As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare for Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs, they could get one of their defensive leaders back in the lineup.
The Eagles announced on Thursday that they’ve opened the practice window for veteran linebacker Brandon Graham, who hasn’t played since suffering a torn triceps on Nov. 24.
Graham was placed on injured reserve after tearing his triceps in a 37-20 win over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 12. While it was initially believed that he would miss the rest of the season, Philadelphia’s run to the Super Bowl motivated him to continue working toward his return.
“We’ll see. Tomorrow, I’ll go meet up and we’ll see if it’s a possibility. I’ve been working man, but we will see,” Graham said after the Eagles defeated the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship. “At the end of the day, I’m just happy we got there. Those boys scored 55 today – that’s what’s up – so, that might be telling me something.”
Graham has spent his entire 15-year career in Philadelphia and is one of the most beloved players in team history. His strip-sack of legendary quarterback Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII against the New England Patriots helped the Eagles secure their first and only Lombardi Trophy.
This is the second time in the last three years that Philadelphia is meeting Kansas City in the Super Bowl. After failing to make an impact in Super Bowl LVIII, Graham will surely be hoping to contribute for the Eagles if he’s able to take the field on Feb. 9 in New Orleans.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham has returned to practice as he continues his rehab from an injury ahead of Super Bowl 59. Graham, who suffered a knee injury earlier in the season, has been working diligently to get back on the field and contribute to his team’s postseason run.
The Eagles are hopeful that Graham will be able to make a significant impact in the Super Bowl, as his presence on the defensive line is crucial to their success. Graham’s return to practice is a positive sign for the team, as they prepare to face off against their opponent in the biggest game of the year.
Stay tuned for more updates on Graham’s progress as the Eagles gear up for Super Bowl 59. In the meantime, be sure to check out the latest news, scores, highlights, stats, and rumors surrounding the Eagles and their journey to the championship game. Let’s go Eagles! #FlyEaglesFly.
As they prepare for the Super Bowl, the Eagles announced they’ve opened the practice windows for defensive end Brandon Graham and tight end C.J. Uzomah.
Graham went on Injured Reserve shortly after announcing he tore his triceps following the 37-20 win over the Rams on Sunday Night Football in Week 12.
The 15-year veteran originally said he was “out for the season” in the locker room after the first meeting with the Rams, but he is doing what he can to get ready for the big game on Feb. 9.
“We’ll see. Tomorrow, I’ll go meet up and we’ll see if it’s a possibility. I’ve been working man, but we will see,” Graham said after the Eagles won the NFC Championship. “At the end of the day, I’m just happy we got there. Those boys scored 55 today (Graham’s jersey number) – that’s what’s up – so, that might be telling me something.”
Uzomah was placed on IR on New Year’s Day after playing in seven games (three starts) for the Eagles this season.
In addition, the Eagles have signed running back Lew Nichols to the practice squad and released tight end Nick Muse.
Nichols spent time with Philadelphia during Training Camp and the preseason in 2024 and returned to the practice squad a month ago.
He originally entered the NFL as a seventh-round pick of the Packers out of Central Michigan in 2023. He joined the Eagles’ practice squad in October of his rookie season and finished the year in Philadelphia. He returned on a reserve/future deal in 2024. Nichols (5-10, 220 pounds) rushed for 3,061 yards, added 575 receiving yards, and scored 29 total touchdowns in 32 games at Central Michigan. He was the Mid-American Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2021.
Muse did not see any game action with the Eagles after being signed to the practice squad on Jan. 22. Muse was originally a seventh-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2022 out of South Carolina. He has played in 16 games over his three seasons, mainly as a practice squad elevation. – Written by Liam Wichser
The Philadelphia Eagles have officially opened the practice window for two key players, defensive end Brandon Graham and tight end C.J. Uzomah. This is exciting news for Eagles fans as both players have been sidelined with injuries and their return to practice is a step in the right direction towards getting back on the field.
Graham, a veteran leader on the Eagles defense, has been dealing with a knee injury that has kept him out of action for the past few weeks. His presence on the defensive line is crucial for the Eagles, and his return to practice is a positive sign that he may be ready to make his return to game action soon.
Uzomah, who was signed by the Eagles in the offseason, has been dealing with a hamstring injury that has kept him out of practice for the past few weeks. The tight end position is an important one for the Eagles offense, and Uzomah’s return to practice is a welcome sight as the team looks to get back on track.
