Super Bowl LIV will see the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers meet Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, (FL). The AFC West champions are explosive and have numerous ways to beat you … badly. Here are some of them:
5. Butker is a kicking machine
Harrison Butker has proven himself to be a major asset for Kansas City. He led the NFL with 147 points and was accurate, too, nailing 34-of-38 field goals with three of the misses coming from outside of 50 yards. Andy Reid has to love being able to turn to such a dependable kicker. On kickoffs, 60 of 98 went for touchbacks.
4. Kickoff returns
It has become a lost art thanks to all the changes in the kickoff game. Howver, a jarring stat about the Niners’ Mitch Wishnowsky sticks out: His kickoffs in the regular season were returned for 1,029 yards, one less than the most of any team in the NFL. That brings speedster Mecole Hardman into play whether it comes to being a scoring threat or putting KC in great field position.
3. Receiving corps is unstoppable
The Chiefs have a major edge when it comes to wide receivers over the Niners’ group of WRs. While they don’t match up per se, one has to take into account how Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins and other targets for Patrick Mahomes present a daunting challenge every play in every way. And that is before considering Travis Kelce. Beware!
2. Clark is the leader of the sack
Frank Clark has faced the San Francisco 49ers numerous times since he played for the Seattle Seahawks for years before being dealt to Kansas City. He’s a force rushing the passer and can rattle Jimmy Garoppolo with all sorts of moves to get beyond offensive linemen. If the Niners can’t contain Clark, it could be a long day for Jimmy G.
1. Patrick Mahomes
It’s almost too easy to make him one of five but how can you not consider the Chiefs’ quarterback as the biggest weapon. In addition to being able to beat you short, medium or long, he comes into Super Bowl LIV as the Chiefs’ leading rusher in the postseason.
