And then there were two, The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs. Two generational quarterbacks going against each other in what may end up being one of the greatest Super Bowls in recent memories.
Will we see the passing of the torch between the two quarterbacks to crown Patrick Mahomes as the next GOAT? Or will we see Tom Brady lead this Buccaneers side to victory and walk away with his seventh ring?
Tampa Bay defeated the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field last Sunday, in a close victory 31-26. Many were surprised by the win by Tampa Bay last Sunday as it just showed the difference in mentality between both teams. Brady threw for three touchdowns but also had three interceptions, but luckily did not cost them the game.
They won on not only the experience of Brady but their defence once again stood up tall against the best offensive team this season. Tampa Bay won all their playoff games away and now are rewarded with a home Super Bowl.
While Kansas City defeated the Buffalo Bills in convincing fashion at home last Sunday, winning an impressive 38-24. For Kansas City it was the same story as usual, Mahomes controlled the game well and threw for three touchdowns.
Both Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce had over 100 receiving yards and ran all over the Bills defence. Kansas City now have the opportunity to be the first team to win back-to-back Super Bowls since the New England Patriots of 2003-2004.
All eyes will be on the two quarterbacks but there is more to look at then those two. Of course, they will generate the most interest going into this year’s Super Bowl, but let’s examine the rest of the offence. When it comes to the passing game and the receivers between both teams, Kansas City win this category.
Kelce is the best tight end in the NFL right now and Hill is one of the best wide receivers in the league. Both recorded over a 1000 receiving yards this season and are two of the more consistent receivers in the league.
Patrick Mahomes (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay have had a lot of receivers miss game time and have never seemed to find much of a general flow. Good enough to win majority of games of course, but Kelce and Hill are elite receivers respectively, two players no one wants to defend.
When it comes down to the run game, I have to give this one to Tampa Bay – but only just. Both teams prefer to pass the football with Kansas City leading in overall passing yards this year and Tampa Bay ranked fourth in passing.
Between Ronald Jones/Leonard Fournette and Clyde Edwards-Helaire/Darrel Williams, Tampa Bay’s running backs were more consistent in rushing this season then the running backs for Kansas City. But I don’t think the run game will be much of a factor next Sunday but what will be the passing game and defence.
When you look at both teams in defence for this season, both ranked in the top 15 in defence, with Tampa Bay ranking eighth and Kansas City ranking 12th.
Both teams finished closed in every defensive category but Tampa Bay finished with a slightly better overall defence. Throughout the playoffs, when a stop has been needed more than ever, Tampa Bay’s defence has consistently showed up and is a big reason why they are playing next Sunday.
Will Tom Brady win another Super Bowl? (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Red zone defence is something that Kansas City struggled with a lot this season and is something to watch out for.
I was wrong to bet against Brady and the Chiefs last week and now going into the Super Bowl, it makes it even tougher to predict who is going to win. Kansas City boast the best offence going into this game and talk about a big three with Mahomes, Hill and Kelce running the offence.
That gives the defence of Tampa Bay enough to deal with it, but Tampa Bay go into this game with the better defence and may end up proving the difference in the final minutes in the Super Bowl.
Many will disagree with me, but I not going to bet against Brady again. This is a Super Bowl for the ages and I am predicting a close game as well.
I won’t be shocked if Kansas City win and go back-to-back but I’m going to pick Brady to led the Buccaneers to their second Super Bowl championship and to walk out of Tampa Bay with his seventh ring.
Prediction
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeat Kansas City Chiefs
Paul
Roar Guru
It's certainly hard not to like watching the Chiefs when they play such an interesting brand of football but again, seem to get so much pleasure out of their successes. Agreed about KC in a close win.
Pete McAloney
Roar Pro
Hey Paul that’s an excellent point, and it’s why I’ve become a convert to Mahomes as my favourite player (never fear, the Colts remain my number one team but we don’t have a QB at the moment...) and of course I’ve always loved the Walrus as Head Coach. He’s a creative and aggressive coach who always seems to have a trick up his sleeve. That sense of fun will stand the Chiefs in good stead in he big one. KC for a close win!