Both players will now have the opportunity to participate in practice and work their way back to full health. It’s still unclear when they will be ready to return to game action, but this is a promising step in the right direction for both players and the Eagles as a whole. Stay tuned for updates on their progress as they continue to work towards getting back on the field. #FlyEaglesFly
The Kansas City Chiefs will try to win their third consecutive title when they face the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59 on Sunday, February 9. Kansas City is appearing in its fifth Super Bowl in six years, while Philadelphia will compete in its second in three seasons. The Eagles (14-3), who lost Super Bowl LVII, 38-35, to Kansas City, are eyeing their second Super Bowl title, and first since 2017. The Chiefs (15-2), who beat San Francisco in overtime in last year’s Super Bowl, are eyeing their fifth Lombardi Trophy.
The Super Bowl 2025 kickoff from Caesars Superdome in New Orleans is set for 6:30 p.m. ET. Kansas City is a 1.5-point favorite in the latest Eagles vs. Chiefs odds, while the over/under for total points scored is 49.5. The Chiefs are the -127 money-line favorite (risk $127 to win $100), while the Eagles are +109 underdogs (risk $100 to win $109). Before making any Chiefs vs. Eagles picks or Super Bowl bets, make sure to check out the NFL predictions and betting advice from the SportsLine expert Matt Severance.
Severance is a well-connected writer and high-volume handicapper who has worked in the industry since 2005. In addition, he is on an impressive 37-12 roll on his last 49 money-line picks in NFL games (+1938). Anyone who has followed him on sportsbooks and betting apps could be way up.
Eagles vs. Chiefs streaming: FuboTV (Try for free)
Why the Chiefs can cover
Veteran quarterback Patrick Mahomes has guided the Chiefs to a familiar spot as the favorite to bring home a Super Bowl championship. Mahomes finished the regular season by completing 67.5% of his passes, throwing for 3,928 yards and 26 touchdowns with 11 interceptions and a 93.5 rating. He has been just as dominant in the postseason, completing 34 of 51 passes (66.7%) for 422 yards and two touchdowns with zero picks and a 105.2 rating. In the AFC Championship Game win over the Buffalo Bills, he completed 18 of 26 passes for 245 yards and one touchdown. He also carried 11 times for 43 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Veteran running back Kareem Hunt powers the Kansas City ground attack. In 13 regular-season games, he carried 200 times for 728 yards (3.6 average) and seven touchdowns. In two postseason appearances, he has 25 carries for 108 yards (4.3 average) and two touchdowns. He had two 100-plus-yard rushing games in 2024, including a 27-carry, 106-yard and one-touchdown performance in a 30-24 overtime win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 4. Including the postseason, he has also caught 25 passes for 184 yards (7.4 average). See who to back at SportsLine.
Why the Eagles can cover
Veteran running back Saquon Barkley has dominated the opposition in his first year in Philadelphia. In three postseason games, he has carried 66 times for 442 yards (6.7 average) and five touchdowns. In 16 regular-season games, he carried 345 times for 2,005 yards (5.8 average) and 13 touchdowns. Including the playoffs, he also has 40 receptions for 313 yards (7.8 average) and two touchdowns.
Veteran wide receiver A.J. Brown is a weapon in the passing game. In 13 regular season games, he led Philadelphia with 67 receptions for 1,079 yards (16.1 average) and seven touchdowns, including 17 explosive plays of 20 yards or more, including a long of 67. He had 353 yards after the catch with 51 first-down conversions. This postseason, he has nine receptions for 120 yards (13.3 average) and one touchdown. See who to back at SportsLine.
How to make Chiefs vs. Eagles picks
Severance has analyzed Eagles vs. Chiefs from every possible angle. He’s leaning over the point total and has also discovered a critical X-factor that has him jumping all over one side of the spread. Find out what it is, and which team to back, at SportsLine.
The highly anticipated 2025 Super Bowl is just around the corner, and football fans are eagerly waiting to see who will come out on top. The big game will feature the Philadelphia Eagles going head to head against the Kansas City Chiefs, and experts are already making their predictions on the outcome.
According to the latest odds, the Chiefs are currently favored to win the Super Bowl with a spread of -3.5 points. The over/under line is set at 56 points, indicating that it is expected to be a high-scoring game.
One expert who has been on a hot streak with a 37-12 record is predicting that the Eagles will come out victorious in this matchup. They believe that the Eagles’ strong defense will be able to contain the Chiefs’ high-powered offense, while their own offense will be able to put up enough points to secure the win.
