The Kansas City Chiefs have been to 6-straight conference championships, and they are looking to go back-to-back in the Super Bowl for the first time since the New England Patriots in 2003-04. Travis Kelce has returned to first team all-pro level and has been coming up huge in the postseason. Patrick Mahomes has full command and confidence in this offense and his one struggling receiver are feeding off his confidence. With exception of Kadarius Toney, the receivers playing have been catching the ball at a high level, including Marquez Valdes-Scantling. But for the second straight year, I believe Isiah Pacheco will lead this offense. The San Francisco 49ers play a tough brand of defense, not many players in the league can welcome that with open arms. Pacheco is one of those backs that gets better as the game progresses.
Speaking of running backs. Christian McCaffrey is finally on the big stage. I expect nothing less than dominance from the 49ers run game. Specifically, their zone running game. Lots of tosses and outside zone runs to avoid Chris Jones up the middle. Really, they will be allowing McCaffrey to select holes and give him the freedom to execute. The Niners passing game is something that I have learned to love. Brandon Aiyuk over the middle has been deadly all season long. He is by far the best wide receiver on the team. I do predict that he will have some trouble in this game. Trent McDuffie will likely give Aiyuk jammed releases and has enough speed to keep up with him out of the break. Each time these two are matched up that’s what I will be watching.
This game will be back and forth for the most part. As it stands right now, the line is at -2 in favor of the Niners. I don’t expect this to move much but I don’t understand how anyone can bet against the Chiefs. Unfortunately, it will all come down to Brock Purdy in the second half. Purdy has been up and down though this year's playoffs but has activated his clutch gene when backs are against the wall. Will he be able to catch up from behind with Mahomes leading the unit on the other side of the ball? Not to take anything away from Brock, a game winning drive is a game winning drive, but the opposing teams he has bounced this year have a lack of experience in the playoffs. This will be the ultimate test and I think they will finish the job.
Prediction: The Niners are your Super Bowl LVIII champions with a final score of 31-27. Christian McCaffery is your Super Bowl MVP.
Really hoping the Chiefs win