49ers vs. Chiefs Prediction, Pick, Odds: Will Kansas City Earn Third Super Bowl In Five Seasons?
The Kansas City Chiefs are underdogs in the Super Bowl for the second straight year, this time against the San Francisco 49ers. Can Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs bring home back-to-back Lombardi Trophy's? Jason Radowitz breaks down the matchup and provides his pick against the spread in 49ers vs. Chiefs.
Jason Radowitz - January 30, 2024, 11:00 AM EST
5 min49ers vs. Chiefs Prediction, Pick, Odds: Will Kansas City Earn Third Super Bowl In Five Seasons?
The Kansas City Chiefs faced a lot of doubt throughout the regular season and in the playoffs.
But like the last four years, the Chiefs found a way back into the AFC Championship and made the Super Bowl for the fourth time in five seasons.
Kansas City's offense wasn't always consistent. However, the Chiefs' defense put together its best season in the Mahomes era, helping Kansas City get back into the Super Bowl.
On the other hand, the San Francisco 49ers were about two quarters away from missing out on another Super Bowl. However, despite being down 24-7 at halftime, the 49ers clawed their way back and earned a 34-31 win over the Lions.
49ers' quarterback Brock Purdy hasn't put together a complete game in two games during the playoffs. Can he finally add a complete game in the playoffs during this year's Super Bowl?
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Super Bowl LVIII between the San Francisco 49ers vs. Kansas City Chiefs.
49ers vs. Chiefs Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: February 11, 2024
- Game Time: 6:30 pm ET
- Where to Watch: CBS
49ers vs. Chiefs Odds
- Spread: 49ers -1.5 (-115), Chiefs +1.5 (-105)
- Total Odds: O/U 47.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: 49ers (-125), Chiefs (+105)
49ers vs. Chiefs Injury Report
49ers
Questionable: TE George Kittle (Toe), CB Ambry Thomas (Ankle)
Chiefs
Questionable: G Joe Thuney (Pectoral), WR Kadarius Toney (Hip), LB Willie Gay (Neck), OT Prince Tega Wanogho (Quad)
Out: DE Charles Omenihu (Knee)
Super Bowl LVIII Prediction
You ultimately don't want to fade Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs.
Since Mahomes took over as quarterback of the Chiefs, Kansas City is 14-3 in the playoffs all-time.
Mahomes and the Chiefs weren't very effective as an offense in the regular season. They also scored just 17 points against the Ravens last week, which was still underwhelming.
However, the Kansas City defense is the area that isn't getting enough love.
The Chiefs have allowed fewer points per game than the 49ers this season. They've also limited teams to 177.63 yards in the air, which is one of the best numbers defensively in the passing game this season.
Kansas City has struggled a little bit with stopping the run. But while the 49ers have allowed just 92.28 yards per game on the ground, there are straightforward ways to beat them on the ground, too.
In the NFC Championship Game, the 49ers allowed 182 yards rushing, giving up 6.3 yards per attempt defensively. San Francisco also allowed 28 first downs in the win. Ultimately, the Niners allowed 6.1 yards per play in that game.
Against the high-powered Baltimore Ravens and likely MVP Lamar Jackson, the Chiefs allowed 5.9 yards per play. However, they held the Ravens to 3-for-11 on third down and gave up only 81 yards rushing.
The Chiefs took the Ravens out of their element and scared them away from running the football with their running backs.
The 49ers won't have that issue. But if you put Brock Purdy in third-down situations with a Chiefs blitz, he'll likely make a mistake or two that could change the entire game.
The 49ers haven't been great in pass protection throughout the season. But the team has so many weapons that the 49ers can get away with it. If the Chiefs can make Lamar Jackson look silly, imagine what they'll do to Brock Purdy.
Purdy doesn't make horrible decisions. But that will change if he doesn't have enough time in the pocket.
The Chiefs expect to win the possession battle and figure to win the turnover battle. I'd much rather back Patrick Mahomes over Purdy in a Super Bowl matchup.
Especially with the Chiefs as underdogs.
Mahomes' only loss in the Super Bowl came against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He lost to Tom Brady. But hasn't lost to any other quarterback in the big game.
Therefore, give me the Chiefs at +1.5. Mahomes, as an underdog in the Super Bowl, is wild.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl LVIII Pick
- Chiefs +1.5 -105 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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