Much has been made of the San Francisco 49ers’ running game. But what can’t be ignored is what the Kansas City Chiefs can do on the ground. They have thrown from play-action 31.4% of the time this season. And they will have to do something to stave off the rampaging San Francisco pass rush.
So if you are going to handicap the Super Bowl, you may want to look at who their principal running backs are. And what they have been able to do.
Super Bowl LIV takes place on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. It will be televised on FOX, with the kickoff at 6:30 PM ET. At BetAnySports, you can get reduced juice before the game and then make real-time wagers through Sports Betting Ultra.
Here is their line on Sunday’s game:
Super Bowl LIV: Chiefs vs. 49ers Betting Odds
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49ers | +1 (-110) | 54½ (-110) | EV |  |
| Chiefs | -1 (-110) | 54½ (-110) | -120 | |
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Now let’s look at those running backs:
Damien Williams
Over 13.5 rush attempts -110
Under 13.5 rush attempts -110
It appears as if Williams was under-used with the Miami Dolphins. And Adam Gase, who was his coach there, regrets that. The Chiefs have found Williams invaluable in their efforts to replace Kareem Hunt, who had been essentially kicked off the team after his salt beef. Veteran LeSean McCoy is obviously still around, but Williams is now the go-to guy in the backfield.
There had never been a season where he carried the ball more than 50 times. That is, until now. And he was impressive enough in camp that the Chiefs felt they could afford to trade Carlos Hyde to Houston. It is important that Kansas City establish some kind of running game in the Super Bowl. And Williams did that for them in the playoffs, with 92 yards rushing and a couple of touchdowns. He also figures into their passing game, with a sizzling 81% catch rate.
OVER 13.5
LeSean McCoy
For years, McCoy was one of the NFL’s most reliable running backs. And as recently as the 2016 season, he averaged 5.4 yards per carry. Of course, that was for the Buffalo offense, which was run-heavy behind head coach Rex Ryan and ground game guru Anthony Lynn.
Then he started to slip, and admittedly injuries played a part. In 2018, he averaged only 3.2 yards per carry. Andy Reid was his coach with the Eagles, and felt he could make a contribution to the Kansas City running back “committee.” After all, Buffalo didn’t need him anymore. They had acquired Frank Gore and Tevin Singletary. McCoy has turned in solid numbers, with 465 yards and a 4.6-yard average. He has also caught 28 passes. In spot duty, he can be dangerous.
Darwin Thompson
Over 4.5 rushing yards -120
Under 4.5 rushing yards +100
We imagine that when the Chiefs drafted him in the sixth round at of Utah State, they envisioned a role for him that was similar to what Chicago has for its dual-purpose back Tarik Cohen. That is, a speedster who doesn’t necessarily handle heavy-duty but can make a big play and catch passes. Well, he didn’t produce a lot of numbers (just 128 rushing yards and nine receptions). But if you look at his production in college, you can see what he’s capable of, as he averaged 6.8 yards an attempt (5.1 after contact) and 15.3 yards per reception. In specific situations, he’s likely to play some kind of a role in keeping the Niners’ defense honest.
OVER 4.5
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