AFC

NFL: Super Bowl set as Chiefs and 49ers advance

By Eric Magana

Posted on January 22, 2020

Share

Tweet

Share

Share

Email

Comments

The NFL has its matchup set up after the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers win their conferences and advance to Super Bowl LIV in Miami.

It is time for the Sunday of all Sundays. The biggest Sunday the NFL can own. That’s right folks. It is time for the Super Bowl. While most people prepare to plan their trips to South Beach, the Chiefs and 49ers booked their trips last weekend. Despite the way both teams got there, these squads are legit. The best of the best.

In fact, both of these squads are playing their best football at the right time. Especially Kansas City. While the NFL had its Cinderella story with the Tennessee Titans, the real storyline here is Pat Mahomes and the Chiefs. Why was this occasion so special? Consider this. The Kansas City Chiefs have not participated in the NFL’s big game in 50 years. Their opponent has won five Super Bowls and are in their seventh overall as a franchise. In fact, San Francisco was in the big game as recently as 2012.

So how did both teams fare in their respective Conference Championship games? Let’s take a quick look.

Kansas City 35, Tennessee 24

The game looked like it was another disaster for the Chiefs. As most know, Andy Reid led teams traditionally start off slow. That was always the case for his teams in Philly also. Mike Vrabel, Ryan Tannehill, and Derrick Henry knew this and quickly jumped out to a 10-0 lead. It was happening again in KC.

However, the Titans forgot to make this game Henry vs. Mahomes. Instead, opting for a QB duel. Spoiler alert, it failed. The Titans ran too much clock, made Tannehill try too much, and simply weren’t aggressive enough with their play-calling on both ends that I feel they could’ve won this game.

Despite all of that, Travis Kelce, Sammy Watkins, Tyreek Hill and company responded and quickly dashed all hopes for the Titans. This is an offense that averages 33 points per game. Historical! They will be awfully tough to take down in Miami, and this may be the game that finally solidifies Reid’s resume as a Hall of Famer.

It was a great season for the Titans, no doubt. However, they lacked the discipline and personnel to really take on the Chiefs, or the 49ers really. No doubt, they got some great value out of Tannehill and Marcus Mariota, who was the ultimate professional during this run. Who knows. Maybe they lure a certain free agent QB by the name of Tom Brady to play for the franchise. But that is another conversation for another day.

Regardless, this Chiefs team has played its best football in the postseason. Right now they look so unstoppable that I don’t even think it is smart to pick against them. Perhaps it is too premature to think that, but let’s talk about their opponent.

San Francisco 37, Green Bay 20

Have yourself a day Mr. Raheem Mostert. This man ran all over the Packer defense. 29 carries for 220 yards That is a day my friends. Quite a day. In fact, he did so much work that Niners QB Jimmy Garoppolo only threw eight times and six of those passes were completions. Richard Sherman had a throwback day on the defensive end while the rest of the San Fran defense held Aaron Rodgers and Co. in check.

Speaking of Rodgers, he just had a bad day. The Packers fell behind 27-0 at the half and it was too little too late when the team found some scoring opportunities. On the defensive end, Green Bay had no answers for Mostert, while on the offensive end everyone not named Davante Adams didn’t show up.

While things looked super bleak for a bit, the Packers managed to find a little life. However, that Niners running game was too much and just kept the pressure coming on the Packers.

Kyle Shanahan has done quite the job with this team. San Fran should prove to be a formidable foe for the Chiefs. However, I expect to see the same dominant Chiefs team and I predict Andy Reid and Co. will win his first Super Bowl.

Get ready for the big game NFL fans. To stay up to date on the latest NFL news or Super Bowl news, stay tuned to NGSC Sports. Where we never stop.

See you on Super Bowl Sunday.