By Eddie Young, Aidan Mastandrea, Tyler Morello and Joseph Caruso
Sports Editor, News Editor and Staff Writers
Super Bowl LIX is here, featuring a star-studded matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. Kansas City, led by three-time Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes, is the league’s current dynasty, as this is their fifth Super Bowl appearance in the last six seasons, and they will be looking to become the first team to win three straight. Philadelphia is looking to avenge their Super Bowl loss two years ago against the Chiefs, and they have a new improved rushing attack led by Saquon Barkley. The sports staff of The Signal will be giving their predictions on what to expect in this matchup.
Eddie’s winner: Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have consistently been one of the best teams in the NFL since Mahomes became their starting quarterback. They have won 17 straight one score games dating back to last season, and their ability to seemingly escape losses by any means necessary is a great trait for a team looking to win a Super Bowl. The Eagles have a great rushing attack that will be hard to slow down, but the Chiefs defense is led by a great coordinator in Steve Spagnuolo and a star lineman in Chris Jones. At the end of the day, you never want to bet against Mahomes and Andy Reid. Philadelphia will keep it close like they did two years ago, but the Chiefs will come away with a tight 27-25 victory.
Super Bowl MVP: Patrick Mahomes
Prop bet: National Anthem over 120.5 seconds
Aidan’s winner: Philadelphia Eagles
Just a year removed from a season that ended in turmoil, the Eagles have looked nearly unstoppable all season. The addition of running back Barkley has been discussed at length as the reason for success, but the Philly defense is one of the best in the league. Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio revamped a lackluster squad, and players like Zach Baun and Jalen Carter have been game changers and will make things tough on Kansas City. Despite Barkley’s success, this game will come down to Jalen Hurts. With their stout defense, if Hurts can take care of the ball, the Eagles will lift their first Lombardi trophy since 2018, winning 26-23.
Super Bowl MVP: Zach Baun
Prop bet: Coin toss to be heads
Tyler’s winner: Kansas City Chiefs
My prediction from about two months ago was that despite all of these other up-and-coming teams emerging, the Chiefs would still find a way to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. Now, with key contributors such as wide receiver Hollywood Brown and offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor returning from injuries, Kansas City is once again in a great position to win for a third year in a row. Mahomes is playing in his fifth Super Bowl and knows how to come out on top in every big game. The Eagles are no slouch, as Barkley has been torching every defense the Eagles have played here in the playoffs. However, it is hard to believe the Chiefs will get outplayed by a Hurts-led team.
Super Bowl MVP: Patrick Mahomes
Prop bet: Travis Kelce proposes to Taylor Swift
Joseph’s winner: Philadelphia Eagles
Going for his fourth Super Bowl in just seven seasons, Mahomes has been unbeatable, now on an unbelievable nine-game playoff winning streak, throwing for 2,176 yards and 16 touchdowns with just one interception during that streak. Despite his greatness, the Kansas City offense has a lot less firepower than in previous seasons. Missing breakout wide receiver Rashee Rice, the evident decline of Travis Kelce and not a whole lot of help from the running game, it has been a rather pedestrian season for the Chiefs offense. With that being said, Kansas City has been able to lean on their defense, which ranks fourth in opposing points per game. On the other side, Philadelphia will be seeking revenge from their 2022 campaign, where they fell 38-35 in a heartbreaking loss to the Chiefs. The Eagles have hit their stride at the most opportune time, scoring 105 points through three playoff games, more than they did during any three-game stretch during the regular season, and leading all playoff teams. They are led by Barkley, who became just the ninth running back in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards, dispelling the argument that running backs do not matter. The rushing tandem of Barkley and quarterback Jalen Hurts has given the Eagles the best rushing attack in the NFL. However, it is not just Hurts and Barkley that the Chiefs have to worry about. Other stars, including A.J. Brown, Carter, Baun, Devonta Smith, Quinyon Mitchell and the entire Philadelphia offensive line will prove too much for the Chiefs to handle, and the first Super Bowl three-peat will have to be put on hold, as the Philadelphia Eagles will win by a score of 34-26.
Super Bowl MVP: Saquon Barkey
Prop bet: Jalen Hurts anytime TD
