Super Bowl LVIII: San Francisco 49ers vs Kansas City Chiefs Rematch
The stage is set in Las Vegas as the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs prepare to clash in Super Bowl LVIII. This highly anticipated matchup is a rematch of Super Bowl LIV, where the Chiefs orchestrated a stunning fourth-quarter comeback to secure victory over the Niners and claim the title of champions for the 2020 season.
San Francisco will be making their eighth Super Bowl appearance on Sunday after a triumphant win against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship Game. Led by head coach Kyle Shanahan, who is making his second Super Bowl appearance, the 49ers are armed with a roster full of talented playmakers.
On the other side, the Kansas City Chiefs are set for their sixth Super Bowl appearance following a dominant performance in the AFC Championship Game against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens’ top-ranked scoring defense. Head coach Andy Reid has been the mastermind behind the Chiefs’ success, alongside star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, since 2018. This season has been a roller-coaster ride for the Chiefs, with ups and downs, including a low point when Mahomes expressed frustration after a loss to the Buffalo Bills in late December. However, Mahomes has persevered and now finds himself in his fourth Super Bowl appearance in the last five seasons, with the opportunity to win back-to-back Lombardi Trophies for the first time since the New England Patriots achieved the feat in 2003-04.
As we look ahead to this exciting showdown, here are four key things to watch for in Super Bowl LVIII between the 49ers and Chiefs:
1) Will Brock Purdy keep up with Patrick Mahomes on the big stage?
Brock Purdy, the Mr. Irrelevant of the 2022 NFL Draft, will be heading into his first Super Bowl. While he may not deliver the same jaw-dropping plays as Mahomes, Purdy has shown great decision-making skills when needed. Shanahan has pushed back against the label of Purdy being a “game manager,” highlighting his ability to execute and make the right choices in every playoff game so far. On the other hand, Mahomes, with ample Super Bowl experience under his belt, remains focused on securing his third ring. At just 28 years old, Mahomes will be the youngest quarterback to start four Super Bowls. The 49ers stand in his way for the second time in his illustrious career. While Mahomes is expected to perform at his usual high level, how Purdy handles the pressure of the Super Bowl will be a crucial storyline to follow.
2) Niners’ defense vs. Travis Kelce
The 49ers boast a stacked defense led by standout players such as Nick Bosa, Javon Hargrave, Charvarius Ward, and Chase Young. However, the matchup to watch out for is between Fred Warner and Travis Kelce. Warner, a defensive force, has allowed the lowest passer rating among linebackers in coverage this season. In his career, he has had success against Kelce, allowing only five receptions for 63 yards on six targets as the nearest defender in coverage. On the other hand, Kelce is determined to bring home some hardware of his own after a stellar performance in the AFC Championship Game. The Chiefs’ tight end showcased his connection with Mahomes, which had been somewhat absent since Week 7. Warner will need to bring his A-game to contain Kelce and prevent him from making game-changing plays.
3) Who will step up on offense for the Chiefs?
The Chiefs will face challenges in their run game due to injuries. All-Pro offensive tackle Joe Thuney has been ruled out with a pectoral injury, and running back Jerick McKinnon’s chances of playing are slim. This opens the door for other players to step up and contribute. Will we see Kadarius Toney on the field after being inactive in the AFC Championship Game? Skyy Moore, who has been dealing with a knee injury, was activated from injured reserve this week. Rookie Rashee Rice has been performing well, but second-year running back Isiah Pacheco could be the one to watch. Pacheco has been a reliable contributor during the Chiefs’ playoff run, averaging 4.0 rushing yards per attempt and leading the team with 281 scrimmage yards. If the Chiefs emerge victorious, Pacheco would make history as the first running back to start in a Super Bowl and win in each of his first two career seasons.
4) Can the Chiefs contain Christian McCaffrey?
In their previous Super Bowl matchup, the 49ers did not have to face Christian McCaffrey, who was having a standout season with the Carolina Panthers. McCaffrey, who earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in 2023, has been a reliable force for the 49ers throughout the playoffs. With a career-high