This week’s SB Nation reacts is centered around a Super Bowl prediction between the Chiefs and the Eagles
This week’s SB Nation reacts survey centers on the Super Bowl. The question is simple: Pick the game based on the spread and the total.
As of writing, the Kansas City Chiefs are 1.5-point favorites over the Philadelphia Eagles on FanDuel Sportsbook, with the total on the game set at 48.5. Oddsmakers are projecting Patrick Mahomes to come out on top by a score of 25-24 or somewhere in that ballpark.
According to DVOA, the Eagles were 5th this season, while the Chiefs were 8th. Of course, Kansas City went most of the year without Hollywood Brown. Their offense has been far more effective with him on the field.
Philadelphia will be the best defense the Chiefs have played all season. The Eagles are No. 1 in defensive DVOA. They have the secondary to limit Kansas City’s weapons and the defensive line to take advantage of their injuries upfront.
The Eagles will face a similar issue to the San Francisco 49ers last season. They lost their middle linebacker and will rely on Oren Burks to patrol the middle of the field and stop Travis Kelce. That did not work for the Niners a year ago, and Philly hopes for better results.
The Eagles’ offense looked lethargic at times during the season. Jalen Hurts was inconsistent. A.J. Brown was in and out of the lineup. Their passing game left plenty to be desired despite having some of the best weapons in the NFL.
The last thing you want to do against Steve Spagnuolo is be limited in one area. The good news for the Eagles is they boast the best offensive line in the NFL. The problem is Hurts has a propensity to hold onto the ball and take sacks that he shouldn’t. If you’ve watched one-quarter of the Chiefs play defense this year, then you know that Spags is going to come after you on obvious passing downs.
One way to stay away from obvious passing downs is by having an effective running game. Enter Saquon Barkley. I’m not sure Kansas City has faced a weapon like this. They struggled to stop James Cook. How will they do against a 2,000-yard rusher?
Does any of that matter if the score is tied, or the Eagles have a one or two-point lead, and Mahomes has the ball last? Unlikely. It should be an incredible game that sees plenty of points. Our prediction is the Eagles 27 and the Chiefs 26.
So that’s a nod to the over and Philadelphia covering.
Your turn.
We will let you know about the results later in the week.