The Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles will meet in Super Bowl LIX on Sunday. Quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts will, of course, have the largest impact on the outcome. But we've also identified a few non-QBs who qualify as underdog MVP award hopefuls. Head-to-head matchups will be crucial to swinging momentum in Sunday's Super Bowl LVII rematch.
Both offenses roster skill plays and offensive linemen who could make the difference. Both defenses have playmakers in the secondary who could make game-changing plays by creating turnovers. We've identified three player-versus-player matchups worth monitoring on Sunday.
A.J. Brown vs. Trent McDuffie
A.J. Brown was extremely quiet and dissatisfied with his involvement in Philadelphia’s first two postseason victories. The former Ole Miss standout was an afterthought in the offense, recording just three receptions for 24 yards. Brown finally exploded in the NFC Championship Game victory over the Washington Commanders, totaling six catches for 96 yards and a touchdown. He'll look for a repeat performance in Super Bowl LIX. Nick Sirianni should call plays with his go-to receiver in mind.
Brown should draw primary coverage from Chiefs No. 1 cornerback Trent McDuffie. McDuffie has held opponents to 60 receiving yards or fewer in his two playoff appearances. He was credited with allowing a touchdown versus the Buffalo Bills. Brown possesses a size advantage, which could be notable in the red zone.
Patrick Mahomes vs. Eagles’ front seven
Mahomes has rushed for 57 yards throughout the postseason, including 43 in the AFC Championship triumph over the Bills. As dangerous as Mahomes is via Andy Reid’s aerial attack, some of his most memorable postseason moments have occurred by creating with his legs. The Eagles must play an incredibly disciplined brand of football.
Vic Fangio’s haunting defense has recorded 10 sacks in the playoffs. A defensive line loaded with depth and talent will be anxious to pressure Mahomes in the pocket. However, Mahomes’ pocket presence and escapability must be taken into account. Philadelphia's defense needs to play gap-sound football, with a spy to prevent off-script rushing yards.
Jalen Carter vs. Creed Humphrey/Trey Smith
Jalen Carter has been dealing with an illness throughout the week of practice, but it's impossible to imagine that preventing him from playing in Super Bowl LIX. The former Georgia Bulldogs standout has been an absolute game-wrecker during the postseason. Carter has accumulated 15 pressures in two games, seven versus the Los Angeles Rams, and eight against the Commanders. For perspective, he only recorded seven pressures once during the regular season. He's elevated his form when it's mattered most.
Carter will square off with an elite Chiefs interior offensive line that features Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith inside. Humphrey has incredibly allowed zero pressures and sacks in two near-perfect appearances. Smith has allowed five pressures, but zero sacks. Carter may be the best interior defensive lineman they've seen yet, but the Houston Texans and Bills, who have outstanding front sevens, couldn't figure them out.