The Sun-Times’ experts offer their picks for Super Bowl LIV:
RICK MORRISSEY
Chiefs 35-31
Patrick Mahomes is too talented and too creative to be stopped, even by a good 49ers defense. This is going to be another rough day for Bears GM Ryan “Mitch is Our Quarterback’’ Pace. Season: 9-7.
RICK TELANDER
Chiefs 31-27
I think the 49ers are the better team, but the Chiefs are comeback artists, and they have a map for winning. Stop the 49ers running game, force Jimmy Garoppolo to throw a lot, but not to tight end George Kittle. Then let Mahomes do his freak thing. Season: 10-6.
PATRICK FINLEY
Chiefs 27-24 (OT)
The best part about this game is that some coach will find redemption: Andy Reid after a career of playoff disappointment, or Kyle Shanahan after blowing a 28-3 lead as the Falcons’ offensive coordinator. The worst part? Someone won’t. Give me the coach with more experience — and the better quarterback. Season: 12-4.
MARK POTASH
49ers 34-31
It’s tough to go against the best trump card in the NFL in Mahomes, but the 49ers have what it takes — outstanding offensive and defensive lines, a quality run game, a quarterback who isn’t afraid of the moment, and a head coach at the top of his game.. Season: 9-7.
JASON LIESER
Chiefs 27-17
Mighty as the 49ers are, there is no defense capable of containing Mahomes. He’ll hail a new era when he captures the Lombardi Trophy on Sunday, and the question will shift: How many of them will he claim in a career that’s still in its infancy? Season: 10-6.
