Super bowl preview: niners poised to dethrone chiefs

By: Alex Kersh

The Super Bowl is the most anticipated annual event in the United States. During this captivating football game, the two best teams in the Nation Football League compete against each other for prestige, legacy and glory. 

Super Bowl LVIII will take place on Feb. 11 at 6:30pm. Let’s take a look at what to expect from the teams, and what this Super Bowl will mean to each.
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Hosting the 2024 Super Bowl are the  AFC champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. After beating the Baltimore Ravens 17-10, the Chiefs will be competing for their 4th Super Bowl title. Not only that, the Chiefs will be playing for their second consecutive championship , following last year’s win over the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35.

Kansas City has a very commendable roster, especially with the likes of their starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, and defensive tackle Chris Jones, just to name a few. Many of the players won their Super Bowl ring last year, and are yearning for another one.

Entering the game as visitors and a 2 point favorite  are the NFC champions, the San Francisco 49ers. With an astonishing five Super Bowl titles, and seven total appearances, the 49ers are no strangers to the importance of this match. The Niners fell to the Chiefs 31-20 in Super Bowl LIV and will be hungry for the rematch.

What is different for the 49ers, in contrast to their other Super Bowl appearances, is Brock Purdy, their starting quarterback. Purdy’s story is a fascinating one, as it is uncommon for any player to find   such quick success, especially one who was designated  “Mr. Irrelevant” during the 2022 NFL draft (out of the 259 drafted players, Purdy was the very last pick).

As a third string QB in 2023,  Purdy expected little to no play time. However, after the first and second  string QBs were both injured during games, Purdy was vaulted to the top of the depth chart. From the last overall draft pick to leading his team to a Super Bowl, Purdy has certainly exceeded expectations.  

And the numbers don’t lie: 

This season, Purdy has amassed 4,280 passing yards, 144 rushing, along with 33 touchdowns. Truly an impressive feat for the 24-year-old rookie.

Alongside Purdy will be players like running back Christian McCaffrey, defensive end Nick Bosa, and tight end George Kittle, just to name a few.

Super Bowl LVIII will be a true dogfight. On one hand will be the 49ers and their starting quarterback, Mr. Irrelevant turned relevant Brock Purdy. On the other hand, the Chiefs will be going for their fourth Super Bowl and third of the decade, alongside future Hall-of-Famer quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

On paper, the Chiefs have a better chance. However, the 49ers will be able to pull off their 6th Super Bowl, and Brock Purdy’s first by a narrow margin, 24-17. It’s a matter of momentum for me, and the 49ers have all of it.