For our final Bold Predictions column of the 2022-23 NFL season, we here at Russell Street Report will try to forecast the winner of Super Bowl LVII between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Let us know who you’ve got in the comments!
Darin McCann
The Eagles are looking at pretty convincing advantages along both sides of the line of scrimmage, and with their offensive playmakers. That being said, KC gets the nod at quarterback and head coach. That usually counts for something, too. This should prove to be a good matchup, and I think it goes down to the wire between these two number-one seeds. Here are some predictions:
— Miles Sanders breaks a long one of more than 60 yards, but still finishes with less than 100 yards for the game on the ground.
— JuJu Smith-Schuster has a big one for the Chiefs, producing more than 125 yards and two touchdowns.
— The Eagles record four sacks and an interception.
— Chris Jones forces a fumble that is recovered in the Eagles red zone.
— Jalen Hurts has less than 250 yards combined passing and running yards.
Eagles 23 Chiefs 21
Rob Shields
This year’s Super Bowl features the two best teams in the NFL. It’s an excellent matchup on paper. That said, I think Patrick Mahomes has to be even better than normal to keep this game close.
Philly has an advantage in every aspect of the game. The good news for KC is that their offensive line is excellent, so that could help neutralize the Philly defensive front.
I think there will be a lot of scoring but Philly pulls away late in the game.
Eagles 38 Chiefs 28
Sign up here to activate this DraftKings Maryland promo code offer ahead of Super Bowl 57 for $200 in bonus bets.
States: AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV 21+ and present in participating states. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
CLAIM OFFERChris Schisler
If the Baltimore Ravens aren’t going to be in the Super Bowl, this is as comfortable a matchup as the Flock can hope for. We don’t have to see Tom Brady in his 10th Super Bowl and we’re not forced to watch a division rival compete for the ultimate glory. Philadelphia vs. Kansas City sounds like a game everyone can sit back and enjoy.
The game should have some fireworks. You have NFL MVP in Patrick Mahomes and a guy who was in the conversation all year in Jalen Hurts. You have A.J. Brown as the top playmaker for Philadelphia and Travis Kelce for the ever-resourceful Chiefs. You expect to see some points put up on the scoreboard.
The defenses do play a factor though. While you may have a higher level of respect for the Eagles’ defense, don’t overlook what the Chiefs’ defense can do in this game. In the AFC Championship, the Cincinnati Bengals saw Joe Burrow get sacked five times. Kansas City has racked up at least two sacks in every game since Christmas Eve. Against the Jaguars they got two sacks. Against the Raiders they had five sacks, and they took down Russell Wilson four times against the Broncos. Quietly, the Chiefs have been very antagonistic to quarterbacks.
Chris Jones is one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL. The last time he played in a Super Bowl he was a big part of the Chiefs topping the San Francisco 49ers. Look for him to get some pressure up the middle and slow down Myles Sanders and the Eagles’ run game. Nick Bolton is a sneaky X-Factor for the Chiefs. He’s had 72 solo tackles, two interceptions and two sacks this season. His athleticism in the middle of the Chiefs’ defense could cause Philadelphia some trouble. Athleticism is needed against the Eagles.
It’s hard to bet against Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid. Mahomes has been in the Super Bowl before and he has the habit of making magic happen when his team needs it. Mahomes made it happen against the Bengals with a shorthanded offense as injuries began to mount for Kansas City. He’s one of the greatest players we’ve ever seen at the quarterback position and the legend could continue to grow in this Super Bowl. I also am always skeptical of a team that skates it’s way through the NFL season without much drama. This season seemed too easy for the Eagles – even with Hurts missing some games down the stretch. Give me a battle-tested Chiefs team.
Bold Predictions:Â
— Mahomes throws for 300 yards and 3 touchdowns while Hurts goes for 270 and 3 touchdowns in one of the best quarterback battles in a Super Bowl.
— A.J. Brown has 100 yards and 2 touchdowns.
— Travis Kelce scores twice.
— The Chiefs get 4 sacks and Miles Sanders only has 40 rushing yards.
— Chiefs force two turnovers: a pick and a fumble.
Chiefs 31 Eagles 27Â
Kevin McNelis
All I can hope for in this one is an exciting matchup. There are plenty of storylines coming into this game, including the never-ending content factory that is Kelce v. Kelce, but the most intriguing matchup for me is going to be the star-studded Eagles defense locking horns with Patrick Mahomes as he tries to cap off a virtuoso year. Here we go:
— Travis Kelce continues to be the walking embodiment of a mismatch. He demands a double team and still ends up hauling in 8 receptions for 100+ yards and a touchdown.
— Haason Reddick terrorizes the Chiefs offense all evening, notching two TFLs and two sacks.
— Kenneth Gainwell and Isiah Pacheco go back and forth in a duel of underrated RBs, each recording touchdowns of their own.
The game comes down to the final possession. The Chiefs will take the lead on a touchdown inside two minutes, with Jalen Hurts trying to command his guys to a late touchdown to answer. The Eagles march to midfield, but Chris Jones caps off the season of a lifetime with a strip sack to seal the deal.
Chiefs 31 Eagles 27
Chad Racine
I must admit, throughout most of the season I dismissed the Eagles as frauds. While not as much as the 11-0 Steelers a couple of years ago, I felt they benefited from a soft schedule. After watching them easily dismantle both the Giants and 49ers, I realized I was wrong. They’re not just winning playoff games; they are pummeling opponents into submission. It’s quite impressive that Howie Roseman has made it back to his second Super Bowl in five years with both a new head coach and quarterback.
Patrick Mahomes has been the best quarterback in the league pretty much since his arrival as a starter. He’s proven that again after trading away his top weapon in Tyreek Hill and losing three of his top receivers against the cry babies (Bengals), he can still get the job done. Oh yeah, all the while playing with a high ankle sprain.
Mahomes has the experience and is the better quarterback but the Eagles have a better overall team. I’m riding with the hot hand and picking another quarterback on a rookie contract to win it all.
Eagles 31 Chiefs 17
Derek Arnold
I’ve seen some posts on social media of Kansas City fans defacing the Rocky statue in Philly with Chiefs gear. That didn’t go too well for the San Francisco 49ers fans.
It’s enough make me put my money on the NFC squad. Go Birds.
Eagles 27 Chiefs 24
4 Responses
Eagles defense will literally make things uncomfortable for Mahomes, who is still dealing with high ankle sprain!
Eagles 24 Chiefs 17
I have to go with Mahomes even with a bad ankle. He’s good enough to win wounded.
In a close game, I see Mahomes and the Chiefs winning.
The Chiefs have taught us why they are so dangerous in close games. The Chiefs are always adjusting and improving. The Ravens need to likewise be always be adjusting and continually improving to compete against top teams like the Chiefs.