The 49ers have had the stingiest pass defense in the NFL this year. The Kansas City Chiefs and reigning MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes have one of the most explosive passing attacks in the league. Super Bowl LIV will be an exhilarating contest that either team can win, as shown by the early betting line which opened with the Chiefs as a 1.5-point favorite.
Despite the Chiefs’ fast-paced offense, mainly consisting of wide receivers Tyreek Hill and tight end Travis Kelce, the 49ers have a more complete team with no noticeable weaknesses and their weapons on both sides of the ball will ultimately win them the game.
After dismantling the Green Bay Packers 37-20 in the NFC championship game, the 49ers are looking for their sixth Super Bowl win at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Feb. 2. The Chiefs claimed their spot in the big game after a 35-24 win against the Tennessee Titans, scoring 28 unanswered points after falling behind 10-0 early in the game.
How will the 49ers prevail? First of all, they will keep Kansas City’s defense off-balance, because they are able to launch their lethal running game out of so many different formations. Running back Raheem Mostert exploded for 220 yards and four touchdowns in the NFC Championship game; Mostert will be tough for Kansas to contain 25th in the league in yards allowed per rush attempt. Not only does the commitment to running the ball open things up for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in the passing game, it simultaneously keeps the dangerous Chiefs offense off the field.
Additionally, the 49ers have an elite defensive line, led by Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, and Deforest Buckner, that dominates their opponents at the point of attack; currently, they lead all the postseason teams in allowing the least amount of yards gained per game, and will generate pressure and quickly to make Mahomes uncomfortable, forcing him to avoid pass plays that take too long to develop.
The 49ers also have a fearless secondary led by cornerback Richard Sherman. When going up against a quarterback like Mahomes, it is easy for the opposing secondary to play scared because of the quarterback’s scrambling and ability to extend plays. However, when the experience of Sherman, who has played in two Super Bowls previously, combines with defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s different coverages, the secondary will generate turnovers and force Mahomes to make tough decisions.
Last but not least, general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan’s extensive leadership experience will prove key to a 49ers victory. Since taking over in 2017, Lynch and Shanahan have remained patient while building a true Super Bowl contender from the ground up, picking gems up from the later rounds, notably tight end George Kittle in the fifth in 2017, defensive lineman D.J. Jones in the sixth in 2017 and linebacker Dre Greenlaw in the fifth in 2019. They will have the team poised to play their best and earn a sixth Super Bowl win for the 49ers, putting them in a tie for the most along with the Steelers and the Patriots.
The Chiefs, although extremely talented and worthy, might simply be outmatched by a 49ers team with an indomitable defense and piercing offense.