Jay and Alex's Super Bowl Preview

What did you all do this weekend without football? Yes, you could have watched the Shrine Bowl, the Senior Bowl, or whatever that Pro Bowl was, but did you?

First off, let’s brag about how the two teams in the Super Bowl were first and third in our future’s picks (I know, it wasn’t that hard). If you want a Super Bowl preview that isn't about the Kelce's or Andy Reid or Mahomes' brother doing Tik Toks, we got you. Enjoy the fun, bet the coin flip, eat some garbage, and get ready for a cold dark winter. Let's get started!

General Thoughts

Jay: This is an amazing team versus an amazing quarterback. Everything in me is saying take the Eagles, they have the better roster. But I want the best quarterback on the field in a Super Bowl. It’s like having the best player in a game 7 of the NBA playoffs; don’t bet against them.

Alex: I think Jay hit the nail on the head with the team vs qb aspect of this game. But, I like the Eagles. They have a swagger and feel about them that they don’t want to just win games, they want to kill opponents, and they have the talent to do so. Eagles are better everywhere outside of QB, TE and HC. I know those are 2 of the most important aspects of a team in there, but the Eagles depth is incredible and their lack of weakness, I think, will lead them to victory.

When the Eagles are on Offense

Favorite Matchup in the Trenches

Jay: George Karlaftis vs Jason Kelce

I know, a defensive end versus a center? Here me out. At some point the Chiefs will put Chris Jones and Frank Clark as bookends and Karlaftis inside. Can he win against the best center in the NFL? Will he hold rush lane integrity so Hurts doesn’t scamper out for a big gain? This could be a coming of age moment.

Alex: Eagles OL vs the Blitz

The Eagles OL is the best in the league and should be able to hold up against a good Chiefs DL. The question will be, can the Chiefs blitz effectively? The Chiefs blitz on about a quarter of drop backs. Will the Eagles be able to pick the blitz up or will Hurts have to beat the defense with his legs, which would the Chiefs prefer?

Favorite Matchup on the Perimeter

Jay: Trent McDuffie vs DeVonta Smith

We will go young-on-young here. McDuffie is a solid corner but he does not create turnovers. Can he flip the script in a big game? The Eagles will be able to run the ball and so the Chiefs’ secondary must show out.

Alex: Chiefs Safeties vs the Deep Ball

Obviously Hurts can kill a defense with his legs, but the aspect of his game that I am most impressed with has been his deep ball accuracy this year. It is easy when you’re throwing to DeVonta Smith and AJ Brown, but Hurts has been deadly accurate this year and leads to an offense that can kill you in multiple ways.

One More Thing to Look Out For

Jay: Jalen Hurts Designed Runs

Hurts has been improving from his injury and has had a relatively easy playoff run. I think the zone read runs will be big for getting settled into the game. It’s the Super Bowl, burn the ships and leave it all out there. I think Hurts will do so and could have a lot of success rushing.

Alex: Banged up Eagles OL

Lane Johnson skipped surgery prior to the playoffs, Landon Dickerson hyperextended his elbow in the NFC Championship. Both have not been a full participant in practice. Don’t get it twisted, they will be full go on game day, but will they have a slip up or reaggravate their injuries?

When the Chiefs are on Offense

Favorite Matchup in the Trenches

Jay: Hassan Reddick vs Orlando Brown

I will state the obvious here. The Bengals had a lot of success working to get Brown into one on one situations. Can the Eagles do the same? Often waiting to exploit a matchup until the right moment (see: Chris Jones last weekend) is big in the playoffs. Can Reddick win when it’s most needed?

Alex: Eagles DL Depth vs Chiefs OL

How many DL’s are 9 guys deep, NINE! Just listen to this list - Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, Hassan Reddick, Javon Hargrave, Josh Sweat, Linval Joseph, Jordan Davis, Ndamukong Suh and Robert Quinn. Their backup DL is an above average starting group. Constant fresh legs and a beautiful mix of run stuffers and pass rushers. The Chiefs OL is nothing to scoff at, but will they be able to handle the constant pressure and energy of this group?

