with recycling bins. Holy Savior, what if I miss Saquon Barkley jamming the football down Chamarri Conner’s throat? Prince of Peace, what if Jalen Hurts wins MVP and then gets on the mic and says “Hey Kelce, I hope this doesn’t ruin your repu-TAY-tion? Holy God-Lord in heaven, wouldn’t it have been a lot cooler if the Bills and Commanders had gotten in? This is the Blah Bowl. Chiefs win; 38-35
Alexandre Castro: The Eagles and Chiefs will face off again in the SB. I believe the Eagles roster (with the exception of QB) is probably stronger than the Chiefs. However, the Chiefs are a team that is used to playing in the playoffs, overcoming difficult situations, reinventing themselves and winning games even when they seem doomed to defeat.
The Eagles had a subpar game against the Rams, but dominated the exciting Commanders. I believe it will be a very close game, but the Chiefs should get their third SB win in a row. Chiefs 31, Eagles 27.
Terrance Robinson aka thadisrad: Call me Natalie Imbruglia ‘cause I’m torn. The Kansas City football club do so many things correctly like play fantastic defense, utilize their offensive weapons to various methods and modes, and retain their priceless players no matter the cost (at the expense of other very good personnel). They are also one of the cheapest, most selfish ownership groups in the league and have consistently ranked at the bottom of multiple player polls regarding team facilities. They also employ one of the best kickers in the league whom I would call a caveman, but that would be an insult to cavemen everywhere.
The Philly Eagles are also a bit of a pain. In the best sense, they drafted a solid but possibly problematic QB1 in Jalen Hurts, whose best qualities have been accentuated, turning him into one of the most victorious and dangerous players of his generation. Saquon Barkley winning a ring one year after leaving New Jersey would be sweet. And, the Philly GM quite possibly, once all is said and done, will be considered the best at his position as well. But their coach is an absolute pain in the butt, the fan-base is historically awful (save for my homie Geist), and Hurts is just not a very likeable player to me. My heart cares for neither team, save for individual players. With that said, I see a low scoring game won by Philly, 24-17. Barkley wins game MVP, and TayTay is shown crying into Ice Spice’s arms.
Staff picking the Chiefs: Mookie, Gilbert, Fraley, Tapia, Gavin, Frank, Alexandre, Patrick, Ted
Staff picking the Eagles: Tyler, Terrance
Give us your predictions in the comments! Here’s to a fun game with absolutely no refereeing controversies whatsoever. I’m not really counting on that, to be honest.
