The NFL season all comes down to this—one final showdown for the Lombardi Trophy. Next Sunday in New Orleans, the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles meet once again in a Super Bowl LVII rematch.
Last time, it was Harrison Butker’s clutch field goal in the final moments that sealed the first of Kansas City’s back-to-back titles. Now, the Chiefs are on the verge of making history, looking to complete an unprecedented three-peat.
Top-rated sportsbooks have released their NFL odds for Super Bowl LIX. BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review) favors the Chiefs by one point and the total is set at 48.5.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Sunday, February 09, 2025 – 06:30 PM ET at Caesars Superdome
Who Could Tip the Scales in Super Bowl LIX?
NFL games are defined by matchups, and in the Super Bowl, every play carries even more weight. There’s no room for adjustments or second chances—what teams have is what they must maximize.
While stars like Patrick Mahomes and Saquon Barkley will dominate headlines, the outcome of Super Bowl LIX between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles could swing on the performances of a few under-the-radar players. Here are two players who could significantly impact the game—positively or negatively.
Chiefs Wide Receiver Xavier Worthy
Xavier Worthy turned heads at the NFL Combine, blazing a record-setting 4.21-second 40-yard dash. The Chiefs drafted him 28th overall, hoping his elite speed could restore the vertical threat they lost when Tyreek Hill was traded in 2022. However, that deep-ball impact hasn’t materialized. Kansas City’s vertical passing game has been a glaring weakness this season.
Mahomes has connected on just 13 of 51 passes traveling 20 or more air yards, totaling 465 yards, four touchdowns, four interceptions, and a passer rating of 58.5—second-worst in the league, ahead of only Anthony Richardson. The 25.5% completion rate on such throws is the lowest in the NFL.
Worthy’s contributions to the deep game have been limited, catching just four of 18 deep targets for 146 yards and two touchdowns, with Mahomes posting a 58.3 passer rating when targeting him on those plays.
But where Worthy has made an impact is in the short-to-intermediate passing game. He has 24 catches behind the line of scrimmage, averaging 9.8 yards per reception on those plays. On passes traveling 0-9 yards in the air, he’s recorded 38 catches, averaging 5.9 yards per reception.
Explosive plays don’t have to come from deep shots. Worthy’s ability to create after the catch has made him an essential weapon in the Chiefs’ offense, and in the Super Bowl, Kansas City may focus on getting him the ball quickly and letting his speed go to work against Philadelphia’s disciplined defense.
Eagles Cornerback Quinyon Mitchell
The Eagles faced a difficult reality after the 2023 season: James Bradberry was no longer a viable top cornerback. That’s why they selected Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell with the 22nd overall pick in the 2024 draft. Regarded as the top corner in the class, Mitchell experienced some early growing pains but has since emerged as Philadelphia’s best defensive back.
From Week 11 through the NFC Championship Game, Mitchell allowed just 22 catches on 42 targets for 180 yards, surrendering only 19 yards after the catch, with two touchdowns, two interceptions, five pass breakups, and a 59.6 opponent passer rating. Both of those picks came in the playoffs, reinforcing his ability to elevate under pressure.
Mitchell’s skill set is tailor-made to counter Kansas City’s short-to-intermediate passing game. He has excelled at defending slants, screens, and crossers, areas where the Chiefs thrive. Not only can he match and carry vertical speed, but his ability to disrupt quick routes will be crucial in containing Mahomes’ go-to options.
Now playing at a Pro Bowl-caliber level, Mitchell’s emergence couldn’t have come at a better time for Philadelphia. Whether he can keep Worthy and the Chiefs’ passing attack in check may be one of the defining factors for the Eagles in the biggest game of the season.