Caractacus
Guest
The bottom line is that the Chiefs are the better team for me, better QB, WR, TE and maybe most importantly the coach. Home field must help the Bucs but the Chiefs really stepped up last time out so maybe they’re hot at the right time.
browndog
Roar Rookie
I think the old dog has one last trick up his sleeve. And with a home ground advantage of sorts, an obvious positivity and irrepressible wave of momentum behind them, I can see the underdog Bucs overwhelming the fancied. But not by more than a field goal. Should be a belter.
JGK
Roar Guru
I think KC will win but it should be a cracker.
Paul
Roar Guru
There's a factor which I think has been largely ignored and that's the "enjoyment" factor. Tampa has spent the whole season and especially the finals, stressing about winning. They've played focused & determined football, but it's only been really late in games we've seen guys really smile. In contrast, that's a regular event for Mahommes. The same also applies to Hill & Kelce. They're in career best form and are taking huge pleasure out of racking up numbers. They get to a 3rd and long situation - no problem, one or the other will make 10 plus yards easily. The fun factor cannot be underestimated and this is where the Chiefs have it over the Bucs as well. It's also an area where I've no idea how a coach could combat that. Bruce Arians can tell his guys to go out and have fun, but Andy Reid knows his guys are going to do that, while playing high quality football.
Christopher Rooney
Roar Rookie
Hey Albo, great points mentioned. Kansas City are a fantastic team and no doubt we are looking at a potential dynasty. It’s arguably the perfect Super Bowl for this year, Brady vs Mahomes, doesn’t get any better. I will be honest I wanted to see the Bills vs Packers, being a Bills fan it would be a great match up. But I can’t complain about Bucs versus the Chiefs either and the amount of storyline’s that will come from it.
Albo
Roar Rookie
I am a Chiefs fan, and may be a tad biased, but I think the Chiefs have a couple of big advantages in this game. Firstly, they have best offensive team in the NFL giving Maholmes so many options for his passing game , with Hill & Kelce the main targets , but also handy alternatives in Hardman & Pringle all blessed with speed. Maholmes in his 17 games this season has thrown 42 TD's and just 6 Intercepts ( 3 in one game). His accuracy and options with receivers limits loss of possession. Secondly, the Chiefs have a particularly strong secondary and safety defence with the likes Mathieu, Sorensen & Sneed busy at the back covering receivers and picking off intercepts. And this is an area where Brady has battled this season . In his 19 games this season he has thrown 47 TD's but also 15 Intercepts ( including 3 last week). Chances are there will be more intercept opportunities for the Chiefs secondary & safety crew this week. But then it's a silly man to ever treat a Brady led team lightly. But Chiefs to win.
Christopher Rooney
Roar Rookie
Yeah about 22,000 they are saying. 100% it will be interesting to see how much of a home field advantage it will be for Tampa Bay.
Paul
Roar Guru
I wonder how much the crowd or home field will advantage the Bucs? I gather the NFL's allowing 22,000 into the stadium, but if you had that number at a Packers or Seattle game, they'd be a serious influence. Not so sure at Tampa
Christopher Rooney
Roar Rookie
Hey Paul. I mentioned in the passing game, the Chiefs are the clear winners. They had the most passing yards this year and absolutely you are right, they are a lot more creative in attack. Tampa Bay are no slouch when it comes to attack as well. I don’t think the running game will be much of a factor to be honest this Sunday and the special teams for both sides will do what they are required. As mentioned, I won’t be shocked if the Chiefs do go back-to-back.
Paul
Roar Guru
You talked about Tampa having a slightly better defence and a slightly better running game but made no mention of the difference between the two sides in and in attack generally. I agree the teams are close in the two categories you mentioned, but Mahommes has a clear edge in the passing game IMO and the Chiefs have a far more creative attack than the Bucs. Is that last point enough to cancel out the defence and running games? I think so which is why the Cheifs will go back to back and will win by more than a touchdown.
Christopher Rooney
Roar Rookie
Very true, will be great matchup regardless.
Christopher Rooney
Roar Rookie
Good point. Who do you like to win?
Christo
Roar Guru
If anyone has a chance of beating Brady, it's mahomes
JGK
Roar Guru
Erik Fisher being injured makes it all a bit closer.