The NFL season has come down to a close with one game left to determine the champion.
Super Bowl 57 will feature the Kansas City Chiefs against the Philadelphia Eagles, a rematch from two years ago.
The Eagles fell short in their last Super Bowl outing, but many believe this team has the tools to get the job done this time around.
Philadelphia possesses a revamped secondary, a ferocious defensive line, and a superstar running back who looks destined to break playoff records.
Here are three keys to victory for the Eagles on Sunday.
Eagles Key #1: Win the Turnover Battle
A lot of the Eagles' playoff success can be attributed to their turnover margin.
The team has a +10 margin in this year's playoffs, which is more than twice as much as any other team.
For comparison, the Chiefs have a -1 margin and have yet to record a takeaway.
Both of these teams had positive turnover margins in the regular season, but the Eagles were among the best in the league in this stat category.
They ranked sixth in the regular season with 26 takeaways including 13 interceptions and 13 fumble recoveries.
The Chiefs only turned the ball over 15 times through the regular season and the playoffs.
They did not have the most explosive offensive season, but Kansas City took care of the ball. That’s a big reason why they won games.
Another clean game from the Chiefs could be disastrous for Philly.
The Eagles had at least 2 takeaways in each of their playoff wins. The team has been aggressive and able to capitalize on these takeaways.
Continuing on this streak will be vital to their success, especially against a gritty defense like Kansas City’s.
Don’t miss out on our Super Bowl recommendations
As a THANK YOU for following us throughout the season, we wanted to offer you an option to save and get on board for our Super Bowl betting recommendations:
Use coupon code SB59 for 50% off our Super Bowl Package.
Hurry! This sale ends soon, AND EVEN SOONER we’ll be releasing written game previews, Super Bowl bets, and props.
This year has been another outstanding time to be a betting client at Sharp Football Analysis, with Warren Sharp‘s betting recommendations running extremely hot all season:
- Final 2024 Profits: $100 Bettors finished up $16,347
- Final 2024 NFL Computer Totals: 26-11 (70%)
- Final 2024 Elevated Props Record: 104-65 (62%)
- Final 2024 NFL Record: 488-368 (57%)
- Final 2024 NCAAF Bowls: 19-6 (76%)
Historically, we’ve been outstanding in the Super Bowl:
- 27-10 (72%) lifetime Super Bowl Sides/Totals record
- 6-2 (75%) on Super Bowl Elevated Plays last 2 years
» Learn more about this offer!
Eagles Key #2: Get Off to a Quick Start
The Eagles are at their best when they take an early lead.
The team ranked first in the league for time of possession, relying heavily on their superstar running back when ahead.
Philadelphia did not play from behind all that much this season, and that trend has continued in the playoffs.
In three playoff games, the Eagles have been down on the scoreboard for less than 6 total minutes. None of those minutes came in the second half.
If the Eagles fall behind against the Chiefs, they will be forced to rely more on their quarterback.
While Jalen Hurts is productive, he is not the strength of this team.
Hurts ranks top 10 in the league for completion percentage and yards per attempt but falls to 20th for passing yards. He also ranks dead last in dropbacks per game in the second half, showing how little the team has had to rely on him.
An early deficit could make Philadelphia one-dimensional.
The team thrives on explosive plays, especially on play action where the threat of Saquon Barkley is essential.
The further the team falls behind, the further they must divert from their natural playing style
Eagles Key #3: Keep Mahomes in the Pocket
Patrick Mahomes had a historic day scrambling in his AFC Championship victory against the Bills.
Mahomes had a season-high 11 rushing attempts for 43 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns in an elite performance.
This performance was not an isolated event.
In Mahomes’ past four Super Bowl performances, he has recorded 29 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown, 33 rushing yards, 44 rushing yards, and 66 rushing yards.
Few would consider Mahomes to be a scrambling quarterback, but his ability to maneuver the pocket, extend plays, and make off-balance throws is stifling to opposing defenses.
Vic Fangio and the Eagles defense must account for the dual-threat ability of Mahomes on this stage.
Fangio does not often blitz opposing quarterbacks. His team ranks second to last in blitz rate, relying on their talent upfront to provide pressure.
This strategy could be very effective against the Chiefs, but only if Philadelphia can set the edge and incorporate QB spies.
