Super Bowl LIX is set for this Sunday and the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles will be facing off once again after meeting in the big game two seasons ago. The Chiefs enter this contest as back-to-back Super Bowl Champions. The Eagles enter this matchup seeking redemption and their first championship since 2018.
These teams have game-changing playmakers who are capable of determining the game’s outcome. From generational quarterbacks to explosive skill-position players, each offensive unit on both teams has its respective strengths, but which team holds the advantage? Let’s take a look at the most important offensive players for both sides heading into this Super Bowl matchup.
Quarterbacks: The Game’s Ultimate X-Factors
Patrick Mahomes remains the gold standard at the quarterback position in the NFL. Even after a statistically down season, his ability to elevate his team in critical moments and come through when others have fallen short has already made him one of the most accomplished players in NFL history. Mahomes will play in his fifth Super Bowl, a feat unmatched by any quarterback his age. His combination of poise, improvisation, and leadership makes him Kansas City’s most valuable player.
For the Eagles, Jalen Hurts is just as crucial to Philadelphia’s championship aspirations. While his passing numbers dipped this season, his dual-threat ability has been just as good as any other QB. That makes him one of the league’s most dangerous quarterbacks. Hurts’ performance in Super Bowl LVII was nearly flawless, and if he can replicate that level of play, the Eagles have a real shot at victory.
The deciding factor in this game like it has been many times in games of this magnitude will be whether Hurts can outplay Mahomes in the highest-pressure moments. The Chiefs’ defense will put its most fcus on limiting Saquon Barkley, meaning Hurts will have his chance to rise to the occasion. If he delivers another MVP-caliber performance, Philadelphia could flip the script from two years ago.
Running Backs: Ground Game Determines Control
Barkley has transformed the Philadelphia offense giving them a dominant ground presence they lacked in previous seasons. His rare combination of power, speed, and vision has made him nearly unstoppable this season. Barkley eclipsed 2,000 rushing yards this year and has carried that momentum into the playoffs. If he can control the tempo of this game, Philadelphia’s offense will become impossible to stop.
On the other side, the Chiefs will lean on their veteran Running Back Kareem Hunt to provide balance. While Hunt doesn’t have anywhere near Barkley’s game-breaking ability, his experience and versatility at the position still make him a valuable asset. Kansas City will not rely on him as a primary offensive weapon, but he must be efficient to keep Philadelphia’s defense honest.
However, Barkley’s ability to take over a game gives the Eagles the edge in this matchup. If the Chiefs can’t contain him, he could be the largest reason Philadelphia walks away as Super Bowl champions.
Wide Receivers: Explosive Plays Will Be Key
Kansas City’s receiving corps features a mix of veteran talent and young potential. Xavier Worthy, DeAndre Hopkins, and Hollywood Brown provide Mahomes with multiple options, but the unit has been inconsistent. As the season has progressed Worthy has been able to step on his own and mature as Mahomes’ go-to deep threat. This part of his game will be something Mahomes will be relying on in order to help open up the Chiefs offense as a whole and keep the Eagles off balance.
Similarly to the running back room, the Eagles also have the more proven wide receiver room as well, led by A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Brown, who is known for his physical playstyle as a receiver can dominate one-on-one matchups, while Smith is more of a savvy route-runner which makes him a more consistent target. Then there’s Jahan Dotson who adds another layer to the aerial attack making Philadelphia’s passing game just as dangerous as any of the best receiver rooms in the NFL.
Philadelphia clearly holds the advantage here, given Brown and Smith’s chemistry with Hurts. If the Chiefs’ secondary can’t limit their production, Kansas City’s title hopes could be in trouble.
Tight Ends: Experience vs. Upside
Travis Kelce remains the most reliable tight end in football even as he enters the final years of his career. Kelce continues to make winning plays in big moments, and Mahomes trusts him more than anyone else. Kelce’s playoff ledger makes him one of the most dangerous players in this matchup.
Then there’s Dallas Goedert for the Eagles who is not as decorated as Kelce but is still an important piece of the offense. Goedert is a solid route runner and a capable blocker, making him a well-rounded tight end. However, he doesn’t demand even half of the defensive attention as Kelce does, which gives the Chiefs the edge in this regard.
In a game that will likely come down to which team and players can come through in the clutch, Kelce’s history in those moments makes it clear that with him on the field Kansas City has a major advantage.
Offensive Line: The Battle in the Trenches
The Eagles offensive line has been one of the league’s best, paving the way for Barkley’s historic season. Lane Johnson leads the group as he remains a dominant force at right tackle, while Jordan Mailata has developed into a top-tier left tackle. However, injuries to Landon Dickerson and Cam Jurgens could present issues in this game.
Kansas City’s line, anchored by Joe Thuney and Creed Humphrey, has done an excellent job protecting Mahomes all season. The unit has allowed one of the lowest pressure rates in the NFL, a key factor in KC’s offensive success. If they can keep this trend going and keep Mahomes upright, Kansas City’s passing attack will be the difference in this game.
While Philadelphia’s line is elite when fully healthy, their injury concerns give the Chiefs a slight edge. If Kansas City’s front five holds up, Mahomes will have ample time to pick apart the Eagles defense.
Final Thoughts
This is a game where both teams offensively have their advantages over the other. Two teams that have a collection of elite offensive talent. The Chiefs enter this game with the edge from the quarterback tight end and offensive line. While the Eagles hold the advantage at running back and wide receiver. This means the outcome of this game will ultimately come down to which of these units can outduel the other and execute in the biggest moments.
Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs have a chance to accomplish something no other team in the Super Bowl era has been able to do. However, to reach that milestone, it will take a vintage Mahomes performance if the Chiefs hope to secure their third straight championship. However, if Hurts and Barkley can play their game and get the better of Kansas City, then they will be able to avenge their previous loss and reclaim the Lombardi Trophy.
