The Kansas City Chiefs will meet the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII this Sunday. A rematch of Super Bowl LIV, these familiar foes are jockeying for the Lombardi Trophy once again.
Star power will be present in abundance. Patrick Mahomes and Christian McCaffrey are among the superstars that will take center stage. It's the underdog contributors that often decide closely-contested matchups, however. Big-time performances from lesser-known commodities can make the difference. These talents are capable of serving as X-factors. We've identified three potential X-factors that could help decide the outcome of Super Bowl LVIII.
JAUAN JENNINGS, WR, 49ERS
When superstar wide receiver Deebo Samuel exited San Francisco's divisional-round matchup against the Packers with a shoulder injury in the first quarter, Jauan Jennings stepped up to the plate. Jennings recorded five receptions for 61 yards, finishing second on the team in both categories. Jennings' clutch form was critical to a comeback effort that saw the 49ers score 10 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to avoid the upset.
Jennings returned to a reserve role in the NFC Championship Game victory over the Lions upon Samuel's return, totaling one catch for eight receiving yards. Samuel dominated an unprepared Lions defense as the dual-threat playmaker caught eight balls for 89 yards. Head coach Kyle Shanahan will rely on every playmaker he rosters against Steve Spagnuolo’s in-form defense. Jennings' ability to be a dominant force in the run-blocking game earns him extra snaps, and it could lead to red-zone opportunities for the big-bodied playmaker.
CLYDE EDWARDS-HELAIRE, RB, CHIEFS
Jerick McKinnon is a sneaky bet to take this spot after being a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, but Chiefs head coach Andy Reid recently said McKinnon is unlikely to suit up in Super Bowl LVIII. If that proves accurate, the Chiefs backfield will be a two-man show with Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. A thin group could mean additional opportunities for Edwards-Helaire.
Admittedly that wasn't the case in the AFC Championship Game, with Pacheco out-touching Edwards-Helaire 28-3. Will Reid completely rely on Pacheco for a second consecutive contest, or will he diversify his backfield against a stingy 49ers defense? Edwards-Helaire ripped off an explosive and timely 28-yard gain in Kansas City's 27-24 win over the Bills in the divisional round.
MARQUEZ VALDES-SCANTLING, WR, CHIEFS
Mahomes has been heavily relying on Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice in the passing game. Those two pass-catchers have accounted for all but 233 of Mahomes' postseason passing yards and all four of his touchdowns. No. 3 in Mahomes' pecking order has been wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who's made several explosive plays when afforded the opportunity.
Valdes-Scantling hauled in both of his targets in Sunday's victory over the Ravens, totaling 38 yards (19 yards per reception). He was even more productive against the Bills, recording explosive gains of 32 and 30 yards via two receptions. A lack of pass-catching depth often hamstrung the Chiefs' passing attack throughout the regular season, but Valdes-Scantling has emerged as an underrated third option in recent weeks. Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks will aim to limit Kelce and Rice. Valdes-Scantling should see plenty of one-on-one coverage.
