It’s finally here: Super Bowl LIX. As we head into the final days of the 2024-2025 NFL season, The Huntington News’ fantasy football writers set their own predictions for the game and identified the keys to their teams’ success.
Elli Einset:
Philadelphia Eagles
Keys to success
1. Shutting down Mahomes
As much as it pains me to admit, Patrick Mahomes is a talented quarterback, and he has led his team to the Super Bowl three years in a row. But the Philadelphia Eagles are a different team than when they faced the Kansas City Chiefs two years ago in Arizona, and it shows, having the No. 1 defense in the league. Linebacker Zack Baun, who was traded to the Birds from the New Orleans Saints, has made enormous plays that have contributed to their success, including his 151 total tackles and three and a half sacks during the regular season. Rookie cornerbacks Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell have earned themselves a reputation in Philly. Most notably Jan. 26, in the NFC Championship game against the Washington Commanders, DeJean forced a fumble, giving the Eagles possession once again. He also went viral with his “textbook tackle” against Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens Dec. 1, 2024. These new guys have brought new energy to the Eagles’ defense after their collapse last season and should be able to shut down Mahomes.
2. Saquon Barkley just keeps running (and breaking records)
Saquon Barkley has been the dominant figure in Philadelphia since he arrived and has changed the strategy of the Eagles offense. He has defied the odds and been able to squeak through gaps with the help of blocks from centers Landon Dickerson and Cam Jurgens, as well as offensive tackle Jordan Mailata. In the NFC Championship game, Barkley scored on the Eagles’ first possession, taking 60 yards along with it. Now, the Commanders aren’t the best defense in the league, coming in at 13th, but the Chiefs are only ranked eighth. Specifically, the Chiefs are better in their rushing defense, but the Eagles have managed to maintain success through these difficult teams, whether it’s Barkley or their other running back, the underrated Kenneth Gainwell. Quarterback Jalen Hurts is also not afraid to play the running game, snatching 16 yards for three touchdowns.
3. Time for revenge
The Eagles matched up with the Chiefs two years ago in the Super Bowl, where they lost 38-25. The time between that game and now has brought changes to lineups and coaching staff, but one thing remained the same: the want for revenge, and the Eagles’ desire to take that title back. They had a brief relief in the urge to beat Kansas City, where they won 21-17 in the regular 2022-2023 season Nov. 20, 2023. But that isn’t enough for this team. Hurts has the photo of himself walking back to the locker room with red and yellow confetti falling everywhere as the background on his phone as a reminder of the goal. After being close last time, the Eagles have a fire underneath them that Kansas City will be missing. The Chiefs don’t know the feeling of being a fingertips’ length from the trophy.
Zachary Cohen:
Kansas City Chiefs
Keys to success
1. Chiefs linebackers/defensive line slowing down Eagles’ run game
It’s no secret that Saquon Barkley has had a great time as a Philadelphia Eagle thus far, topping off his 2,000-yard and 13-touchdown season with an Offensive Player of the Year award Feb. 6. Quarterback Jalen Hurts is also a strong runner in his own right with 14 touchdowns on the ground this season. That’s why it will be imperative for the Chiefs to be able to stop the Eagles’ running attack from taking over this game. This is where the Eagles present the most danger and risk. If the Chiefs’ defensive line, as well as linebackers such as Nick Bolton, are able to prevent the Eagles from running freely, the Chiefs may be able to compete in this game.
2. Travis Kelce being a reliable pass-catching option
While there is an argument to be made that Patrick Mahomes is one of the greatest passers in the history of football, statistically, this season fell below his lofty expectations. Part of this could be attributed to Mahomes and the Chiefs’ overall lack of top pass-catching options. Top wide receiver Rashee Rice tore his LCL midseason, benching him for the remainder of it. Tight end Travis Kelce has previously been Mahomes’ top weapon, but age has caught up to him recently, and he seems to be a step behind his previous self. However, in such a big game, Mahomes will certainly look to Kelce as a bailout option, something that Kelce will have to be able to deliver on to ensure the Chiefs have a chance at completing a three-peat.