Favorite Matchup on the Perimeter

Jay: C.J. Gardner-Johnson vs Patrick Mahomes

I could have said Kelce, but Gardner-Johnson will be all over the place and not just on Mahomes’ favorite pass catcher. How does this chess match play out? Will we see some safety blitzes? I am excited for this one.

Alex: TJ Edwards vs Travis Kelce

We all know who the Chiefs top weapon is. The Eagles have a solid secondary that should be able to keep MVS, Juju, etc. in check. TJ Edwards is a very underrated coverage LB, will he be able to check Kelce or will the Eagles have to leave their corners on an island to help Edwards?

One More Thing to Look Out For

Jay: Chiefs Rushing Attack

No one ran the ball well in the AFC Championship Game. I know Mahomes has had two more weeks to recover, but I think he will need some help. The Eagles do a great job of rushing as a group. Being able to run the ball and move the rush point for the Eagles defense will be key for Mahomes early in the game.

Alex: Marquez Valdes-Scantling

The surprise hero of the AFC Championship Game. 6 for 116 after going 1 for 6 against the Jaguars. Which MVS is going to show up? He has game breaking speed, when he’s on, he gives the Chiefs another level. If he isn’t the guy on Sunday, who will be Kelce’s Robin?

For the Degenerates

Jay's Picks

1st Pick: Tails (-104) Coin Flip Result

Tails never fails, it’s free money.

2nd Pick: No (+125) Opening Kickoff to Result in a Touchback

I am a sucker for this one. Every returner wants to take it out and see if he can pull a Devin Hester. If the ball is in play it is coming out.

3rd Pick: o0.5 (-112) Patrick Mahomes Interceptions

This is a downer of a pick. Mahomes has not thrown a pick this playoffs but the Eagles fly around on defense (pun very much intended).

4th Pick: Chiefs ML (+100) vs Eagles

I always take the better QB in the playoffs. No way Mahomes should be an underdog.

5th Pick: u50.5 (-110)

Another downer pick. I have picked overs in Chief Super Bowls in the past. It could go to OT and bite me. But I feel like the 3rd quarter in Super Bowls can get very lullish after the long halftime. I think there will be some scoring early that brings this number up so maybe live bet the under in the second quarter.

Alex's Picks

1st Pick: National Anthem Length - O121.5 Seconds (-120)

Chris Stapleton is the singer. You’re telling me a country star, singing the national anthem at the Super Bowl isn’t going to milk it and put on a performance? No way, bet the house on the over. Strong lungs will prevail.

2nd Pick: First Offensive Play from Scrimmage - Pass (+112)

Chiefs I think will be an obvious pass. I think if the Eagles get the ball first, they will take a PA shot to try to catch the Chiefs being overly aggressive.

3rd Pick: Dallas Goedert Anytime TD (+180)

Eagles have a lot of goal line weapons, I think the Chiefs will focus on the run, Smith and Brown and forget about Goedert.

4th Pick: Combined Jersey Numbers of all TD Scorers - U173.5 (-112)

Outside of the TE’s, all notable players are in the teens or single digits. Yes, a 2 Travis Kelce TD game could throw me for a loop, but what if Hurts is the guy or Pacheco steals a goal line TD?

5th Pick: Gatorade Bath - Yellow/Green +400

My personal favorite flavor is orange, but orange can be a big miss for some guys. Everyone loves Yellow/Green.

Parting Predictions

Jay: Chiefs 24 - Eagles 21

I think we have some scoring early, the game gets bogged down in the second half, and then Mahomes works his magic late. I am really excited for this Super Bowl, I think it will be a great one.

Alex: Eagles 31 - Chiefs 21

This game will be close until the Eagles defense makes a play late in the game and the offense puts it out of reach.