Super Bowl Prediction: The 49ers won’t be able to keep pace with the Chiefs in a hard-fought, entertaining game.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Kansas City Chiefs
6:30 p.m. Eastern, Fox | Line: Chiefs -1.5 | Total: 54.5
The Super Bowl has finally arrived and it pits two teams against one another who are hungry to end championship droughts. The last time the Chiefs hoisted the championship trophy was 50 years ago as they defeated the Vikings to win Super Bowl IV. The last 49ers’ championship came 25 years ago with a victory in Super Bowl XXIX, when they crushed the soul of this, then 11-year-old Chargers fan.
Both teams have been dominant in their own right this season and they boast an impressive 29 combined wins. Each squad features an elite tight end and talented defensive front but that is where the similarities end. The Chiefs are much more likely to lean on the arm of Patrick Mahomes and the 49ers are much more likely to feed their running backs.
This has been evident in the playoffs as Mahomes has attempted 70 passes whereas Jimmy Garopollo has had to attempt only 27. Mahomes is actually also the leading rusher for the Chiefs during the playoffs with 106 yards, whereas Raheem Mostert had 220 in their last game alone. That’s not to say that the Chiefs can’t run and the 49ers can’t pass, as both have been solid in those areas as well this season. It just isn’t their identity.
On defense, the 49ers had a dominating season that ranked them second in overall team defense, allowing only 281 yards and 19.4 points per game. Their defensive front is likely the most talented in the league and will present some problems for Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense. On the other side, the Chiefs’ defense has overachieved under first-year coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
While they were middle of the pack in yards allowed at 349 per game, they actually allowed fewer points per game than the 49ers this season at 19.2. This has been the biggest difference in the Chiefs when compared to previous seasons.
I expect this to be a great game that will see both teams have success on offense and also make some big defensive plays and stands. Both teams will try to stay true to their identity and the 49ers will likely run the ball effectively and the Chiefs will likely pass the ball effectively as they both have all season.
This should be a back and forth battle that may be decided by a big play or turnover. My pick is that Patrick Mahomes will be able to make a couple big plays, especially on third down, that will give the Chiefs the advantage. In the end, the 49ers won’t be able to keep pace and the Chiefs win a hard-fought, very entertaining game.
Final Score: Chiefs 31, 49ers 27
No Comment! Be the first one.