The big highlight for NFL and sports fans is imminent. On the night of Sunday to Monday (12:30 a.m. CET), the Kansas City Chiefs will face the San Francisco 49ers. But who leaves the pitch as the winner? And who will take the lead role? We will clarify these questions with experts before the Super Bowl.
Mitja Lafere (NFL community host), Florian “Schmiso” Schmidt-Sommerfeldt (NFL commentator), Adrian Franke (NFL analyst and podcaster) and Jana Wosnitza (NFL presenter) will be representing “Team RTL” with their predictions. into the race. From sport.de NFL editors Marcus Blumberg, Marcel Schmidt and Florian Regelmann are there. They are supported by the freelance authors Constantin Eckner and Philipp Forstner.
NFL: Who will win the Super Bowl?
Adrian Franke: Kansas City Chiefs
I expect a more defensive game on Sunday, especially as the game progresses I assume that the defenses will get more access. Accordingly, the initial phase could already point the way – can a team set itself apart here? Then it could be difficult for each other to get back into the game. I expect the Chiefs defense to be the best defense San Francisco has faced this season after Cleveland and Baltimore, and that Kansas City will have a good defensive game plan. That leads to the low-scoring game the Chiefs need to win – and then Mahomes and Kelce make enough plays offensively. 23:20 Chiefs!
Florian Schmidt-Sommerfeld: Kansas City Chiefs
I didn’t believe they had a Super Bowl run before the postseason, especially because of the strong Ravens. The way they are still back despite all the difficulties of the season gives me the feeling: now they are finishing it. The defense was rock solid all year long. Mahomes and Kelce just deliver since it’s all on the line.
- MVP: Patrick Mahomes – If the playoffs have taught me one thing: never bet against Mahomes Magic. Jackson, Purdy, Allen – they all faded a bit in the playoffs. Mahomes is really turning it up at the perfect time.
Mitja Lafere: Kansas City Chiefs
“The Chiefs win 31:20. I was there live four years ago and saw the race to catch up. Whether you like it or not, Mahomes and the Chiefs are made for games like this.”
Marcus Blumberg: Kansas City Chiefs
Even though the 49ers ultimately probably have a more stable structure and have significantly more individual quality than the Chiefs, I think the key points speak for KC. The quarterback, the head coach, the DC, Kelce in great shape, gamewrecker Jones. A lot has to happen for the Niners to win their sixth Super Bowl in franchise history. Purdy has to surpass himself, Shanahan has to not get in his own way and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks’ team has to somehow manage to disrupt Mahomes. I won’t see any of that on Sunday. 27:24 Chiefs.
Jana Wosnitza: San Francisco 49ers
Why? The more people doubt Brock Purdy, the better he becomes. He gives the answer on the pitch. Last year he couldn’t finish his Cinderella story – this year he did and he won’t miss the chance a second time.
- MVP: Christian McCaffrey – Run CMC – shows that a running back can also become MVP.
Marcel Schmidt: Kansas City Chiefs
Basically, I think the San Francisco 49ers are a slightly better and more complete team. But because the successful trio Mahomes, Kelce and Reid are once again working on all cylinders and now even have an elite defense at their side, in the end it will be the Chiefs again.
- MVP: Isiah Pacheco – Admittedly, this is a bit of a wild guess. But the Lions showed in the NFC Championship Game, especially in the first half, that they can definitely embarrass the 49ers on the ground. If Pacheco, who is currently in top form, becomes a nightmare for the Niners, then perhaps he can also win the absolute underdog victory for the MVP title.
Philipp Forstner: Kansas City Chiefs
The special mentality of a reigning champion should not be ignored when it comes to the game. I just don’t dare to bet against Patrick Mahomes. Kansas City once again leaves the field as winners and joins the list of legendary defending champions.
- MVP: Chris Jones – In the Super Bowl we will see which defense is better this year. After the holdout at the start of the season, Jones and the Chiefs have come full circle.
Constantine Eckner: San Francisco 49ers
When the Chiefs and Niners met in Super Bowl LIV, the two main characters were Mahomes and Bosa. This year the whole thing has turned around, because in my view the decisive factor will be San Francisco’s versatile offense and KC’s dynamic defense. Who will win the duel during the Niners’ drives. Although Mahomes now has more reliable passing stations to choose from, the Chiefs still seem somewhat limited offensively. That may also apply to Purdy and his general passing skills at certain points, but he showed his ability to adapt, especially in the second half against Detroit. If Chris Jones and Co. don’t stop the 49ers’ offensive machine regularly, San Francisco will win.
- MVP: Christian McCaffrey
Florian Regelmann: Kansas City Chiefs
It is completely absurd to bet against the Chiefs and against Patrick Mahomes. It’s just completely absurd. I expect an X-Factor game from Isiah Pacheco, I expect the Spagnuolo defense to force Brock Purdy to make mistakes. 11:17 p.m. Chiefs!”
- MVP: Patrick Mahomes – I completely lack the imagination for an MVP that isn’t ultimately named Mahomes. Watching Mahomes in the playoffs actually feels similar to watching Tiger Woods in his prime.