Ok let's break down this #Chiefs vs. #Eagles Super Bowl matchup. Eagles opened as slight favorites and have remained there. It's about what I figured. Would have been a lot higher I think if not for Mahomes. Might as well dive right into the QB matchup.
For KC it's pretty simple: Mahomes is the best QB. He won't be 100% but I bet he's doing a lot better than last game (no inside info here, just guessing he feels better after two more weeks of rehab). Last game he still played really well, only affected materially a couple plays.
Pat raises the floor of the entire team. The Defense can be more aggressive knowing points will be scored, the Offense will produce more in every facet because of him. I wouldn't expect too much of a drop off in his play so you can bank on Mahomes being himself.
Jalen is also hurt, and both he and his coach have mentioned that he won't be and isn't 100%. I think that's interesting, particularly Jalen discussing it. Most guys tend to play that down but I appreciate the honesty. A throwing shoulder injury is no joke and tough to deal with.
Jalen's injury doesn't necessarily bring down the floor of the Eagles O for me, but it brings down the ceiling. The run game will be fully operational and he'll be a big part of the design. But those downfield shots coming off the run game have regressed since his injury.
If you end up having 1 or 2 drives in a game against the Chiefs where you punt because of an errant throw due to a shoulder injury, or if the structure of the pass game is downgraded, that's almost like 1-2 built in turnovers. This offense is great but hasn't been the same.
That would be my worry for the Philly O. That it's a 27 point performance because of a couple things due to Jalen's shoulder, and you might need it to be a 38 point day when facing Mahomes on the other side. No surprise but QB advantage goes to the Chiefs.
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