It’s almost game time.
Super Bowl LIX is this Sunday (6:30 p.m. ET, Fox) at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
The Chiefs (15-2) can make history by becoming the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls, while the Eagles (14-3) are seeking their second Super Bowl in seven years, last winning in February 2018.
Before the big game, we preview four keys when the Chiefs and Eagles are on offense.
When Chiefs are on offense
Does Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes have enough magic? | In a tale of the tape, the Eagles have the advantage at most position groups. Quarterback isn’t one of them.
Philadelphia has looked like the better team this season, but Kansas City has the ultimate ace with Mahomes. The three-time Super Bowl MVP has won nine consecutive playoff games, and only retired quarterback Tom Brady, who will call Sunday’s game for Fox, and Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow have beaten him in the postseason.
For the Eagles to prevent him from performing another magic act, their front must keep him from getting outside of the pocket. The Chiefs’ offense hasn’t been as potent when Mahomes improvises as in previous years, but it would still be unwise for the Eagles to allow Mahomes to turn the Superdome into his personal playground.
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce aims for Super Bowl history | Entering Sunday’s game, Kelce (31 receptions) trails Jerry Rice (33) for the most receptions in Super Bowl history. It will likely only be a matter of time before Kelce jumps to No. 1, but Philadelphia won’t make it easy.
According to Pro Football Reference, the Eagles’ defense was the league’s best against tight ends during the regular season, allowing 68 receptions, 591 yards and five touchdowns.
However, Kelce is the best tight end they’ve played this season. He must win his one-on-one matchups with linebackers when he gets them. Per NFL Next Gen Stats, he has an NFL-high 3,927 receiving yards since 2016 when guarded by a linebacker since 2016.
Eagles linebackers Zack Baun, Oren Burks and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. are all adept at coverage, making that arguably the Super Bowl’s most significant matchup.