3. Chris Jones being his usual dominant self and creating havoc in Philadelphia’s backfield
The Eagles have one of the best offensive lines in football, and they also have a great run game and two elite wide receivers. It’s easy to look at this matchup and assume the Chiefs’ defense will be outmatched, but Kansas City has one absolute difference-maker in defensive tackle Chris Jones. The Chiefs will need him to constantly create havoc within Philadelphia’s interior offensive line and get into the backfield to create pressure. Luckily for them, Jones has had a strong postseason so far and has a history of performing well in Super Bowls, which is exactly what the Chiefs will need to be able to slow down the Eagles’ high-flying offense.
Bailey Reynolds:
Kansas City Chiefs
Keys to success
1. Run defense
Offensive Player of the Year and running back Saquon Barkley has been the go-to guy for the Eagles all season. The Chiefs ranked in the top 10 in rush defense in the regular season, allowing 101.8 yards per game. They have slipped in the postseason, allowing 148 yards per game in just two games. If Kansas City can bring back its elite run defense, it will be very difficult for Philadelphia to put up points. Barkley is not the only threat to the Chiefs’ offensive line. The controversial “Tush Push” has been wildly successful for the Eagles since 2022. In their 2023 Super Bowl matchup, Philadelphia converted nine of nine Tush Pushes. Kansas City must stop the Eagles’ offense before they get within range.
2. Throw the ball
The Eagles have given up 317 total rushing yards in the postseason and 737 total passing yards. Despite being past his prime, Travis Kelce is still one of the best tight ends of all time. Kelce was kept quiet in the AFC Championship with 19 receiving yards, but he has been a viable option for the Chiefs in the postseason and has given opponents trouble. Philadelphia will also struggle to defend the tight end position with starting linebacker Nakobe Dean out with a knee injury sustained in the Wild Card Round. That being said, Mahomes will have to watch out for Quinyon Mitchell and cornerback Darius Slay Jr., who have the most interceptions in the postseason.
3. Pressure Philadelphia’s offensive line and Hurts
Hurts took 39 sacks during the regular season, the third-most of any quarterback. He has been sacked on 12.1% of blitzes by opponents, ranking third in the league. Kansas City’s defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo, is an excellent tactician and called a vital blitz play in the AFC Championship that ultimately resulted in their victory. Hurts frequently struggles with decision making and went 0-5 on extended dropbacks in the NFC Championship game. The Chiefs must take advantage of Hurts’ indecision and Spagnuolo’s experience in order to win this game. After all, defense wins championships.
Aiden Barker: Kansas City Chiefs
Keys to success
1. Stopping Saquon
It would be nearly impossible for the Offensive Player of the Year not to rush for over 100 yards this game, like he’s done so in every game this playoff season. But the Chiefs have a top 10 run defense, allowing just over 100 yards per game. Defensive linemen Chris Jones and George Karlaftis will have to hold their own against the raging running back if they want to hold Saquon Barkley to anything less than his 3.8 yards before contact per touch. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has taken 11 sacks this playoffs, so if the Chiefs’ line can get through on passing plays as well, then Hurts might be in for a tough time.
2. Win the tight end battle
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce had a limited AFC Championship performance against the Buffalo Bills, catching just two of four targets for 19 yards. He had 117 yards and a touchdown in the previous game against Houston, but is looking to bounce back in the Super Bowl against the Eagles, who are without linebacker Nakobe Dean. The Eagles had the best defense against the position in the regular season, but since Dean’s injury in the Wild Card round, the middle has been an open table for tight ends to feed on. Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert is currently leading the team in postseason receiving yards at 188, catching 15 of 18 targets so far, and will look to be a primary threat against the Chiefs’ defense, making this position battle one to watch.
3. Hold on to the ball
The Eagles have dominated the turnover differential this postseason, with a lead at +10 that consists of four interceptions, six forced fumbles and no offensive turnovers. It may be difficult for the Eagles to remain flawless on offense this time, but the Chiefs need to continue their perfection themselves. Kansas City has only turned the ball over once, but they haven’t made up for it as they sit at zero postseason takeaways, a defense that forced 20 in the regular season. If both teams finish without a turnover, it may be offense that wins championships this time around.
