<u>SUPER BOWL LVII</u>
EAGLES vs. CHIEFS
6:30 p.m., Eagles by 1 ½, 51
HANK’S HONEYS: This can be in our common season “look but don’t touch” class. Neither staff has the clear-cut benefit as a result of whereas the Eagles are higher throughout the board, the Chiefs have one of the best QB within the sport, notably when the second requires greatness.
If you want intangibles, you’ll in all probability just like the Chiefs. It’s been stated over and over the past two weeks: The Eagles have had the simplest path to the Super Bowl and whenever you take a look at their schedule, exterior of Aaron Rodgers, Dak Prescott and an early-season Trevor Lawrence, they didn’t face essentially the most imposing roster of QBs. The Chiefs have Super Bowl expertise beginning with Andy Reid over Nick Sirianni. And Reid is cash with two weeks to organize for an opponent. What’s extra, if the sport comes right down to the wire, Patrick Mahomes has been there, completed that. Jalen Hurts hasn’t. The Eagles coasted to nearly all of their wins.
There is not any debate, nevertheless, that the Eagles are wholesome and the Chiefs are banged up. Mahomes’ excessive ankle sprain continues to be a lingering concern whereas the state of affairs at slot receiver is dire. Mecole Hardman, who re-injured his pelvis within the AFC Championship Game, is out and Kadarius Toney, the ex-Giant enigma, should play by an ankle harm sustained in that very same sport.
Although Reid’s scheming can by no means be underestimated (search for using two-TE units to check the Eagles LB corps, getting artistic with Travis Klece), Philly’s tandem of CBs matches up very nicely with what’s left of the Chiefs’ receiving corps. The Eagles’ relentless stress, with Haason Reddick matched up towards Okay.C.’s weak hyperlink, Andrew Wylie, ought to take a look at Mahomes’ potential to maneuver on that ankle in all instructions. It may reprise reminiscences of Supe LV when the Bucs pressured Mahomes 44 occasions and compelled the Chiefs to rebuild their line. To counter the move rush, Reid could have Mahomes within the shotgun, relying closely on fast throws to Kelce and ex-Rutgers flash Isiah Pacheco. The Eagles protection has allowed an alarming variety of YAC yards out of the backfield this 12 months in order that’s one thing to look at however the Chiefs are nonetheless going to want greater than that. Certainly, it’s going to be crucial for the Chiefs to get their operating sport going towards a run protection that was simply center of the pack. Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s return helps however can the Chiefs keep affected person? That’s by no means been Reid going again to his days in Philadelphia. Pre-snap movement and the RPO sport may give the Eagles bother however once more, is Mahomes wholesome sufficient to run it?
Of the 4 items, Kansas City’s protection is by far essentially the most troubling after rating twenty second within the league this season and the Eagles have the instruments to take benefit. You can’t beat the Chiefs if you happen to can’t deal with Chris Jones. He is a disrupter and the whole protection feeds off him. The Eagles can deal with him with Jason Kelce, one of the best heart within the NFL, as a part of one of the best offensive line within the NFL. Should the Eagles management the road of scrimmage they’ll run the ball successfully and preserve Hurts clear. That opens up the number of their total offense. Steve Spagnuolo should take probabilities and that’s a harmful line to stroll towards this staff. Okay.C.’s secondary could be exploited and, when singled up, the A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith matchups are worrisome ought to the Chiefs be compelled to blitz. There are nonetheless questions whether or not Hurts’ shoulder is totally recovered, particularly when taking a look at his current passing accuracy. But all issues thought of, we are able to’t see the Chiefs holding this offense down.
Recent Super Bowls have been sluggish beginning on the subject of factors. Teams are likely to really feel one another out earlier than the sport opens up within the second half. That doesn’t look like the probably situation right here. These are two fast-breaking groups. They ought to be greater than midway to the full by halftime.
IF I WERE A BETTING MAN: Eagles and the over.
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LAST WEEK: 0-2 ATS, 1-1 OVER/UNDER
PLAYOFFS: 5-7 ATS, 5-5-2 OVER/UNDER
BEST BETS: 1-2
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Source: www.bostonherald.com