Kansas City continues its postseason success, earning a spot in Super Bowl 58 after defeating Baltimore in the AFC Championship Game. This sets up a showdown with San Francisco on Sunday, February 11. The Chiefs, appearing in their fourth Super Bowl in five years, will face the 49ers, making their second appearance in the last five years. This rematch follows the 2020 Super Bowl: Kansas City won 31-20. San Francisco, aiming for revenge, had a 20-10 lead at the end of the third quarter in the previous matchup.
Predictions for Super Bowl 58's Top Performances
Kansas City has a history of success against the 49ers, winning and covering the spread in five of their last six meetings, including the 2020 Super Bowl. The Chiefs have an impressive 13-2 record in their previous 15 playoff games, covering the spread in 11 contests. Notably, their defense, ranked fourth in the NFL for yards allowed per game during the regular season, adds to their strength.
With a 14-3 record as a playoff starter, Quarterback Patrick Mahomes maintains a formidable connection with tight end Travis Kelce, creating challenges for opposing defenses. Kelce's standout performance in the AFC Championship, with 11 receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown, highlights his impact. Betters anticipate the Chiefs relying on their experience to secure a narrow victory over the 49ers again.
Both teams have made a statement throughout the season, demonstrating exceptional talent and grit. The Chiefs, led by MVP candidate Patrick Mahomes and star tight end Travis Kelce, have shown resilience in securing their spot in the Super Bowl after overcoming adversity. Meanwhile, the 49ers, powered by the dynamic duo of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and running back Christian McCaffrey, have been a force to reckon with in the NFC.
Bettors love the underdog Chiefs to win. Kansas City is getting five times as many moneyline bets as the favored 49ers, according to BetMGM data analyst John Ewing.
Let's look at how these powerhouses stack against each other heading into Super Bowl LVI.
Offense Comparison
The Chiefs rank third in the league in points per game (28.3), while the 49ers boast the fifth-best offense, scoring an average of 27.1 points per contest. In terms of rushing yards, Kansas City ranks second with 1,876 yards, compared to the 49ers' sixth position with 1,753 yards on the ground. Regarding passing statistics, the Chiefs are in the top spot with 4,402 yards through the air, while the 49ers sit in fourth place with 4,186 passing yards.
Defensive Comparison
On the defensive side of the ball, the Chiefs rank 15th in points allowed per game (22.7), whereas the 49ers hold the fifth position, allowing an average of 19.3 points per game. In terms of total yards conceded, Kansas City ranks 20th with 3,688 yards given up, while San Francisco is in ninth place with 3,517 surrendered.
The Ups and Downs
The Chiefs were underdogs with a +190 moneyline and a 4.5-point spread against the Baltimore Ravens at ESPN BET, marking Patrick Mahomes' most significant underdog position. This followed another week, where they had +130 dogs against the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round. These recent weeks reinforce a consistent pattern with Mahomes; he excels as an underdog, boasting a 4-1 outright record and a 5-0 against-the-spread (ATS) record in his most challenging matchups.