This Sunday night at 6:30pm, the nation will gather around their screens for Super Bowl LIX to watch the Kansas City Chiefs fight it out against the Philadelphia Eagles for a historic “three-peat” as it has been dubbed. The last time these two teams met in the Super Bowl was in 2023 when the Eagles suffered a devastating defeat which started the Chiefs’ possibly record setting streak.
The Kansas City and Philadelphia game is going to be a close one, shown by the -1.5 point spread for Kansas City. The Chiefs have had an impressive 15-2 season only losing late in the season to Denver in week eighteen, and to Buffalo in week eleven who they beat in the conference round. While Philadelphia is 14-3 suffering early losses to Atlanta in week two and Tampa Bay in week four, and then a shocking defeat to Washington in week sixteen who they then beat in the National Football Conference (NFC) Championship. Kansas City and Philadelphia last met in the Super Bowl in Super Bowl LVII, which was the start of Kansas City’s possible three-peat, where they won by only three points. Philadelphia has a mostly healthy lineup except for starter Devonta Smith who is listed as questionable due to a hamstring injury as of Feb. 7. Kenneth Gainwell, the second string running back and kick returner, is also questionable due to a concussion/ankle injury suffered during the divisional round as of Feb. 7. There have also been reports of some Eagles defensive players facing flu-like conditions leading up to the game. Kansas City will face off with a completely healthy roster. The average score prediction among National Football League (NFL) analysts is 26.9 Chief to 25.2 for the Eagles.
Dual Enrollment US History and Economics & Personal Finance teacher Michael Bell is a long time Chiefs fan. He thinks that Kansas City will not only win the big game, but do it in dominating fashion. However, Bell is also aware of the possibility of a nail biting game. His favorite player on the Chiefs is quarterback Patrick Mahomes and predicts that if the Chiefs win, Mahomes will become the Super Bowl MVP
“Chiefs win by two scores, [but it] comes down to who has the best battle plan and who can finish the game. I’m afraid of the 3 point or less spread,” Bell said. “Without a good offensive line you’re not gonna be able to score any points.”
Junior Benjamin Collins is a Philly fan, and he predicts a win for the Eagles. He is rooting for two of the Eagles’ players being Saquon Barkley and Cooper DeJean while sharine a favorite moment from the NFC Championship.
“Eagles are gonna win, no problem, 35-28,” Collins said. “Saquon [Barkley],is just the goat, and [my favorite moment during the NFC Championship was] Saquon’s 60 yard touchdown with the first play on offense.”
Collins is also excited for the Super Bowl Halftime Show by Kendrick Lamar as well.
“Kendrick is gonna be good. ‘Not Like Us’ is a little overplayed but it should be good, I like him,” Collins said.
Bengals fan and Health and P.E teacher Charles Anderson is backing Philadelphia and rooting for them. Despite not making it into the Super Bowl, Anderson expresses hope for the Bengals next year.
“I’m taking Eagles 27 Chiefs 24 [and] I want them to win,” said Anderson. “Of course I’m disappointed the Bengals didn’t get in, but we’ll be there next year. I have a feeling next year’s Super Bowl will be Lions versus Bengals.”
Anderson’s favorite players on each team are the quarterbacks Mahomes and Jalen Hurts. He predicts Hurts will be the star of the big game.
“[Hurts has] been consistent throughout his career, I think that’s what’s gonna lead the Eagles to the promised land,” said Anderson. “I think they’re gonna rely on [Saquon] Barkley, he’s gonna get 132 yards rushing, a couple touchdowns, and the Eagles’ defense is gonna stifle the Chiefs”.
Finally, Super Bowl traditions are an important part of the big game and are always something to look forward to, even if you do not have any skin in the game. Eagles fan and World History and Economics and Personal Finance teacher Kyle Miller shared his Super Bowl routine.
“Usually my sister has a party. People will get all different types of [things], meatballs, buffalo chicken dip, trays of stuff,” Miller said.
In contrast, Anderson prefers to fully immerse himself in the game.
“I basically will be in front of the TV two hours prior to the game watching all the previews, generally like to watch the game by myself, not a big party situation. [I] just like to lock in on the game,” said Anderson. “Like I said, watch the whole game, and go to bed on time to make it to school the next day.”
