For the first time since 1970, the Kansas City Chiefs will take the field in the Super Bowl, this time against the San Francisco 49ers Feb. 2 at 5:30 p.m. at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.

The Chiefs, led by head coach Andy Reid, are 12-4 this season following their 35-24 win over the Tennesee Titans in the AFC Championship. Kansas City started the game in an unsure fashion with Tennesee outscoring the Chiefs 17-7 beginning the second quarter. However, to end the half, quarterback Patrick Mahomes led his team to end ahead. Mahomes finished the game 23-of-35 for 294 passing yards including three touchdowns and one 2nd quarter 27-yard scramble for a touchdown. Apart from their win against Tennesee in the conference championship, Kansas City previously came out with a win against Houston in the divisional round.

The 49ers have had a very successful season thanks to the offensive mind of Kyle Shanahan. Their 13-3 record displays it only being defeated by Seattle, Baltimore, and one fluke against Atlanta. In their postseason, the 49ers have dominated, outscoring both Minnesota and Green Bay by 17 points. Quarterback Jimmy Garopplo only threw eight passes against Green Bay thanks to running back Raheem Mostert who rushed for 220 yards and 29 carries for four touchdowns. 

Both teams have varying threats when it comes to offense. And, they both play with a speed that keeps defenses scratching their heads. However, they play very differently to get that done. While Kansas City lets Mahomes lead them to victories, San Francisco has pretty much let whatever running back they have in the backfield carry loads. Reid is running plays ahead of most of the league, while Shanahan is pushing out plays seen since the last time the Chiefs were in the Super Bowl. 

Looking at these two offenses, it is easy to see why this could be a high scoring game. For Kansas City, that comes with one key component. Mahomes. He has been called the future of the league and has an arsenal of no-look passes and pocket throws to keep the 49ers defense on their toes. For the Chiefs to win this game, they have to let Mahomes be Mahomes. He can run when he needs to and can send passes unforeseeable to most defenses. Kansas City found a generational talent coming out of Texas Tech. If he is simply able to do the things he knows how to do, and have him be the talent he is, Kansas City could walk away with a Lombardi, and perhaps a future dynasty for the league.

Putting it in the hands of Mahomes sounds relatively easy, until taking a peek at the 49ers defense. Rookie defensive end Nick Bosa has had a incredible season and led his defense to dominate the Packers in the NFC Championship. To think that they did that to Aaron Rodgers is likely a scary notion for the Chiefs. And, they have done this to great quarterbacks all season. They kept Russell Wilson at bay, and almost did it to Lamar Jackson as well. Therefore it is viable to see them lockdown Mahomes like they have others, but he will likely be their toughest target to face yet. Keeping Mahomes down will be the key to victory for this team and this 2nd ranked defense is more than capable.

Of course, no defense is complete without a more than capable offense. The question is will this offense led by “Jimmy G” be able to hold their own? That answer is a definite yes. No they do not have a Pat Mahomes talent at quarterback, but they have weapons that can absolutely lead them to overcome the Chiefs’ defense. Tight end George Kittle is a powerhouse. Garropplo is more than capable of holding his own in this game. The interesting point to look at, however, is that neither Kittle or any receivers have had to have many huge plays of their own this postseason. In fact, the 49ers have run 71 of their past 88 plays. If they do the same, the Chiefs and Tyrann Mathieu will have to get them up front. However, Garropplo and his receiving core are capable of creating pass plays. It creates a double threat for the Chiefs defense that could be hard to handle. The Chiefs were able to hold back Derrick Henry in the Tennesee game, and Mathieu and safety Daniel Soresen could do it again. Like the San Francisco offense they will be required to play multiple different roles to get the win.

By the books, this game is really a toss up. Each team has dynamic advantages that could lead them to a win. What really will be the deciding factor of this game will be the Chiefs’ defense. There are multiple points that the 49ers can exploit, but Reid can find a way to cover those up. When it comes down to the end, Mahomes will lead the Chiefs to a close win, and perhaps the start of a new generation of football.

The pick: Chiefs 35-31