Kurt Szymanski: Eagles 31, Chiefs 29
With a rematch of Super Bowl LVII on the horizon, the Philadelphia Eagles are in a prime position to take revenge on the Kansas City Chiefs, who handed the Eagles their first Super Bowl loss since 2005.
Looking at this Eagle’s roster, top to bottom and on both sides of the ball, it’s not too shocking they’ve made their way back to the big game.
Philadelphia’s defense finished the regular season ranked among the top three in the NFL in points allowed per game, opponent passing yards allowed per game, and touchdowns allowed per game.
Their defense hasn’t faltered in the playoffs either. The Eagles let up just ten points in the wildcard matchup against the Green Bay Packers, who averaged 27.1 points per game this season. Against the red-hot Washington Commanders, who dropped 45 points on the Detroit Lions the previous week, Philadelphia kept the team to 23 points in a blowout loss.
Their inconsistent offense is the only thing holding this Eagles team back against the Chiefs.
Sure, you have one of the best rushing offenses backed by mobile quarterback Jalen Hurts and the NFL’s leading rusher, Saquan Barkley, but the Eagles have been lacking in the passing unit that features Pro Bowler A.J. Brown and former Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith.
Suppose the Eagles can find a way to work in their star-studded duo of receivers while keeping Barkley fresh; the Chiefs will have a hard time stopping this high-powered offense while also playing against one of the league’s premier defenses.
Although this might not be the Super Bowl that NFL fans, especially Lions fans, were hoping for, a stacked Eagles team should be able to take care of this Chiefs team this time. However, the game might come down to the wire due to some late-game heroics from Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Evan Blanchard: Chiefs 24, Eagles 21
Everything Kurt said is 100% right. The Eagles have had a spectacular year, headlined by Barkley’s addition. Barkley has more than lived up to the expectations he received upon his signing, and it’s largely due to his performance that the Eagles have reached the Super Bowl.
But for the sake of comparison, let’s consider why the Chiefs will take home their third consecutive Super Bowl.
Everyone has heard plenty of times now that no team has ever won three consecutive Super Bowls. It would be the first team to accomplish the feat, and the only thing I keep thinking in my head is, ‘Why not them?’
Keep in mind, this is a team that did not obliterate opponents this year. The Chiefs won 11 of their 15 games this season by one score or less. Mahomes had the worst season in his career, and the offense has struggled to score all season. They’ve only had two regular season games with 30 or more points, and one of those wins came in overtime.
The skill corps for the Chiefs has also been subpar all season. Kansas City lost running back Isaiah Pacheco earlier in the season for a stretch, and young breakout receiver Rashee Rice lost nearly the entire season due to injury. Last but not least, star tight end Travis Kelce had a down year in terms of production as well.
Despite all of this, Kansas City is still 15-2. They still beat the Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills in the playoffs and are still playing in their third consecutive Super Bowl.
Let this be a testament to the greatness of Mahomes and the stellar leadership of head coach Andy Reid and his staff. Even with a revolving door of skill players, including more new additions, such as wide receiver Deandre Hopkins and running back Kareem Hunt, Kansas City has climbed the mountain and again comes one game away from history.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Chiefs must again be given their flowers. In the regular season, they held 14 of their opponents to 25 points or less, good for an average of 19.2 points per game allowed (4th best in the league). They also boast the 8th best-rushing defense in the league, a unit that Barkley and Hurts will most certainly challenge.
I won’t proclaim to be a huge NFL savant or a stat head, but I can recognize greatness when I see it. The Chiefs are just building on an already-established dynasty that will look to eventually topple the New England Patriots with Tom Brady for the best in the NFL. In my opinion, the Chiefs will narrowly defeat the Eagles in a defensive affair.