Super Bowl LIV promises to be a far more compelling matchup than last year’s dud between the Rams and the Patriots. The 49ers have the most ferocious defense in the NFL, a brilliant play-caller and a potent rushing attack. The Chiefs have a generational quarterback, the fastest player in football, a great offensive mind of their own and a defense that has radically improved since last year.
We’re expecting a classic championship game. Here’s who our staff is picking.
Ultimately this game will come down to the quarterbacks and as much as I like Jimmy Garoppolo, Patrick Mahomes is simply going to be too much and the Chiefs’ offense just has more firepower. The Chiefs will dare Jimmy G to win this game for the 49ers as they’ll keep a close tab on the rushing attack, namely Raheem Mostert. The 49ers won’t be able to stop Mahomes from finishing the job. Andy Reid finally wins the big one.
Chiefs 34, 49ers 27
Kansas City cannot afford a third straight struggle out of the gate, as San Francisco won’t be as forgiving as Houston and Tennessee were in their previous two outings. For that not to occur, especially against the most formidable mix of offense and defense the league has to offer, the sport’s brightest star may have to turn in one of the greatest performances in Super Bowl history. But when it comes to Patrick Mahomes and his extraordinary ability to create, that’s not a bad bet.
Kansas City 37, San Francisco 28
This Super Bowl matchup between one of the top defenses in points allowed in the Kansas City Chiefs and the second-highest scoring offense in the San Francisco 49ers should be one for the ages. Both sides feature some high-profile players on defense, but I’m expecting this to become an offensive shootout and the highest-scoring Super Bowl of all time.
49ers 48, Chiefs 37
This contest will boil down to whether or not the Chiefs’ defense can slow down the rushing attack of the 49ers, who have been averaging 144.1 yards rushing per game this year. The Niners will not win if Jimmy Garrappolo has to throw too much. However, if Kyle Shanahan can call a game equal to the one he called against the Packers they will be tough to beat. Even though history says the better defense wins a majority of the time, I believe Eric Bieniemy and Patrick Mahomes will find a way to run up the score.
Chiefs 31, 49ers 24
The 49ers defense has been undeniably impressive this season, especially their pass rush. The question is does defense even matter when you’re facing Patrick Mahomes and the absurd talents Kansas City has at the skill positions? If the Chiefs can effectively neutralize Nick Bosa and the other Niners game-wreckers up front, the Niners will be in trouble. Getting an early lead will also be critical for San Francisco’s chances, as they can’t rely on Jimmy Garoppolo to bring them back from a big deficit the way Kansas City can with Mahomes.
Chiefs 38, 49ers 34
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