Keys to Victory in Super Bowl LVII

The day has finally arrived. Super Bowl Sunday. I know we’ve all heard every storyline imaginable leading up to this game. Are Mahomes and Hurts 100%? Who is Donna Kelce cheering for? Will Andy Reid win a ring against his old team? There’s no reason to keep hashing these out. Instead, let’s look at what both teams need to do in order to win.

Chiefs Keys to Victory

Protect Patrick Mahomes

I know Patrick Mahomes has said he’s fully healthy. Everyone is 100% at the podium when you don’t have 300 pound men smashing you into the turf. The Chiefs can’t have another repeat of the last time they were in the Super Bowl. Mahomes was sacked 3 times against Tampa Bay while throwing for 2 interceptions and a goose egg in the touchdown column. Mahomes needs time to throw because Philadelphia’s secondary is no joke. The Kansas City receivers need longer than usual to get open. 

Get Out to an Early Lead

The last thing Kansas City wants is for Philadelphia to start hot and get out to a quick double digit lead. The Chiefs defense has allowed 4.4 YPC this season (15th in the league) and the Eagles love to run the ball. A couple quick scores by those Eagles that aren’t matched by Kansas City will put Philadelphia right where they want to be. Their goal is to keep Mahomes on the sidelines with long, extended drives ending in points. It’s a lot harder to do that when you’re playing from behind.

Involve Isaih Pacheco

Speaking of the ground game, Isaih Pacheco needs to have a big outing. He doesn’t necessarily need to rush for 100 yards on 15 carries, but 12-14 attempts for 70 yards is a must. The Eagles’ run defense is below average up the middle and that’s exactly where Pacheco thrives. Making Philadelphia’s defense honor the run game while also worrying about the MVP is how Kansas City wins. 

Philadelphia Eagles

Put Pressure on Mahomes

This key goes hand in hand with Kansas City’s. Philadelphia’s defensive line needs to have a monster game. The pressure can’t come from blitzes as Mahomes shreds any defense who tries that tactic. The hits have to come from the line. If Haason Reddick has another game like he did against San Francisco in the NFC Championship game, the Chiefs are in for a world of hurt. 

Win the Turnover Battle

I know what you’re thinking. Both sides need to win the turnover battle in order to have a much better chance at winning. While this is true, I believe it’s especially true for Philadelphia. The Chiefs offense has shown us time and time again they don’t mind being down at any point in a playoff game. I don’t have that same confidence level in these Eagles, especially with how off Jalen Hurts throwing mechanics looked last game. They need to force Mahomes into some bad throws and hopefully get lucky with a fumble recovery. 

Eliminate Chris Jones

Chris Jones has been on a tear this entire season and is a major reason Kansas City is in this Super Bowl. The Eagles have to find a way to minimize his performance. It doesn’t even have to be in the sack or pressure department. Jones excels at being a big force in the middle of the line capable of plugging up any hole. If the Eagles want to run the ball, they need to take care of Chris Jones. 

Fun Prop Bets we Like

Donna Kelce to be shown on the broadcast in the 1st quarter (+175)

Super Bowl coin toss being tails (pk)

Any player smoking cigar on field postgame – No (+110)

Color of liquid poured on winning coach – Orange (+225)

Rihanna wears sunglasses on stage – Yes (+110)