The “Big Game” is finally set. Super Bowl 58 will be between the defending champions Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers. This matchup will take place in Las Vegas on Sun., Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m.
After beating the Baltimore Ravens 17-10 in the AFC Championship, the Chiefs have now been in four of the last five Super Bowls. With another win this year, quarterback Patrick Mahomes will be another step closer to becoming the GOAT (greatest of all time).
Mahomes had another stellar performance, passing for over 240 yards and a touchdown while completing 77% of his passes. Mahomes’ partner-in-crime, tight end Travis Kelce, had eleven catches for 116 yards and a touchdown. Kelce also broke the record for most all-time playoff receptions.
The Chiefs came into this game having found success in their running game. Averaging over 140 yards on the ground in their last two outings, Kansas City had to change the game plan against a stout Ravens defense. It was not pretty in the second half, but they got the job done.
Besides the excellence of Mahomes and Kelce, the Chiefs’ second-ranked defense was the reason they were able to advance to their second straight Super Bowl. Cornerbacks L’Jarius Sneed and Trent McDuffie added to their case as the league’s best cornerback duo. Defensive tackle Chris Jones was wreaking havoc on the inside, while also getting help from fellow defensive linemen George Karlaftis and Charles Omenihu.
The 49ers will be the Chiefs opponent in this year’s final game. After a heartbreaking loss to Mahomes and these same Chiefs in 2020, the Niners are seeking revenge. This time, though, the Niners will be led back by second-year quarterback and former “Mr. Irrelevant” Brock Purdy.
Purdy put together another solid performance against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship, passing for over 260 yards and a touchdown. San Fran was down 24-7 at halftime but was able to put it together in the third quarter to tie the game. Then, they dominated the fourth quarter except for a late touchdown by the Lions.
Christian McCaffrey had another dominant performance, rushing and receiving for over 140 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns. Deebo Samuel also had a nice game, racking in almost 90 yards receiving on eight catches. Brandon Aiyuk may have had the play of the night to go along with his 68 receiving yards, catching a 51-yard pass off the helmet of a Lions defender.
Then, there is the always fierce Niners defense. Led by linebacker Fred Warner and edge Nick Bosa, this side of the ball is filled with game wreckers. Cornerback Charvarius Ward, a former Chief, has been one of the best at his position all season. They will have a tough matchup against Mahomes and Kelce, but they are certainly built for this tall task.
The coaching matchup between these clubs will also be entertaining. Both Andy Reid and Kyle Shannahan are offensive masterminds, so this game is destined to be a chess match. This may not even end up mattering, as the real x-factor is Chiefs superfan Taylor Swift (kidding).
Overall, this Super Bowl should be an entertaining matchup between two of the best teams in the league. Will Patrick Mahomes win another ring to add to his collection, or will Purdy and the Niners win their first championship since 1995? Tune in to Super Bowl 55 on CBS to find out.
The Pharcyde’s Prediction- Chiefs 27, 49ers 24
