Super Bowl 57 Preview

It's just about time for the game we've all been waiting for.  On Sunday at 6:30 pm EST, Super 57 will kick off at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

On one side, we have a team who has been here before.  They've been the league favorite since their generational quarterback rose to stardom, and while the organization has swapped guys in and out at wide receiver and running back over the years, the head coach, quarterback, and top tight end have remained constant dominant forces.  They suffered an unexpected early exit last postseason and have flown a bit under the radar as praise poured in for other teams in the conference.  But in the end, the Kansas City Chiefs have kept finding ways to win, securing their third Super Bowl appearance in the last four seasons.

The other team has emerged to prominence almost out of nowhere.  Just two years ago, they finished in dead last in the league worst NFC South with a 4-11 record.  Ownership fired the head coach who brought the organization a Super Bowl victory just three years prior and replaced him with an unproven offensive coordinator from Indianapolis.  Under a new quarterback that virtually no one expected to have a sustained NFL career, they improved to a just above .500 team in 2021.  But they exploded onto the scene at the start of this season, implementing aggressive and cutting edge play calls designed to embrace their offense's strengths.  With their loaded offensive skill players and an opportune defense, the Philadelphia Eagles have ripped their way through the postseason seemingly with ease, and are on the verge of closing out one of the most impressive playoff runs in NFL history.

So how will this game play out?  Who will win?  That's what I'm here for.

It's really difficult to pick against the Eagles if I'm being honest.  They haven't really even been challenged this postseason and appear strong at every position.  I was shocked at how well their offensive line handled San Francisco's pass rush, and if you give any NFL quarterback enough time in the pocket, he's going to make you pay.

With that said, the one drawback I see is that Philadelphia hasn't played a team with a high-caliber quarterback hardly at all this entire season.  In fact, I'd argue the only one they've faced is Aaron Rodgers, whose team was the worst Packers team we've seen in years.  That's a big story if you ask me, because Kansas City's defense has gone up against several of the league's top quarterbacks this season, in particular in their AFC Championship contest against Joe Burrow and the Bengals.  Yes, the Eagles have looked almost unstoppable for most of the season and their defense is strong.  But how will they look against the best quarterback and offensive schemer in the NFL?

For this reason in particular, I'm picking the Chiefs to be your 2023 Super Bowl champions, redeeming their loss in the conference championship last year to get Patrick Mahomes his second ring.  I know Mahomes is still dealing with a lingering ankle injury and is not at a full 100 percent.  But Andy Reid has stated that he's able to do everything they want him to in the playbook, and that validation is enough for me.

I think it will be a close game and a fun game, with some big plays and perhaps a bit of trickeration on both sides.  But I just can't pick against Kansas City.  My final score prediction is 30-27 in favor of the Chiefs.  We'll see how it plays out.

Let me know in the comments who you think or hope will win the big game and check back tomorrow when I'll be giving out my favorite betting plays for Super Bowl Sunday.

​Written by Nick Swatson