Chiefs-49ers Super Bowl LVIII Rematch – On February 11th, the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers will meet in a rematch of Super Bowl LVIII to decide the champion of the NFL season. This heavyweight bout features two of the most talented teams in the league, led by superstar quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Brock Purdy. With the Super Bowl latest picks stirring up debates among fans and analysts alike, there is no shortage of compelling storylines in this matchup. Here we analyze five of the biggest questions heading into Super Bowl LVIII:
Can Mahomes Overcome His Super Bowl Struggles?
Patrick Mahomes is putting together a résumé that could eventually see him regarded as the greatest quarterback of all time. His postseason numbers are tremendous across the board—except for the Super Bowl. In three Super Bowl starts, Mahomes has a 62% completion percentage, 6.3 yards per attempt, and a 4-3 touchdown to interception ratio. His production clearly declines on the biggest stage compared to the rest of the playoffs, where he boasts a 69% completion rate and 8.0 yards per attempt.
Mahomes will need to buck this trend for Kansas City to secure back-to-back Lombardi trophies. If he turns in another underwhelming Super Bowl performance, it could swing the outcome in favor of a formidable 49ers defense. The Chiefs will go as far as their star QB takes them.
Chiefs-49ers Super Bowl LVIII Rematch – Can 49ers Defy Super Bowl Rematch History?
This marks the eighth time in NFL history that two teams are facing off in a Super Bowl after playing in the big game in a previous season. Very rarely does the loser of the first matchup get their revenge in the rematch. In three instances where head coaches met for a second time in the Super Bowl, the winner of the first meeting has won again. Overall, five of the seven Super Bowl rematches have seen the same victor.
The 49ers are attempting to overcome both recent and long-term history to flip the script after their defeat in Super Bowl LIV. To do so, players like Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and Deebo Samuel will need to have a bigger impact than they did four years ago.
Who Wins Key Travis Kelce vs. 49ers LBs Matchup?
Travis Kelce terrorized Cincinnati in the AFC Championship Game, hauling in seven catches for 78 yards and a touchdown. His connection with Patrick Mahomes is almost unstoppable. However, the 49ers may have the linebackers capable of containing Kelce.
San Francisco allowed the second-fewest yards after catch per reception (3.9) to tight ends this season thanks to rangy, athletic linebackers like Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw. Still, Kelce has had tremendous success against this defense in the past, recording 20 receptions for 255 yards and one touchdown over three games. If Nick Bosa and company can’t get quick pressure on Mahomes, Kelce could feast once again. This marquee showdown within the larger game could determine who hoists the Lombardi Trophy.
Can Kyle Shanahan Shed His Super Bowl Collapse Reputation?
Kyle Shanahan has been on the wrong side of the two biggest blown leads in Super Bowl history—first as offensive coordinator for Atlanta’s infamous 28-3 defeat, and later San Francisco’s loss after leading 20-10 over Kansas City. The scar tissue is real for Shanahan in championship games.
If the 49ers grab any sort of second half lead, how Shanahan manages late-game play-calling and clock management will be heavily scrutinized. With Andy Reid on the opposite sideline leading an explosive Chiefs offense, San Francisco can’t leave the window cracked if they want to avoid another devastating collapse. Shanahan keeping his poise and aggression could be the difference in finally getting over the hump.
Can Kansas City Receivers Keep Stepping Up?
Kansas City wide receivers were plagued by drops all season long, leading the NFL with a 12% drop rate during the regular season. However, they have turned that around in the playoffs. Chiefs receivers have only two drops through three games while nearly cutting their drop rate in half (6.1%). Players like Mecole Hardman Jr., Marquez Valdez-Scantling and Kadarius Toney have made key catches when needed most.
With All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce attracting significant attention, Kansas City’s wideouts should have plenty of one-on-one matchups to exploit against San Francisco. If Mahomes’ receiving corps continues its sure-handed and clutch postseason play, it gives Kansas City a great shot at repeating as champions.
The Stage is Set for an All-Time Super Bowl Matchup
With a host of critical factors at play, this has all the makings of an instant classic Super Bowl for the ages. From Mahomes looking to cement his championship pedigree to Kelce going head-to-head against San Francisco’s vaunted linebackers, this game features elite talents on both sides determined to settle the score after their last Super Bowl encounter.
While the Chiefs aim to further their blossoming dynasty, Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers want to finally exorcise their past demons to capture the franchise’s sixth championship. With online sports betting sites making Kansas City a slight favorite, bettors clearly expect another close, tightly contested affair. Regardless of the outcome, this Super Bowl LVIII showdown between two bitter rivals may ultimately go down as one of the greatest ever played.
