The stage is set for Super Bowl LIX, featuring a blockbuster rematch between the Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) and the Kansas City Chiefs (15-2) at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. This showdown marks the second time in three years these two teams will battle for the Lombardi Trophy, after the Chiefs’ thrilling 38-35 victory in Super Bowl LVII.
Unlike some past Super Bowls where unexpected teams made it to the final stage, this year’s matchup pits arguably the two best teams in the league against each other. The Chiefs are seeking an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title, while the Eagles are looking for redemption after falling short in 2023.
With the game just days away, NFL analysts, former players, and sports media experts have made their picks. While a majority lean toward the Chiefs, the Eagles have plenty of believers as well. Here’s a breakdown of what the experts are saying.
Among 67 ESPN experts, 41 are backing the Chiefs, citing their playoff experience, Patrick Mahomes’ ability to elevate his game in big moments, and Steve Spagnuolo’s defense. The most common projected score? 27-24, Kansas City.
✔️ Stephen A. Smith: Chiefs, 30-27
✔️ Dan Orlovsky: Chiefs, 31-28
✔️ Mina Kimes: Eagles, 27-24
✔️ Louis Riddick: Eagles, 34-31
Key Takeaway: A narrow edge for the Chiefs, but several experts see the Eagles’ defense and run game as an X-factor.
The experts at NFL.com are overwhelmingly in favor of Kansas City, with 21 of 22 analysts picking the Chiefs. Their reasoning? Mahomes’ poise in clutch situations and Kansas City’s ability to make halftime adjustments.
✔️ Projected Score Average: Chiefs 27, Eagles 25
Key Takeaway: Almost unanimous support for Kansas City, though the predicted margins remain close.
The analysts at FOX Sports are split, with some favoring the Eagles’ balance and others trusting Mahomes and Andy Reid.
✔️ Keyshawn Johnson: Eagles
✔️ LeSean McCoy: Eagles
✔️ James Jones: Chiefs
✔️ Emmanuel Acho: Chiefs
Key Takeaway: While former Eagles players like McCoy lean toward Philly, the panel is evenly split.
CBS Sports analysts overwhelmingly favor the Chiefs, with seven of their nine experts picking Kansas City to win. The panel believes the Chiefs’ experience in big games and their defensive improvements will make the difference.
✔️ Will Brinson: Chiefs, 31-28
✔️ Pete Prisco: Chiefs, 30-27
✔️ Tyler Sullivan: Chiefs, 28-24
✔️ Jonathan Jones: Eagles, 33-30
Key Takeaway: The majority backs Mahomes, but some believe Jalen Hurts can rise to the occasion.
Bleacher Report’s experts are evenly divided, with some backing the Chiefs’ Super Bowl experience and others believing in the Eagles’ physicality.
✔️ 4 of 7 experts pick the Eagles to cover the spread
✔️ Common reason for Eagles picks: Philly’s defense and ability to control the clock
✔️ Common reason for Chiefs picks: Mahomes’ playoff dominance and coaching edge
Key Takeaway: No clear consensus, reflecting the tight nature of this matchup.
The Athletic’s NFL analysts favor the Chiefs, pointing to Kansas City’s elite coaching and ability to execute under pressure.
✔️ Vic Tafur: Chiefs, 27-23
✔️ Mike Sando: Chiefs, 24-20
Key Takeaway: The Chiefs’ playoff pedigree and Mahomes’ big-game ability sway the analysts.
Among The Ringer’s seven NFL writers, five pick the Chiefs, while two favor the Eagles. The key argument for Philadelphia? Their powerful running game and dominant pass rush.
✔️ Sheil Kapadia: Eagles, 31-28
✔️ Danny Kelly: Chiefs, 34-30
Key Takeaway: While most experts see a close Chiefs win, a few believe Philly’s defense could be the difference.
USA Today’s expert panel is split down the middle, with three analysts picking the Eagles and three choosing the Chiefs.
✔️ Eagles supporters: Cite Philly’s ability to pressure Mahomes
✔️ Chiefs supporters: Point to Mahomes’ history of thriving against elite defenses
Key Takeaway: Another even split, showing how unpredictable this game is.
At Sports Illustrated’s MMQB, seven of their nine experts are picking the Chiefs, believing that Andy Reid’s coaching and Mahomes’ late-game heroics will be too much for the Eagles.
✔️ Albert Breer: Chiefs, 31-27
✔️ Connor Orr: Eagles, 30-28
Key Takeaway: The Chiefs get the majority vote, but the Eagles have a real shot if they dominate the trenches.
| Outlet | Majority Pick | Split? |
|---|---|---|
| ESPN | Chiefs (41 of 67) | ❌ |
| NFL.com | Chiefs (21 of 22) | ❌ |
| FOX Sports | Split | ✅ |
| CBS Sports | Chiefs (7 of 9) | ❌ |
| Bleacher Report | Split | ✅ |
| The Athletic | Chiefs | ❌ |
| The Ringer | Chiefs (5 of 7) | ❌ |
| USA Today | Split (3-3) | ✅ |
| MMQB (Sports Illustrated) | Chiefs (7 of 9) | ❌ |
✔️ Kansas City Chiefs – The overwhelming favorite among NFL insiders and analysts
✔️ Philadelphia Eagles – Plenty of support from key analysts, but viewed as a slight underdog
✔️ Expect a close game – Most score predictions have a margin of 4 points or less
Final Expert Consensus: Chiefs 60% – Eagles 40%
With Mahomes and the Chiefs chasing a dynasty and Jalen Hurts & the Eagles seeking revenge, this matchup has all the makings of a classic. Will the Chiefs cement their place in history, or will the Eagles get their long-awaited redemption?
Let us know your prediction in the comments! 🏆🏈🔥