Super Bowl 59 is set to be an intense showdown between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs, with both teams entering the game in top form. The Chiefs are looking to complete a historic three-peat, while the Eagles hope to rebound from their heartbreaking loss in Super Bowl 57 in 2023. Both squads have undergone significant changes since their last meeting, and their strategies will determine who comes out on top. As the big game approaches, let’s break down what’s changed, what each team must do to win, and ultimately how this Super Bowl will unfold.

What’s Changed Since SB 57 in 2023?

In Super Bowl 57, the Chiefs edged out the Eagles in a thriller, with Patrick Mahomes leading the Chiefs to a 38-35 victory. Since that game, both teams have evolved, making key adjustments that could drastically affect the outcome of Super Bowl 59.

For the Eagles, the most significant change has been the development of Jalen Hurts, who continues to improve as a dual-threat quarterback. Hurts’ passing game has become more precise, and his ability to scramble for yards makes him even more dangerous. Additionally, the Eagles have added Saquon Barkley, a game-changing running back crucial to their success in the Super Bowl. Barkley brings explosiveness to the backfield, providing balance and versatility that will force defenses to account for both the run and the pass. However, their leader and former Pro Bowl center Jason Kelce is now retired.  Keep an eye on their O-line.

Defensively, the Eagles’ pass rush has grown even more potent, with Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham leading a relentless front seven. Their ability to pressure quarterbacks will be crucial against Mahomes, who thrives when given time in the pocket. The secondary has also become more cohesive, with key additions strengthening their ability to limit big plays.

On the Chiefs’ side, while Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and the offense remain largely unchanged, the emergence of young star Xavier Worthy has given Kansas City another reliable weapon. Worthy’s speed and ability to stretch the field make him a game-breaker, providing Mahomes with yet another deep threat. The Chiefs’ secondary has also been a focal point of improvement, with a focus on limiting big plays and being more aggressive in coverage.

How the Eagles Win

Saquon Barkley Must Take Control: The Eagles’ offense will need to establish the run early, and Saquon Barkley must be the focal point. Barkley’s ability to make defenders miss, break tackles, and consistently gain yards will keep the Chiefs’ defense on its toes. His success will open up the play-action passing game, which is a crucial aspect of Jalen Hurts’ effectiveness. By establishing the run, Barkley will force the Chiefs’ defense to respect the ground game, opening up lanes for Hurts to exploit with his arm and legs.

Pressure Mahomes: The key to slowing down Patrick Mahomes is to make him uncomfortable in the pocket. The Eagles’ pass rush, led by Cox and Graham, must get after Mahomes early and often. Mahomes is a magician when given time, but he becomes less effective when forced to move off his spot. The Eagles must make him uncomfortable, collapsing the pocket and forcing him into quick decisions. Even though Mahomes can still make spectacular plays on the move, the Eagles can minimize his impact by ensuring he doesn’t have the luxury of a clean pocket.

Win the Penalty Battle: Penalties can be a killer in big games like the Super Bowl, and the Eagles must maintain discipline throughout the game. In Super Bowl 57, the Eagles struggled with costly penalties, allowing the Chiefs to extend drives and capitalize on mistakes. To win, the Eagles must avoid personal fouls, holding penalties, and offsides calls that could stall their offensive drives or give the Chiefs favorable field position. A clean game in terms of penalties will be crucial for their success.

How the Chiefs Win

Secondary Steps Up: The Chiefs’ secondary will play a critical role in limiting the Eagles’ passing attack. Jalen Hurts has an impressive arsenal of weapons in A.J. Brown, Devonta Smith, and tight end Dallas Goedert, but the Chiefs’ cornerbacks and safeties need to step up to limit big plays. Kansas City’s defense will likely employ a mix of zone and man coverage, using bracket coverage on Brown and Smith to prevent deep shots down the field. If the Chiefs’ secondary can limit the big-play potential and make Hurts throw into tight windows, they’ll have a better chance of stifling the Eagles’ offense.

Pressure Jalen Hurts and Limit Scrambling: Jalen Hurts’ ability to escape the pocket and make plays with his legs has been a defining feature of his game. For the Chiefs to win, they must contain him as a runner while also pressuring him in the pocket. Kansas City’s pass rush must focus on flushing Hurts out of his comfort zone, not allowing him to escape and make plays on the run. At the same time, they must be cautious not to overcommit and leave open running lanes for Hurts. Pressuring him while containing his scrambling ability will limit his effectiveness.

Establish the Run Game: While Mahomes is undoubtedly the focal point of the Chiefs’ offense, establishing a run game early will be key to keeping the Eagles’ defense honest. Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt have been effective in recent weeks, and the Chiefs need to get both running backs involved to balance out their offense. By establishing the run, the Chiefs can open up play-action opportunities for Mahomes, creating mismatches for the Eagles’ defense. A balanced offensive attack will force the Eagles to respect both the run and the pass, making it more difficult for them to focus solely on Mahomes.

Xavier Worthy Continues His Emergence: Xavier Worthy has been a breakout star for the Chiefs this season and will be crucial in the Super Bowl. His ability to stretch the field and take the top off the defense gives Mahomes an explosive weapon to rely on. Worthy’s speed and playmaking ability will open up opportunities for Travis Kelce and other receivers, as the Eagles’ defense will need to commit extra attention to stopping him. Worthy’s veteran-like presence on the field will be a key factor in the Chiefs’ offensive success despite his youth.

Prediction: A Fourth-Quarter Thriller

Super Bowl 59 will be a back-and-forth battle, with both teams executing their game plans effectively. The game will come down to the final moments, and while the Eagles will have opportunities to win, a critical turnover in the fourth quarter will ultimately give the Chiefs the advantage. Mahomes will take advantage of a short field, leading the Chiefs to a 27-21 victory, completing their historic three-peat. With this win, the Chiefs will solidify their place as one of the NFL’s greatest dynasties, and Mahomes will further cement his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.