Super Bowl LIX Preview: How the Chiefs Can Win

Contain Saquon Barkley

Kansas City’s biggest concern from its AFC Championship Game win over Buffalo? The inability to bottle up James Cook. Despite only 13 carries, Cook gashed the Chiefs for 85 yards and two touchdowns, averaging over five yards per carry on nine of those attempts. Had Buffalo leaned on him more, the outcome might have been different.

While the Bills had a solid rushing attack—ranking ninth in attempts and yards—they still relied heavily on Josh Allen. Kansas City’s defense, a top-10 unit against the run all season, was unexpectedly overwhelmed by Cook’s efficiency.

Philadelphia presents an entirely different challenge. The Eagles own the league’s second-best rushing attack, with Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts spearheading an offense that led the NFL in carries and ranked second in both rushing yards and touchdowns. They’ve averaged just under five yards per attempt—sustained dominance, not an occasional outburst.

The scheme remains similar to the one that powered the Eagles in Super Bowl LVII, but this time, it’s a more seasoned unit with Barkley replacing Miles Sanders. Philadelphia won’t forget to utilize its best weapon, and few teams can match its trench dominance.

That said, Kansas City faced similar doubts last time and still limited Eagles running backs to 17 carries for 45 yards. Hurts shouldered the rushing load with 70 yards and three touchdowns on 15 carries.

If the Chiefs want to have enough possessions to reach 30 points again, neutralizing Barkley is key. They’ve only scored 29 or more points three times this season, so Philadelphia’s game plan will focus on controlling possession and making every Kansas City drive count.

Protect Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City’s offensive line isn’t as sturdy as in past seasons, and it showed in the playoffs. Joe Thuney has held up well at left tackle, but interior protection remains a concern. Guards Mike Caliendo and Trey Smith have struggled, allowing 11 pressures on just 58 combined pass plays, according to PFF.

Philadelphia has the worst possible matchup for a shaky offensive line. Jalen Carter and Milton Williams create havoc inside, while Nolan Smith has emerged as one of the league’s most disruptive edge rushers. The Eagles also boast unmatched depth, with Jordan Davis, Jalyx Hunt, Moro Ojomo, and Josh Sweat rotating in waves.

Mahomes’ ability to counter pressure is a built-in equalizer. His pocket movement and quick release allow him to neutralize blitz-heavy defenses, and Kansas City has shifted toward a Yards After Catch (YAC)-focused passing game instead of relying on long-developing plays. Over the past month, Mahomes’ time-to-throw has improved dramatically, making it even harder to get to him.

If Philadelphia’s defensive front can’t land hits on Patrick Mahomes, the game tilts heavily in Kansas City’s favor.

Win the Small Battles

Kansas City’s success in critical moments isn’t about officiating—it’s about execution. The Chiefs boast elite coaching, a top-four roster, and arguably the greatest quarterback in NFL history. That combination leads to disciplined football, forcing opponents to be nearly perfect.

Winning both the turnover battle and penalty margin makes Kansas City incredibly difficult to beat. Buffalo briefly flipped the momentum in the AFC Championship Game by forcing a fumble, but key situational mistakes and 27 more penalty yards than the Chiefs proved costly. Philadelphia can’t afford the same missteps.

The Chiefs led the league in fewest penalties per game (5.4), with the Eagles close behind at 5.9. A clean game is crucial for Philadelphia’s game plan—dominate time of possession, limit Mahomes’ drives, and unleash the pass rush when possible.

Giving Mahomes free yards is a death sentence, and if the Eagles fall behind the sticks on their own drives, they’ll be forced to put even more on Hurts’ shoulders. With the season on the line, the margin for error is razor-thin.