Kansas City and their All-World QB Patrick Mahomes are back in the Super Bowl, 50 years later.
And oddsmakers believe the Chiefs can emerge victorious over the San Francisco 49ers, opening them as slight 1-point favorites for those looking to place a bet on Super Bowl 54.
Why are Chiefs Super Bowl 54 favorites?
Conventional wisdom says ‘defense wins championships,’ and that theory would favor the San Francisco 49ers. A top defense with a terrifying pass rush, the 49ers mauled Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins in their first two playoff wins.
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But special offensive talent will often break down special defensive talent and the Chiefs are awash in talent. That cascade starts with QB Patrick Mahomes, who has been spectacular in two comeback playoff wins.
He boasts a stellar cast of unstoppable weapons, including speedster Tyreke Hill, studly tight end Travis Kelce and talented WR Sammy Watkins. They reeled off a 51-7 run against the Texans and rallied to handle Tennessee in the AFC title game.
KC also boasts the experience advantage in terms of players and in terms of coaching, where Andy Reid tries to finally win the big win. He has fallen just short many times with the Eagles and now with the Chiefs.
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Can the Niners pull the upset?
Surely, a dominant defense featuring rookie lineman Nick Bosa and others can rise to the occasion. That is what Niner bettors will be banking on.
That fact, plus a rushing game that has been unstoppable in recent weeks. RB Raheem Mostert comes off one of the greatest performances in playoff history, scoring four times against the Packers and setting team records in the process.
QB Jimmy Garappolo didn’t need to throw the ball at all in the rout of the Packers. But he is more than capable of taking control of a game, if needed.
Super Bowl 54 trends?
While this is a neutral site game, the Chiefs show as the ‘home’ game, which is possibly meaningful. The last 10 times these teams have met, the home team has won the game.
And while these 49ers have little in common with teams of the past, the fact remains the Niners are 1-8 SU as playoff underdogs since 1983. And they are just 2-7 ATS.
However, in five games as underdogs this year, the 49ers went 4-1 SU and covered all five. Meanwhile, the Chiefs are impressive (15-5 ATS) over the past four seasons when they are small favorites of less than 3 points.
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