On Sunday, February 2nd at 6:30 pm ET, the San Fransisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs will face off for Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. This matchup is sure to be a close one and both teams are fired up for the top prize. Both teams exhibit great strengths in different areas so it’s anyone’s game; but, who is most likely to win?
Throughout their regular season, the San Francisco 49ers turned to their distinguished defense for victories and continued to grow stronger in the postseason. The Niners are ranked second in the NFL in total defense (281.8 yards) and ranked first against the run. The 49ers’ speed and overall physicality are their greatest strengths. They can punch you in the mouth and run right by you within seconds. It’s rare to see a team that can do both offense and defense at the elite level that San Francisco can. Their pass rush, which consists of Kwon Alexander, Nick Bosa, and Dee Ford, has great potential to be dangerous as long as their secondary does their job.
However, the 14-4 Kansas City Chiefs are no strangers to the top rankings as their strength is the passing game. They are ranked second in the passing game in the playoffs at 304 yards. If the 49ers are able to pressure Mahomes through their pass rush and contain Kansas’ star receivers Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins, and Travis Kelce, they stand a chance. However, if Mahomes picks up the groove and starts utilizing his key assets, things can get rough for the Niners. Not to mention, the 49ers offensive line will be struggling to face the bullrushes from Frank Clark and his fellow defensive linemen. This matchup will surely be neck and neck since the number 2 ranked offense is facing the number 2 ranked defense.
But, as the old saying goes…
“Offense wins games…defense wins championships.”
Bear Bryant
featured image credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports