While the Super Bowl LVIII isn’t the matchup many of us were hoping for, it is the matchup we have.
So roll with it and get ready for a Super Bowl do-over from the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl matchup in 2019 when the Chiefs emerged as the world champions by virtue of a 31-20 win. Several players remain on both sides, but this will be a much different Super Bowl and it will be played in the once forbidden city of Las Vegas on Sunday evening.
Expect an exciting Super Bowl that will feature two offenses that are capable of big plays, memorable moments, and lots of points. But also don’t sleep on either the 49ers or Chiefs defenses. Both are legit.
So, get your snacks, and favorite beverages lined up, and figure out just where you want to sit for Sunday’s Big Game. In the meantime, here are some things to consider as we get ready for Super Bowl 58.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel. Credit: Associated Press
Keys to Victory
Chiefs: It’s real simple for the defending Super Bowl champions; Patrick Mahomes has to have one of his spectacular performances that we have been accustomed to seeing. His favorite target, tight end Travis Kelce, must also find those holes in the defense. But unlike years past, the Chiefs also have a defense they can rely on this year. The Chiefs’ defensive front needs to keep constant pressure on Brock Purdy and not let him get comfortable sitting in the pocket.
49ers: Easily, San Francisco has the most explosive and talented offense in the league. Christian McCaffery is the most complete running back in the NFL right now, equally able to gash teams running the ball and in short passing situations. But it doesn’t stop there. Receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk are among the Top 10 in the league, and tight end George Kittle has been one of the best at his position for the past few years. Then the offensive line is anchored by Trent Williams, who may be the best offensive tackle in the game right now. All second-year quarterback Brock Purdy has to do is what he has done for two seasons now, manage the game and get the ball in the hands of his many playmakers. Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks also needs to go man-to-man against the Chiefs weapons, but he must commit a second man in coverage against their top target, Kelce.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones. Credit: Associated Press
Players to Watch
Chiefs:
QB Patrick Mahomes
TE Travis Kelce
DL Chris Jones
CB Trent McDuffie
CB L’Jarius Sneed
49ers:
RB Christian McCaffery
DE Nick Bosa
WR Deebo Samuel
TE George Kittle
QB Brock Purdy
Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid. Credit: Associated Press
Houston Ties
There aren’t many connections between the two Super Bowl teams and the Texans. But there are a few. Fans should remember Chiefs safety Justin Reid, who played in the Texans secondary from 2018-2021. The 49ers also have former Texans receiver Chris Conley and safety Tashaun Gipson, Sr.
Who’s Winning
The 49ers opened as one-point favorites to win this year’s Super Bowl but the spread jumped as high as 2.5 points on some sportsbooks as the kick-off day and time have drawn closer. But look for the Kansas City Chiefs to defy the odds and repeat as Super Bowl champions. Though the 49ers played outstanding during the regular season, they don’t seem to be playing their best football right now, as was evident in the NFC Championship Game matchup with Detroit in which the Lions had control most of the game. Mahomes and the Chiefs offense, on the other hand, seems to finally be finding their groove. But what also will help the Chiefs this season is the improved defense that ranks first in the NFL in yards allowed (289.8 yards per game) and second in scoring allowed (17.3 points per game).
The Winning Score
Chiefs 31-24
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and pop star girlfriend Taylor Swift. Credit: Associated Press
Super Bowl MVP
Wait for it. Big play tight end Travis Kelce will be heading to Disney and he will have Taylor Swift in tow. Let it never be said that the NFL doesn’t take full advantage of its stage and Disney will get a piece of the action, too. There are rumors that Kelce may actually propose to the pop star following the game and wouldn’t winning the MVP and the two going to Disney the next day make for great theater? You bet it will.
