NEW ORLEANS — This season, the Kansas City Chiefs have maintained an unblemished record when Taylor Swift is in attendance to support her boyfriend, Travis Kelce. As the Chiefs prepare for their matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, star quarterback Patrick Mahomes has highlighted a notable statistic: he has never been defeated by Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
Furthermore, historical context plays a role in this matchup as well. In previous Super Bowl rematches occurring within a five-year span, the team that won the initial encounter has triumphed in all four instances. With this data in mind, the Chiefs are seen as strong contenders, yet they are only 1.5-point favorites against the Eagles, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. It’s important to note that the two-time reigning champions, the Chiefs, are facing a remarkable opponent in the Eagles, who are sporting a strong 17-3 record themselves.
The Eagles boast a high-powered offense led by Saquon Barkley, Jalen Hurts, and A.J. Brown. Moreover, under Fangio’s direction, they have developed the league’s top defense. “They know how to play well together. That’s what makes Fangio’s defense exceptional; everyone has a role to play,” Mahomes remarked, highlighting the tough challenge ahead. “I’ve had success against Fangio’s defenses, but I know we need to be patient and ready to execute when opportunities arise.”
In the entire history of the Super Bowl, no team has been able to capture three consecutive championships. The Chiefs, however, are in a unique position to attempt this feat, given that they are the only team to have reached this level. Meanwhile, none of the eight clubs that previously won back-to-back Super Bowls have been able to return for a third title attempt. Historical exceptions include the Green Bay Packers, who won the NFL championship before taking home the first two Super Bowl trophies.
This season, the Chiefs have a perfect 9-0 record when Swift is present at their games. Adding a historic flair, President Donald Trump is also expected to attend the Super Bowl, marking the first time a sitting president will be present at such an event. Kelce expressed his excitement, saying, “It’s a great honor. Regardless of who the president is, it’s an honor to be part of the biggest game of my life.”
On the opposing side, Hurts, Barkley, and the Eagles will be focused on ruining Kansas City’s aspirations. Hurts nearly propelled the Eagles to victory against the Chiefs during their face-off two years ago in Arizona. Yet, Mahomes orchestrated a comeback, culminating in a game-winning field goal by Harrison Butker.
Reflecting on his evolution since then, Hurts remarked, “I’ve learned so much. Every game teaches you something, and I’ve aimed to absorb those lessons.” The Eagles were without Barkley during that previous encounter, but now the dynamic running back, who joined the team this season, is closing in on history with 2,447 rushing yards—just 30 yards shy of breaking Terrell Davis’s long-standing record for the most yards in a season, which includes playoff games.
As the game day coincides with Barkley’s 28th birthday, he shared his celebratory hopes, saying, “Hopefully, it will involve green and white confetti falling and me lifting a trophy.”
Before the season commenced, analysts had predicted the Eagles would defeat the Chiefs in the Super Bowl, and they are sticking with that forecast, suggesting a close game with a score of EAGLES: 31, CHIEFS: 30.
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Last week: Straight up: 2-0. Against spread: 0-2.
Playoffs: Straight up: 9-3. Against spread: 6-5-1.
Overall: Straight up: 201-83. Against spread: 150-129-5.
Best Bet: Straight up: 12-7. Against spread: 10-8-1.
Upset Special: Straight up: 10-9. Against spread: 10-9.
