Sean Selby

Back in early September when we gave our win/loss predictions on the season for the show, Gary Shead and I were surprised a bit that we both had them at 12 or 13 wins.

They surpassed that.

None of us could have seen THIS. This entire ride has been a blast, giving us possibly the best 6 month sports ride this city has seen in 40 plus years with the Phillies run and now a Super Bowl berth. But now, there’s one more to win against a VERY good Kansas City Chiefs team led by the league’s MVP and a familiar face in Andy Reid.

There’s no sense of going through the stats and last matchups when looking at this game. Why? Because none of it matters in games like this. The defensive line doesn’t care that they were three sacks away from the all time record. They just know they need to get to Patrick Mahomes and test his ankle as much as possible. The offense doesn’t care that they set a franchise record for touchdowns in a season. They know that they need to press the right buttons, don’t turn the ball over, and get points in the board, again…as much as possible.

Ok, there is one stat I’ll bring up. In the Chiefs last ten losses, they were on the wrong side of the time of possession battle. I think you know where I’m going here. Run the ball, keep Mahomes on the sidelines and your chances of winning a second Lombardi increase dramatically. But will the aggressive coaching staff dial that up as a game plan?

Something tells me that the Eagles will test the young corners of the Chiefs early, try to get a lead then try to control the clock. Just a hunch. I’m not saying that formula will get the job done, but what I do have confidence in are the Eagles offensive and defensive lines. They should win the battle in the trenches on both sides of the ball, and I really think that is going to be the difference in the game. Get to Mahomes, maybe get a turnover or two. Protect Hurts and make the plays to extend drives. Sounds easier than it is, but that’s what my gut is telling me.

I am looking at Miles Sanders to come up huge in this game, perhaps reaching paydirt twice and the Eagles to prove to the world that they deserved to be here by going wire to wire as the best damn team in football. Get ready Philly, there’s another parade coming.

Eagles 31, Chiefs 17

Justin Divirgillo

One day away. Only one day we are from seeing the Philadelphia Eagles compete against the Kansas City Chiefs in their second Super Bowl in five years. The game has its fair share of storylines, but no animosity towards each team or heightened level of competitiveness crosses the line of personal issues. Thanks a lot, Jason and Travis Kelce for the overall light-hearted love fest Super Bowl hype week has been.

The teams are evenly matched. I find myself trying not to repeat what everyone will say about the game. I just can’t though. The game will be decided primarily in the trenches and the middle of the field. The Eagles have a defensive line that is comparable to some of the best in the history of the sport and that’s paired with one of the top secondary rooms in all of football. Haason Reddick, Javon Hargrave, Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham, James Bradberry, Darius Slay, and C.J. Garnder-Johnson make up the core of the Eagles turnover forcing defense. 

Of course, the Eagles have their potently balanced offense led by snubbed MVP quarterback Jalen Hurts to fall back on and the Chiefs have the virtuoso duo of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Funny enough, the Eagles and Chiefs have a similar game plan for their ferocious pass rushes. That is to keep the Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes in the pocket to limit their running ability or improvisational throws to wherever they decide to. 

With my armchair analysis already out there, it is time for my score prediction. I believe that we will finally get a wire-to-wire, scintillating game for the first time in the NFL Playoffs.  Bone-crushing hits, marvelous athleticism, pristine route running, and some wizardry from Hurts and Mahomes will be on full display. What a way to go out right?

Eagles 24, Chiefs 20

Mike Sliwinski

Here we are a day away from SuperBowl Sunday where our hometown Eagles are not only playing in the game but are favored. Both of the top seeds with equal records are matched up in this one. Both teams including the playoffs have the same amount of total points scored while the Eagles have given up less total points overall this year.

On the show we went through each position and on paper the Eagles seem to have the edge in most categories. Both lines, WRs, CBs, and RBs. The QBs were (or if not should have been) the top 2 in MVP voting, with Mahomes deservedly beating out Hurts. Both QBs are also dealing with injuries.

