Ahead of this year’s Super Bowl matchup, the Kansas City Chiefs look to make NFL history while the Philadelphia Eagles look to redeem their 2023 loss.
The 2023 Super Bowl saw the Chiefs beat the Eagles 38-35 in a game that came down to the last play as kicker Harrison Butker made the game-winning field goal that gave the Chiefs the Lombardi Trophy. Two years later, they will face off again as the Chiefs look to become the first team in NFL history to win three championships consecutively.
Eagles offense
At the center of the Eagles’ offensive attack is their rushing game, led by the NFL-leading rusher Saquon Barkley who was signed this offseason. The Eagles were the second-highest rushing team this season.
Lining up under center, besides Barkley, is quarterback Jalen Hurts, who also contributed over 600 yards rushing along with 14 rushing touchdowns.
The Eagles’ rushing game has been key to their success all year and has to continue going into the Super Bowl as it supports the rest of their offense and helps keep their defense off the field.
Supported by their elite rushing offense, the Eagles also pose unique problems passing the ball. Hurts threw for nearly 3,000 yards and 18 touchdowns and is supported by wide receivers AJ Brown and Devonta Smith.
Brown had over 1,000 yards receiving and seven touchdowns, while Smith had over 800 yards receiving and eight touchdowns, despite both of them being forced to miss time this season due to injury.
While their rushing game is at the forefront of their offense, the Eagles’ passing game also must have success to take pressure off Barkley and prevent the Chiefs from stacking the box on defense.
Eagles defense
Along with their rushing game, the Eagles’ defense has also played a crucial role in their way back to the Super Bowl. The Eagles were statistically the best defense this season while having the best passing defense and the 10th best rushing defense.
In the NFC Championship against the Washington Commanders, the Eagles forced four turnovers and held the Commanders’ offense to 23 points as they went on to win 55-23.
On the defensive front, the Eagles are led by defensive tackle Jalen Carter and linebacker Nolan Smith Jr. Smith Jr. leads the Eagles this postseason in sacks with four, while Carter has added two himself, one being a game-clinching sack of Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in the Divisional Round. Carter’s sack of Stafford is an example of Carter’s leadership within the Eagles’ defense.
“Everybody knows when we need a play to be made, it’s gonna come from 98,” defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV said.
In the secondary, veteran Darius Slay and rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper Dejean lead the NFL’s best passing defense. Mitchell has two interceptions, and Slay has added another while Dejean has defended three passes as well. Facing Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Eagles secondary will have to find ways to slow down Mahomes throughout the game.
Chiefs offense
It’s impossible to mention the Chiefs’ offense without talking about Patrick Mahomes. Despite a relatively down year statistically, Mahomes is still the driving force behind the Chiefs’ offense that has found ways to win all season.
“Whatever he’s got to do to get us to the next level or to win the game, Pat’s gonna do it,” tight end Travis Kelce said following the AFC Championship. “Whether it’s putting his body on the line or giving it to somebody else for them to do it. That’s why he’s the ultimate competitor.”
Along with Mahomes, is the aforementioned Kelce who provides Mahomes with a reliable target in the passing game. Also, five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Deandre Hopkins has given Mahomes another trusted target to go along with deep threats Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown.
Complimenting their accomplished passing game is the Chiefs’ running game, which boasts both Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco. Pacheco ran for over 900 yards and seven touchdowns last season and was largely the face of the Chiefs’ running game before an injury derailed his 2024 season. This paved the way for Hunt to return to the Chiefs and rush for over 700 yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games.
Chiefs defense
While the Chiefs’ offense may have the more recognizable names, the anchor of their team all season has been the defense. The defense was the 9th ranked defense this season and is led by defensive tackle Chris Jones.
Jones had five sacks and a forced fumble while dealing with injuries throughout this season, and he is also a key leader in the Chiefs’ locker room.
“Being on the field with him makes my job a lot easier,” defensive tackle Mike Pennel said.
In the Chiefs’ secondary, cornerback Trent McDuffie leads the charge. McDuffie was the second-highest rated cornerback this season and has proven himself both in the pass and against the run.
Prediction
While this is a rematch of a Super Bowl that the Chiefs previously won, a lot has changed for both teams. Most notable is the Eagles’ acquisition of Saquon Barkley who has transformed the Eagles’ rushing offense this season, as shown by his 60-yard rushing touchdown on the Eagles’ first offensive play in the NFC Championship.
Barkley will be enough for the Eagles to flip the script from two years ago and bring Philadelphia their second Super Bowl and first under head coach Nick Sirianni, while Barkley walks away with the MVP trophy.
Final prediction: Eagles 27, Chiefs 24
MVP: Saquon Barkley
