While the Pro Bowl provided some fun for many National Football League fans, it was ultimately a filler week gearing up to what is regarded as the highly anticipated finale of the season: the Super Bowl. The Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs have both experienced dominant seasons, but only one squad can reach the pinnacle of the sport. The Chiefs are vying for the unprecedented feat of achieving a three-peat — three consecutive Super Bowl wins — while the Eagles are attempting to win their second-ever Super Bowl for their rabid fanbase, which would be their first since 2017. Let’s focus in on the strengths and weaknesses of these squads and the key factors that may determine who enjoys the opportunity to lift up that Super Bowl trophy next Sunday.

The Eagles come into the season’s ultimate matchup with high spirits, thrashing the surprising Washington Commanders and their rookie phenom quarterback Jayden Daniels with a 55-23 victory. Quarterback Jalen Hurts has been stellar under center, leading his team to an impressive 14-3 record. Even though this has not been Hurts’ best season from a statistical perspective, he has only thrown for five interceptions in fifteen games and displayed a maturity and poise rivaled by few others in the league. However, it is extremely likely that Hurts will have to match or exceed the play of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes if the Eagles desire to have a chance of succeeding. His primary targets at receiver are standouts A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, who may potentially get free for some major plays later this week. While the Eagles boast a fantastic wideout duo in Brown and Smith, the vast bulk of the Chiefs’ defensive attention will be paid to superstar Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. Barkley has had an otherworldly year, gaining 2,005 yards on the ground, which puts him in rarefied air with all-time NFL greats like Eric Dickerson, Adrian Peterson and Barry Sanders. Barkley’s stats solidify him as having rushed for the eighth most yards in a season.

Barkley and the Eagles’ offense is not the sole source of their greatness. In reality, their defense may be more impressive. In the regular season, the Eagles’ defense held opponents to the fewest average yards gained a game, as well as allowing the fewest passing yards per game out of any team. The Eagles boast a variety of defensive stalwarts, from veterans that include the 36-year-old defensive end/team legend Brandon Graham and 34-year-old cornerback Darius Slay, to 21-year-old rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean and 23-year-old defensive tackle Jalen Carter. Regardless of the wide age range of the defensive side of the ball, the group works extremely cohesively together as a well-oiled machine of a unit. We will see this Sunday if Mahomes can counter against their pressure effectively.

However, with all of this considered, the Chiefs are still my preemptive favorites, as they have demonstrated a level of sustained success never before seen in the NFL. This is despite the fact that they gritted and clawed their way to a 32-29 nailbiter win over an extremely difficult competitor in the Buffalo Bills. Armed with their detailed portfolio of recent Super Bowl victories (2019, 2022 and 2023) and an astonishing 15-2 record, they appear almost destined to reach the NFL’s mountaintop yet again. Patrick Mahomes, their superstar quarterback, has had a down year for his standards. But for Mahomes, his down years are dream seasons for the majority of opposing quarterbacks, finishing in the top ten in passing yards and touchdowns. Additionally, with his ample playoff experience, there should not be too much worry about how he will perform with his season on the line next Sunday. 

It is important to note that the Chiefs keep achieving the impossible, not only due to Mahomes but also with the aid of his impressive supporting cast. Veteran running back Kareem Hunt has given them much-needed support at running back, and rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy was crucial in their American Football Conference Championship victory over the Bills, catching six passes for 85 yards and a touchdown. Household name and veteran tight end Travis Kelce has been able to contribute at times this season as well. Defensively, the Chiefs held their opponents to the fourth fewest points per game during the regular season. Hurts better hope that his pass protection holds up against individuals like Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones and edge rusher George Karlaftis. 

This upcoming Sunday will be a treat — two fantastic teams facing off in a culminating finale after a whirlwind of a season. Whether you are a fan of one of the respective teams or just someone excited for the Kendrick Lamar and SZA halftime show, this Super Bowl will be one to remember. I sincerely hope you all enjoy it!

Game to watch: Super Bowl LIX – Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles at the Superdome in New Orleans, LA. 6:30 p.m. E.T. on Feb. 9, 2025.