This Superbowl has a different feel to it. It is the first time since 2015 that the New England Patriots are not representing the AFC, and with Tom Brady's uncertain future it seems like this might be a changing of the guard at the top of the NFL.
As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare to face the San Francisco 49ers at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday lets look at who could make the difference.
The San Francisco 49ers reached the Superbowl on the back of their defence and run game. Although don't count out their passing attack. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo already has two Superbowl rings under his belt, despite being the backup with the New England Patriots for both of them, he knows what it's like to be apart of the big game. The man under centre has had a few big passing games so far this season, with three 300+ yard performances, and finishing with 27 Touchdown passes, which is the fifth most in the NFL, albeit only passing eight times in the NFC Championship game. Kyle Shanahan said this was only because the running game was working, and working it was. With Raheem Mostert exploding out of no where for 220 yards and 4 touchdowns on only 29 carries. This might be the best asset of the 49ers offence, and just how adaptable they are depnding on what is working.
It isn't up for debate on who is the Kansas City Chiefs' best offence asset is. 2018 MVP winner Patrick Mahomes, he had a great debut season totalling up 5,097 yards and 50 TD. The Texas Tech alumni has continue that form into this season, amassing 4,031 yards in an injury shortened season. But the Mahomes magic was well and truly on show in the 51-31 win in the AFC Divisional Round. Trailing by 24 points at the start of the second quarter, he rallied his side and produced 7! straight touchdown drives, throwing for 321 yards with 5 touchdown passes. He also led all players in rushing with 53 yards on the ground. Mahomes can take the top off a defence, but with that being the Niners stronger side of the ball, this wouldn't be easy.
Robert Saleh's defence is headlined by some big names. 5 time Pro-Bowler Richard Sherman seems to back to his best and led the secondary to be the best pass defence in the NFL, allowing less than 170 yards per game. The front seven of this team can hold their own as well, averaging 3.2 sacks per game in the regular season, fourth most in the NFL, lead by Defensive Rookie of the Year Winner Nick Bosa.
With the Vegas line sitting at KC -1.5, this is shapping up to be one of the closest Superbowls in recent memory. It might be to close to actually pick a winner I've got to so...
Kansas City Chiefs 28 - 31 San Francisco 49ers
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