10 of Prime Time Sports Talk’s NFL experts came together to share their picks ahead of what is sure to be an eventful Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers.
Past Standings
Joe Heller: 7-for-10
Andersen Pickard: 5-for-10
Celeste Sabin: 5-for-10
Chris Totaro: 5-for-10
Ryan Potts: 3-for-10
Jayton Washington: 6-for-8
David Taylor: 4-for-6
Brian Wolf: 3-for-6
John Devereaux: 2-for-6
Alex Jordan: 3-for-4
Kyle Porch: 1-for-4
David Fernandez: 1-for-2
Super Bowl LIV: (2) Kansas City Chiefs vs. (1) San Francisco 49ers
Joe Heller: 49ers 31, Chiefs 28
The Chiefs’ explosive offense against the 49ers’ dominating defense. They say defense wins championships, and I see that ringing true on Sunday, although it’ll be a shootout. Andy Reid will once again miss his chance to win the Lombardi trophy. George Kittle will be named MVP.
David Fernandez: Chiefs 27, 49ers 24
Super Bowl LIV pits a pair of explosive offenses and opportunistic defenses. While most people might see this as a high-scoring affair, I think the defenses will keep the game competitive. San Francisco has won thus far because they’ve been able to control the line of scrimmage on both ends of the field, but I don’t think they’ll be able to contain Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs’ quarterback has enough mobility to extend plays so his playmakers can get free. Even if the 49ers get up early, Kansas City has fought back throughout the playoffs and Super Bowl LIV will be no exception.
John Devereaux: 49ers 34, Chiefs 31
We’ve seen this story before: the best offense versus the best defense. As history has shown before that over 66 percent of the time the team that holds the number one defense wins this game. The 49ers don’t only boast a strong defense but a very intelligent offensive scheme, that has been tearing through the NFL. Unfortunately for the Chiefs, whose defense has been solid in its past few games, they don’t have the firepower on both sides of the field compared to their opponent. This game could go either way, and it will be decided by who creates the most turnovers. Although I do favor Andy Reid over Kyle Shanahan in the coaching matchup, I have the young head coach taking the win.
Andersen Pickard: 49ers 27, Chiefs 21
Unlike most Chiefs and 49ers games this season, this one will be somewhat low-scoring. In a battle between the league’s best offense and defense, the 49ers’ thrilling defensive unit will get to Patrick Mahomes early and often and throw the Chiefs off-script as early as the first quarter. I wouldn’t rule out a Chiefs second-quarter comeback like the ones we have seen all season long, but the 49ers’s league-best defense should at least be able to minimize, if not thwart, such an effort.
Alex Haarmeyer: Chiefs 27, 49ers 24
Both teams involved in Super Bowl 54 are extremely well balanced and very well-coached which is why this has a chance to be a very interesting Sunday. The high-flying offense of the Chiefs versus the low-tempo style of the 49ers will be very fun to watch. The only way the Niners have a chance is by knocking Patrick Mahomes to the ground early and often. That being said, Andy Reid will draw up the right plays and protection schemes to make sure his young star stays untouched and can air it out like we know he can. It will be close, but the speed of this Chiefs team wins out.
Alex Jordan: Chiefs 35, 49ers 28
The Kansas City Chiefs will win Super Bowl LIV. The Chiefs have a powerful and explosive offense that the 49ers won’t be able to keep up with. They also have Patrick Mahomes, who is one of the best quarterbacks in the league right now. While the 49ers’ defense is good, it will be hard to stop Mahomes for the whole game, although they could make Mahomes struggle for a little bit.
Anthony Miller: Chiefs 27, 49ers 21
No doubt Patrick Mahomes is the difference-maker in this contest. The Chiefs have more weapons offensively and are too explosive to contain. While the 49ers have the more complete team, they have to rely on the running game to work which could spell disaster. If the 49ers’ defense can’t play their best game and not get off to a large lead, I can see the Chiefs control this game.
Chris Totaro: Chiefs 34, 49ers 24
The Chiefs have gotten off to a slow start in both their playoff games but Patrick Mahomes has been magical in the second half. The 49ers’ elite pass rush must get to Mahomes for them to have a chance in this one. With the Chiefs’ defense stepping up, they could take away the 49ers’ biggest strength in their run game. The Chiefs defense will be stout enough and Mahomes will put on a show in this one to take home the Lombardi Trophy.
Mike Sullivan: 49ers 24, Chiefs 20
Defense wins championships. The 49ers have had one of, if not the, best defense all year. Mahomes is electric, sure, but he’s never faced a defense like this that can put pressure on him with only rushing four, making him get rid of the ball quickly. San Francisco forces a critical turnover and wins this one.
Ryan Potts: Chiefs 33, 49ers 28
In a battle for the ages, I can’t bet against Patrick Mahomes. The 49ers have been great against the pass all season, but they have yet to face an offense as dynamic as the Chiefs. In the win, Travis Kelce could become the first tight end to ever win Super Bowl MVP. In a back-and-forth affair, the Chiefs will prevail on a late touchdown to Kelce.
