Image Courtesy: Democrat and Chronicle
Sunday, February 9
Super Bowl LIX (Caesars Superdome (New Orleans))
1.Kansas City Chiefs vs. 2.Philadelphia Eagles
6:30 PM ET, FOX
Super Bowl LIX is just one day away. Will the Kansas City Chiefs be the first team to win three Vince Lombardi trophies in a row or will the Philadelphia Eagles avenge their Super Bowl LVII loss to the Chiefs just two years ago? The Eagles have a younger, much more equipped defense to stop Patrick Mahomes and his trusty tight end Travis Kelce and rookie speedster Xavier Worthy on the outside. Philadelphia’s defensive unit boasts linebackers Zack Baun, Nolan Smith Jr., Jalyx Hunt, and Nakobe Dean, defensive linemen Jalen Carter, Moro Ojomo, and Jordan Davis in its front seven. However, its secondary will be tested against Kelce and Worthy. Safeties Reed Blankenship and CJ Gardner-Johnson will have to help veteran cornerback Darius Slay and rookie Cooper DeJean at cornerback to prevent Patrick Mahomes from taking shots down the field. Eagles tailback Saquon Barkley has been their biggest addition during the 2024 season with veteran center Jason Kelce retiring at the end of 2023. Barkley’s 442 rush yards and 5 touchdowns helped Philadelphia get through the Packers, Rams, and Commanders in the NFC playoffs on their way to a third Super Bowl in six seasons. For lanes to be created for Barkley, quarterback Jalen Hurts’ will need to get the ball down the field for receivers AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, and tight end Dallas Goedert. Philadelphia has a major advantage in the ground game with Barkley but don’t count out the duo of Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt. I anticipate a similar game to Super Bowl LVII with the Eagles coming even closer to beating the Chiefs. But, something tells me Andy Reid’s team will not lose this game. Projected Score: Kansas City 28, Philadelphia Eagles 27
