Super Bowl LIX will bring a highly anticipated rematch of Super Bowl LVII, as the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans. Two years after their thrilling 38-35 battle, both teams have undergone roster changes but remain dominant forces in the NFL. This showdown isn’t just about talent it’s about coaching, execution, and which team makes the right adjustments.
Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of the Chiefs and Eagles, along with who holds the edge heading into Sunday’s matchup.
Quarterback
Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes
Eagles: Jalen Hurts
Mahomes may have had his worst statistical season in 2024, but he remains the best quarterback of his era. He thrives under pressure, especially in the postseason, and has already won three Super Bowls. Hurts, while dynamic, has struggled with consistency in 2024. Mahomes ability to take over games in the biggest moments gives the Chiefs a clear advantage.
Edge: Chiefs
Running Back
Chiefs: Kareem Hunt
Eagles: Saquon Barkley
Barkley was a historic free-agent signing, rushing for 2,000 yards in the regular season and continuing his dominance in the playoffs (147.3 YPG, 6.7 YPC). Hunt is solid, but Barkley has been the Eagles offensive engine.
Edge: Eagles
Wide Receiver
Chiefs: Xavier Worthy, DeAndre Hopkins, Hollywood Brown
Eagles: A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson
The Eagles WR duo of Brown and Smith is one of the league’s best. While Kansas City upgraded with Hopkins and Worthy, Philadelphia’s top-end talent and chemistry give them the edge.
Edge: Eagles
Tight End
Chiefs: Travis Kelce
Eagles: Dallas Goedert
Kelce may be 35, but he remains elite when it matters most. His clutch playoff performances keep him ahead of Goedert, who is productive but not quite as dominant.
Edge: Chiefs
Offensive Line
Chiefs: Joe Thuney, Mike Caliendo, Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, Jawaan Taylor
Eagles: Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, Cam Jurgens, Mekhi Becton, Lane Johnson
A fully healthy Eagles O-line is better, but injuries to Dickerson (knee) and Jurgens (back) create uncertainty. Mahomes offensive line has done well in pass protection, but Philly’s run-blocking dominance (leading to Barkley’s historic season) makes the difference.
Edge: Eagles (if healthy)
Defensive Line / Edge Rushers
Chiefs: George Karlaftis, Tershawn Wharton, Chris Jones, Mike Danna
Eagles: Milton Williams, Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, Josh Sweat
The Eagles have the edge in sacks, but the Chiefs have been more consistent in generating pressure. However, the Eagles superior run-stuffing ability gives them the slight advantage.
Edge: Eagles
Inside Linebackers
Chiefs: Drue Tranquill, Nick Bolton, Leo Chenal
Eagles: Zack Baun, Oren Burks, Jeremiah Trotter Jr.
Baun’s All-Pro season and Philadelphia’s stout run defense (105.6 rushing YPG allowed in playoffs) give the Eagles the advantage. The Chiefs have struggled, allowing 148 rushing YPG this postseason.
Edge: Eagles
Cornerbacks
Chiefs: Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Chamarri Conner (nickel)
Eagles: Quinyon Mitchell, Darius Slay Jr., Cooper DeJean (nickel)
McDuffie is a shutdown corner, but the Eagles have three elite playmakers at the position. The trio of Mitchell, Slay, and DeJean allowed just five touchdowns combined in the regular season, per Next Gen Stats.
Edge: Eagles
Safeties
Chiefs: Justin Reid, Bryan Cook
Eagles: C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Reed Blankenship
The Eagles safety duo was one of the best in 2024, with neither allowing a passer rating over 78 in coverage. Kansas City’s Justin Reid (103.9 rating allowed) has been more vulnerable.
Edge: Eagles
Special Teams
Chiefs: K Harrison Butker, P Matt Araiza, PR/KR Nikko Remigio, LS James Winchester
Eagles: K Jake Elliott, P Braden Mann, PR Cooper DeJean, KR Isaiah Rodgers, LS Rick Lovato
Kansas City has the better kicker in Butker (84% FG vs. Elliott’s 77.8%) and the better return game.
Edge: Chiefs
Coaching & Experience
Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes have been in five Super Bowls in seven years. Reid is a master of game planning and second-half adjustments, and Mahomes is nearly unbeatable in high-pressure moments.
The Eagles have talent, but Nick Sirianni was outcoached in Super Bowl LVII and will need to prove he can make the right in-game adjustments.
Edge: Chiefs
Final Verdict: Who Has the Edge?
Position Group | Edge |
Quarterback | Chiefs |
Running Back | Eagles |
Wide Receiver | Eagles |
Tight End | Chiefs |
Offensive Line | Eagles |
D-Line/Edge Rushers | Eagles |
Inside Linebackers | Eagles |
Cornerbacks | Eagles |
Safeties | Eagles |
Special Teams | Chiefs |
Coaching/Experience | Chiefs |
Eagles hold the advantage in overall roster talent, especially on defense and in the trenches.
Chiefs have the edge in coaching, experience, and the Mahomes factor, which has historically been the deciding factor in close games.
Prediction
This is an incredibly close matchup, but Mahomes and Reid’s big-game dominance make the difference. Chiefs win, 27-24, clinching their third straight Super Bowl title.