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NFL Super Bowl Preview: Chiefs Favoured in Clash Between Powerhouses
It’s not too often that we get to see the two best teams in the NFL face each other in the biggest game of the season. On February 2, we’ll be treated to a matchup that pits offensive power versus defensive power in what’s shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Super Bowls in recent memory. The NFL betting world is fired up, and we’re eager to break down what is sure to be an absolutely epic showdown. We’ll discuss how the Chiefs and Niners got to this point as we dive into some NFL betting tips, so buckle up.
Those who bet on the NFL may be familiar with one of the most obvious football betting tips, which is thinking about how the weather will impact the game. All eyes will be on Hard Rock Stadium on February 2, and though the action takes place in sunny Miami, the potential for winter rain is a real consideration. If it’s a wet one, San Francisco’s run game of may have the edge, but a clear evening in Florida lends itself to an air striking offense that Patrick Mahomes is famous for. Beyond the forecast, let’s look at what separates these teams on the NFL lines.
NFL Week 16 Best Odds and Matchups
Kansas City Chiefs -105 Super Bowl 54 Odds
There’s no disguising what makes the Kansas City Chiefs (14-4 SU, 12-5-1 ATS) great; they possess the most lethal passing game in the league on the arm of QB Patrick Mahomes. The defending league MVP showed what he’s capable of in the AFC Championship game by passing for 294 yards and three touchdowns, while leading the team in rushing yards with 53. While there’s no denying that Mahomes is a one-man wrecking crew, what makes him lethal are his numerous options at the receiver position. Whether it be one of the fastest men in the NFL in Tyreek Hill, Pro Bowl TE Travis Kelce, or the Chiefs’ leading playoff receiver Sammy Watkins, Mahomes has an embarrassment of riches at the receiver position. Combine that with one of the best offensive minds in the league in head coach Andy Reid, and it almost seems unfair to opposing defenses. As if the Chiefs needed another edge, Reid has a career 19-3 record when coming off a Bye.
If the Chiefs have one downfall, it’s their defense. They had the seventh-worst run D in the NFL during the regular season (128.2 yards per game), and like a Hollywood script, the 49ers’ offensive strength happens to be their run game. Was the Chiefs’ performance against Derrick Henry in the AFC Championship game telling of things to come, or did they simply benefit from a Titans’ team that had run out of steam?
San Francisco 49ers EVEN Super Bowl 54 Odds
The 49ers are hoping that the Chiefs didn’t miraculously discover how to defend against the run. Even if they did, San Francisco’s offensive line and RB Raheem Mostert may still disassemble the Chiefs’ D. The Niners’ front line is coming off of one of the most dominant performances in postseason history against the Green Bay Packers. Mostert put up 220 rushing yards and scored four touchdowns, missing Eric Dickerson’s playoff game rushing record by just 28 yards. You can bet the Chiefs won’t let that happen again, which will likely mean QB Jimmy Garappolo will need to attempt more than just eight passes to secure San Fran’s first Super Bowl since 1994.
If the Niners can upset the NFL odds, it’ll likely be because of their defense. San Francisco held the Minnesota Vikings to just 147 total yards in the Divisional game and shut out the Packers in the first half of the NFC Championship game. They had the best pass defense in the NFL during the regular season, holding opponents to just 169.2 yards per game. CB Richard Sherman is the leader of the 49ers’ secondary and is tasked with covering the opposition’s best receiver. But with the depth of the Chiefs’ receiving core, CB Emmanuel Moseley may become the 49ers’ most important player after Sherman.
On the NFL betting odds board, the total is a lofty 54 points, while a miniscule 1.5-point spread in favour of the Chiefs makes this game as narrow as they come. If you think Mahomes will dictate the outcome of this game, the Over is likely a safe bet, but if the Niners are able to establish their run game and their defensive line is able to put pressure on Mahomes, we’ll likely see the Under pay out. Both scenarios have good probability, as strength versus strength will be on full display. Be sure to get your picks in with Bodog Sportsbook because there’s nothing like getting rewarded for anticipating how Super Bowl 54 will play out.