The Kansas City Chiefs will take on the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII (58) on Sunday, February 11. This will be a rematch of Super Bowl LIV (54) when the Chiefs came back from down 10 points to defeat the 49ers 31-20 behind three fourth quarter touchdowns. This Super Bowl will look a lot like the last time these two teams met up in the big game. Andy Reid will once again lead the Chiefs, and Kyle Shanahan will coach the 49ers, just like 4 years ago. Patrick Mahomes is still the Chiefs quarterback of course, but the 49ers signal caller will be Brock Purdy, a second year player out of Iowa State, instead of Jimmy Garapolo.

The Kansas City Chiefs finished the regular season with a record of 11-6, struggling throughout the first half of the regular season, but playing their best football when playoff time came. Surprisingly, the Chiefs biggest issues this season have come on offense, which is not typical for an Andy Reid and Pat Mahomes led team. The Chiefs led the league in dropped passes this season, with receivers dropping passes in key moments of games. Lately, the drops have not been an issue, and they are going to need that to continue to beat a stout 49ers defense. But like the 49ers, the Chiefs defense is a huge strength. They allowed over 20 points only 4 times this season. Led by veteran defensive tackle Chris Jones and corner L’Jarius Sneed, the Chiefs defense has been one of the most consistent in the NFL. 

The Chiefs will need their defense to be on their A game this weekend, as this 49ers offense is a whole new challenge. Led by Brock Purdy, the 49ers offense is as high powered as any with plenty of weapons at its disposal. Running back Christian McCaffery and wide receiver Deebo Samuel are both top tier at their positions, and George Kittle is a mainstay at tight end. But as perfect as this offense sounds, they have had their struggles recently, being held to 7 points in the first half of each of their playoff games. They trailed 21-7 to the Packers in the divisional round, and 24-7 to Lions in the NFC Championship. They came back to win both games, coming through late in big moments. These comebacks were aided by takeaways by the 49ers defense, which has become a specialty in San Fran over the past few years. Led by superstars Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, the defensive side of the ball has been lockdown for the 49ers. Huge stops and takeaways are the main reason the 49ers are in the Super Bowl, not at home watching. 

Two stout defenses and star-studded offenses should produce a Super Bowl for the ages. Don’t expect this one to get out of hand either way, as these two teams are very evenly matched. The Chiefs are playing as well as they have all year, and the 49ers have been the team to beat since week 1. I expect this one to be close from the beginning, but in the end, Patrick Mahomes’ experience will lead the Chiefs to their third Super Bowl title in 5 years. Look for Brock Purdy to throw a big interception late in the game, allowing the Chiefs offense to drain out the clock. 

My Prediction: Chiefs 27, 49ers 21

Andrew Dougherty