Super Bowl LV is upon us, and the TGH staff has made their predictions.
In this game, which could signal a proverbial passing of the torch, there is much to discuss. Which defense gets the key stop? Will Mahomes flashy talent outshine Tom Brady’s measured excellence? Who is the player no one is mentioning that will earn a huge contract with a huge play?
Our staff breaks it down with their Super Bowl LV predictions.
Ben Hendricks
First things first, bet the over on this one.
The Chiefs can outscore anyone and with everything on the line, expect them to lean on their strengths. Against a living legend like Tom Brady and the weapons Tampa Bay has, expect the defense to play a bend-don’t-break style at the very best, because they know they cannot hold them under 30.
The Buccaneers, however, have made a living on defense and turnovers in the playoffs. This unit also knows they will not be able to hold the juggernaut Chiefs offense below 30, but what they can do is force some turnovers. Especially if Kansas City plays a bit fast and loose.
In the end, smart plays and fewer missed opportunities will win Super Bowl LV. While the Chiefs offense has absolutely no holes, if it comes down to the ability to out-think the other side, there is no reason to ever bet against Tom Brady.
Prediction: Buccaneers-42, Chiefs-37
Super Bowl MVP: Tom Brady
Jack Kochman
Super Bowl LV will go down as one of the greatest quarterback matchups of all time. Tom Brady may not be ready to pass the proverbial torch to Patrick Mahomes, but it won’t be up to him.
The Chiefs narrowly beat the Buccaneers in Week 12 (27-24), but the game wasn’t as close as the score would indicate. Don’t expect Tyreek Hill to repeat his stat line from their earlier matchup (13 catches, 269 yards, 3 TDs), but watch out for the speedy skill position players of Kansas City to blow by the Bucs’ secondary.
If the veteran defensive front of Tampa Bay can disrupt the Chiefs offensive line, Mahomes may have little time to wriggle in the pocket. Ultimately, the offensive firepower of Kansas City will lead the team to a second consecutive Lombardi Trophy.
Prediction: Chiefs-31, Buccaneers-23
Matthew Brown
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs present an interesting Super Bowl matchup. The Chiefs have been recognized as one of the best teams in the NFL all year and have a high-powered offense which with defenses have been struggling all season. Patrick Mahomes has been stellar all year throwing for over 4000 passing yards and 38 touchdowns.
On the other hand, the Buccaneers have Tom Brady, who has ten Super Bowl appearances and loads of playoff experience. Along with Brady, the Buccaneers have great wide receivers such Antonio Brown and Chris Godwin. But the key to this matchup is Rob Gronkowski.
If Gronkowski can find way to get open down field and break tackles after the catch, it could spell a long day for the Chiefs’ defense. This should be enough for Brady and the Buccaneers to be Super Bowl champions when the clock hits quadruple-zero.
Prediction: Buccaneers-31, Chiefs-28
Super Bowl MVP: Rob Gronkowski
Joe DiTullio
This game was close last time. The Chiefs won 27-24 on the road and Vegas is predicting a similar game to earlier this season. The Chiefs will be without Eric Fisher, which could change things for the Buccaneers. They will need to get pressure on Patrick Mahomes to win the game. If they can get pressure without blitzing, the script can be flipped from last time.
Zach Levine
Never bet against Brady. Just as Tampa Bay bounced back from two devastating regular season losses to New Orleans by toppling them in the divisional round, the Super Bowl will see the Buccaneers get revenge on the Chiefs after their loss in Week 12.
Despite what many believe will be a passing of the torch, Brady will outduel Mahomes. Though both quarterbacks should clear 300 passing yards with three touchdowns each (like in week 12), Brady will just barely edge out Mahomes. Look for receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin to each have a big day with a touchdown apiece and at least one of them clearing 100 yards.
Even though Mahomes threw over 450 yards in their previous meeting, he has not come close to such a performance in any game since. The Buccs defense, while certainly hot and cold all year, is undoubtedly elite when hot. They’re definitely better than the Bills who allowed 38 points and 439 total yards in the AFC Championship Game. Todd Bowles and co had no problem completely shutting down the Saints on the ground and in the air. Though Aaron Rodgers tore them up a bit (346 yards, 3 TD), Mahomes won’t be quite as successful as the presumptive MVP.
The key x-factor for the Buccaneers here will be their pass rush. Shaquil Barret (3 sacks) and Jason Pierre-Paul (2 sacks) completely overwhelmed a Packers offensive line which had been one of the league’s best. Those two, along with Devin White, pose a serious threat to a Chiefs unit that, while successful against the Bills, is not on the level of the Packers. If they can sufficiently pressure Mahomes all game, they’ll be able to take some heat off their secondary who will have their hands full covering Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce.
Prediction: Buccaneers-33, Chiefs-27
Super Bowl MVP: Tom Brady
Featured Image courtesy of NFL
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