Super Bowl 59 has officially arrived after a thrilling NFL playoff that produced down-to-the-wire finishes and a couple of legitimate upsets. Philadelphia and Kansas City will face off in this Super Bowl for the second time in three years. Patrick Mahomes and the No.1-seeded Chiefs will take on a potent Eagles rushing attack led by 2,000-yard rusher Saquon Barkley.
The game, taking place in New Orleans, Louisiana, will offer the city of brotherly love a chance at redemption after a tough loss in 2023. The Chiefs, on the other hand, will be looking to win their third-straight title. Here are some of our staff’s thoughts on what should be a thrilling matchup.
Aiden Rutman, Sports Editor
I’m a proud (and sad) New York Giants fan, and with my love comes a deep-rooted hatred for the Eagles. With my fandom comes an intimate knowledge of Barkley’s otherworldly athletic ability. These two teams played an incredible game in Arizona two years ago, but the superstar running back wasn’t a part of that contest. He’s the X-factor for me in this game, and Philadelphia’s offensive line is simply too talented not to take over. It pains me to say it, but I think this is the year the Mahomes/Travis Kelce/Taylor Swift black magic (or talent?) runs out.
Prediction: Eagles 24, Chiefs 21
Grace Hall, Deputy Sports Editor
I grew up in New England — there is no single sports fan base I disliked more than Philadelphia’s. That being said, I have always been a big fan of both Jalen Hurts and Barkley. I wanted Hurts to win two years ago, and my perspective is no different this year. That sentiment has only been increased by my hope that the Patriots’ Dynasty reigns above all — and the Chiefs threaten that.
Prediction: Eagles 27, Chiefs 21
Vincent Xu, Deputy Sports Editor
Hurts ruined my fantasy football playoff run, and Kelce sold my regular season. To be honest, I am one unhappy camper right now. I don’t wish success on either of these teams nor happiness on their fanbases. With that said, Eagles by a million.
Prediction: Eagles 31, Chiefs 21
Ashleigh Provoost, Sports Copy Editor
The matchup we wanted? The Bills and Lions battling it out for their first Lombardi trophy. The matchup we got? Swift vs. my NFC East archrival. As a suffering New York Giants fan, the last thing I want is for Barkley to notch a Super Bowl victory his first year after defecting to the enemy — even worse, making Eagles fans happy in the process. As for the Chiefs, all I’ll say is this: That was a Bills’ first down. I hope the NFL makes it possible for both teams to lose on Sunday.
Prediction: Chiefs 31, Eagles 20
Adam Burns, Lead Sports Analyst
This is a terrific matchup between the NFL’s newest dynasty (Chiefs) and most dominant team (Eagles). Mahomes is superhuman, but don’t get it twisted — this Eagles team is a juggernaut. Since their heartbreaking loss in 2022, the Eagles got younger and faster on defense while adding the best running back in the NFL. Barkley will cap off the greatest running back season in NFL history with 140+ yards and two touchdowns, while Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith will terrorize an overmatched Chiefs offensive line. Throw in a signature Hurts tush push, and the Eagles will be rightfully back on top of the football world.
Prediction: Eagles 31, Chiefs 17
Connor Campbell, Senior Staffer
This game stinks! Two years ago, before this matchup, I said I hope both these teams have fun. I take that all back. If I could root for anything this weekend, it’s that the lights go out like in 2013 and never come back on. But in all seriousness, one number stands out to me in this matchup — 160. That’s the Eagles’ point differential this season, the second-highest in the NFL. Do you know what the Chiefs’ is? 59. The Chiefs may win a lot of games, but I don’t think they’ll get this one. Either way, I’ll be sad on Sunday.
Prediction: Turn those lights off! (Eagles 30, Chiefs 27)
Luke Rollfinke, Senior Staffer
All season, I’ve believed that the Eagles have the best roster in football. Between a top-five offensive line, an explosive passing attack, a generational running back and a defense loaded with talent at all three levels, there’s nothing not to like about Philadelphia. That being said, the Chiefs have Mahomes. I watched Tom Brady carry lesser rosters to far too many Super Bowl rings to think any roster, no matter how strong, can outmatch a GOAT-level quarterback. When the Chiefs get the ball down 27-21 with two minutes to go, there will be no doubt in my mind what will happen.
Prediction: Chiefs 28, Eagles 27
Tristan Rutman, Senior Staffer
As a Giants fan — and perennial Eagles hater — it is hard for me even to want to sit down to watch this game. The Eagles’ run-heavy offense has been unstoppable after a 2-2 start to the season, dropping just one game since. Despite a lackluster statistical season from Mahomes, the Chiefs put together one of the best regular season records of all time at 15-2. However, their ability to pull away in close games will be tested this Sunday, and Barkley will become a champion just one year after leaving New York for a division rival.
Prediction: Eagles 26, Chiefs 20
Dylan Tovitz, Senior Staffer
I’ve made the mistake of picking against Mahomes one too many times, and while this Eagles team is objectively better than the one that lost two years ago, I just don’t see the result changing. The two reasons why? Quarterback play and coaching. Philadelphia might have a deeper roster, but Mahomes and Reid are quickly becoming the new Belichick and Brady, and Nick Sirianni is a liability on the sidelines. Xavier Worthy is my sneaky pick for Super Bowl MVP, and the Chiefs will win it with a Harrison Butker walk-off field goal.
Prediction: Chiefs 30, Eagles 27
Legacy Henry, Senior Staffer
As a Detroit Lions superfan, I am severely disappointed that I do not have a dog in this fight. However, the winner could not be clearer. Hurts is a mediocre quarterback who will thoroughly struggle against defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s exotic blitz packages. Pair this mediocrity with the greatest playoff performer in NFL history, Mahomes, and you have the makings of a Chiefs blowout.
Prediction: Chiefs 31, Eagles 17
Jorie Fawcett, Senior Advisor
Last summer, my dad drove the whole family four hours to watch the Steelers training camp in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Obviously, my hard work and dedication to Steelers Nation did not pay off. I am defaulting to Swift’s boyfriend’s team once again.
Prediction: Chiefs 21, Eagles 7
Rhea Patney, Managing Editor
As a lifetime Missouri resident and longtime Chiefs fan (no, I never liked the St. Louis Rams), I will not tolerate any accusations that I am a bandwagon Chiefs fan since they have made their way into the popular media. Obviously, I am rooting for the Chiefs to complete the three-peat. They are 6-1 in games decided by 3 points or less, so I believe in their ability to pull it out, even if it’s close.
Prediction: Chiefs 35, Eagles 28
Barrie Barto, Editor-in-Chief
As a recent viewer of Netflix’s “Quarterback” and transplant to St. Louis, I have to go with the Chiefs. Their offensive creativity and drive to get the three-peat might be just enough to stop the brotherly shove. My only ask? Please let the game go to overtime. There is nothing I love more than a nail-biter.
Prediction: Chiefs 32, Eagles 31
Jayce Pollard, Assistant Sports Specialist
I’m only watching for Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show. Hopefully, he plays a mix of songs from multiple albums and not just bangers from “GNX” and the obligatory “Not Like Us.” “HUMBLE.” will probably get played because it was a mega-hit, but I always preferred “ELEMENT.” and “DNA.” With SZA appearing, we’re also likely to get “All the Stars,” which was an instant classic at release and holds up to this day. Will we see some of Kendrick’s Top Dog Entertainment friends at the concert as well? Who knows — but I’m hoping we get a rendition of “Collard Greens.” Oh yeah, there’s also a game. Mahomes will probably win through more devil magic. Who cares?
Prediction: Chiefs 27, Eagles 20