There are other storylines that I am sure we have read or heard about at nauseam. The Kelce brothers playing against each other. The Eagles old and most successful coach that failed at the ultimate goal facing the team on the other side. The Eagles coach at one time being a part of Coach Reid’s staff. Cheesesteaks vs BBQ. But soon it will be time to put that behind us and let the play on the field do the talking.

Everyone in this city seems confident in the Eagles. I am sure the Eagles have confidence the way they have rolled through the first 2 playoff games so far making it look easy. Does that make the Eagles unstoppable or put them at a disadvantage in not knowing how to win a close playoff game? KC struggled more and had a controversial play and last minute FG to make the big game. Does that make them more vulnerable or more battle tested?

The line is one and a half here. It’s almost a pickem. Sure, around here it doesn’t seem that way, but by all accounts it could go either way. Mahomes is special and one of the X factors. Winning an MVP despite not having any household names at RB or WR. Kelce is maybe the best TE ever and having one of his best years. Those two along with some innovative play calling always gives the Chiefs a chance to win. Still Hurts is pretty good too, and Brown and Smith as the one two WR combo is special. In the playoffs the Eagles 3 headed RB tandem has been a force as well. I think the difference lies in the trenches where the Eagles have the advantage on both sides. It won’t be as easy as the first two rounds. We won’t be able to relax as much, but the Eagles pull through by a touchdown.

Eagles 27 Chiefs 20

Ryan Shead

 So here we are, Super Bowl LVII! The Eagles are coming off 2 dominating performances to get here, the Chiefs coming off a classic. Now Andy Reid stands between the Eagles and a 2nd championship in 5 years. What an ironic situation the coach who completely changed the culture in Philadelphia, but never won the big game now has a chance of stopping the Eagles from winning the big game. So let’s get to it.

 The Eagles were the best team in the league all season, I don’t buy in to the “they didn’t play anyone” mindset. They They were 9-1 vs winning teams. The Chiefs have kind of reinvented themselves, the MVP Patrick Mahomes has only 1 30 yard td. They’ve become a dink and dunk spread the ball around type, but Travis Kelce might be the best TE ever. 

 The Eagles however are multi demitional, they can beat you with the pass, and the run game. They also have the best offensive line in football, which is where this game is going to won in my opinion. The Eagles should win the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. In a game that stays close until the 4th quarter, then the Eagles O line and D line just keep imposing their will and take over!

Eagles get 2nd Lombardi trophy and the party begins .

Eagles 31, Chiefs 17

Pat Mulranen

I’ve been saying the last two games were going to be close. I knew the Eagles would win, but I didn’t think the scores would be that lopsided. The Eagles proved me wrong, and absolutely walloped to the Giants and 49ers.

I’m sticking with my predictions of a close score, but there shouldn’t be any doubt the Birds are bringing home their second Lombardi trophy in five years.

Patrick Mahomes is an amazing quarterback and was well-deserving of the MVP Award. But I don’t see him scoring more than 25 points on this Eagles’ defense.

As long as the Eagles play a clean game, they win. The three losses this year all came after multiple turnovers and sloppy play. The Eagles never lost, they just beat themselves. And, trust me, Jalen Hurts will make sure the offense protects the ball.

If the Eagles could score 38 or m the Niners defense, they will score on the Chiefs. Maybe not as much— Kansas City’s quarterback is way better— but the Eagles will score. It’s just about stopping Mahomes. I want to see Haason Reddick get to him early. That can set the time.
Still, Mahomes is dangerous.

If I had to predict what would happen, like all season, the Eagles get an early lead. Mahomes will throw a touchdown pass to Travis Kelce (that’s inevitable) and Vineland-native Isiah Pacheco scores. The score will be close at halftime , and the Eagles again build a lead in the third quarter. Nah anise tries to come back, but can’t.

There is no reason to worry unless the Eagles do not come to play. They are the better team. They have been the best all season.
Eagles are winning!

Why?
Because … It’s a Philly Thing!
Eagles 31, Chiefs 25