For those looking to place some bets on the game, this expert recommends taking the Eagles with the points and also betting on the under for the total points scored. They believe that the Eagles will be able to control the game and keep it low-scoring, ultimately leading to a win for Philadelphia.
The 2025 Super Bowl is set to take place on February 2nd at 6:30 PM ET, so be sure to tune in to see if these predictions come true and who will be crowned the champions of the NFL.
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Just like two years ago, there are split loyalties in Super Bowl LIX for Jason Kelce.
The NFL’s season finale on February 9 in New Orleans will see his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles, face off against the Kansas City Chiefs, including his brother Travis.
The two teams faced off in Super Bowl LVII, the first championship game ever to feature two brothers playing on opposing squads, with Travis and the Chiefs ending up victorious in Arizona that time.
Jason has since retired but, having spent his whole 13-year playing career with the Eagles, has split allegiances between the two franchises.
And speaking on Wednesday’s episode of the “New Heights” podcast which he co-hosts with Travis, Jason revealed where his loyalties stand a little over a week and a half away from Super Bowl LIX.
“Here’s the biggest thing. Obviously, you’re my brother. I’ll always root for my brother. That’s the reality of it,” Jason, wearing an Eagles hat and jacket, explained. “Even though I’m decked out in Eagles gear, I’m always rooting for Travis.
“But, there’s a lot of people in the Philadelphia organization – whether it’s players, coaches, people in the building – that feel like extended family to me, especially my former offensive linemen. Like (right tackle) Lane Johnson feels like a brother in a lot of ways. I’m rooting for those guys too. I’m rooting for Philadelphia and I’m rooting for Travis Kelce. That’s the reality of it. Not matter what on game day, I’m going to be happy for one of those sides and I’m going to be sad for the other side.”
He also went on to acknowledge the similarities between the last time the two teams played in the Super Bowl, recognizing that it will probably be a “little bit less intense” as he won’t be on the field this time.
“I think it’s going to be very similar, I really do. I live in Philadelphia, I still go to the facilities on a very regular basis,” he said. “I still feel like I am a Philadelphia Eagle and that I’m a part of all these people who root and cheer our team.
“So I would be lying if I said I don’t want the Eagles to win, but I also want Travis Kelce to win. That’s a long-winded way of saying I just want to see a good football game, whoever wins.”
Travis suggested Jason needed a half-and-half jumper similar to the one their mother Donna wore to Super Bowl LVII – with one half the green Eagles and the other the red Chiefs – but Jason quickly shut down the idea, saying he cannot wear red.
When asked about how he’s feeling in the build-up to his fifth Super Bowl, Travis said he was “feeling great.”
“Life is amazing. It’s a crazy feeling to be this fortunate in a game that you’ve been playing your entire life, man,” the 35-year-old Chiefs tight end said.
“I’ve had a lot of heartbreak, I’ve had a lot of times where it hasn’t been this sweet and right now, I’m just riding the high of living this dream out with my brothers and everybody in Kansas City.”
In a recent interview, Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce revealed his pick for Super Bowl LIX between his brother Travis Kelce’s team, the Kansas City Chiefs, and his former team, the Eagles.
When asked who he would be rooting for in the big game, Jason Kelce said, “I’ll always have love for the Eagles and the city of Philadelphia, but blood is thicker than water. I’ll be supporting my brother and the Chiefs all the way in Super Bowl LIX.”
It’s sure to be a bittersweet moment for Kelce as he watches his brother compete against his former team, but family ties run deep. Fans can expect to see Kelce cheering on the Chiefs as they battle it out on the gridiron for the championship title.
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The Chiefs, led by the top coach-quarterback combo in the league in Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes, are looking to become the first NFL team to pull off the three-peat. But they haven’t felt like a juggernaut for the entire season — their plus-59 point differential during the regular season would be the fifth-lowest by a Super Bowl champion should they pull out the win. However, they went 12-0 in one-score games and are coming off their best offensive performance of the year after scoring 32 points to take down the Buffalo Bills in the AFC title game.
That set up a Super Bowl rematch with the Eagles, who rode a season for the ages by running back Saquon Barkley and a dominant defense to a 14-3 regular-season record.
Philadelphia has been fueled not just by arguably the best roster in football but by bitter endings to the last two seasons. After a heartbreaking 38-35 loss to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII, the Eagles stumbled down the stretch and lost six of seven last year, leading to the ouster of both coordinators and questions about coach Nick Sirianni’s job status.
“You carry those two chips on your shoulder,” said left tackle Jordan Mailata, “and make sure that s— doesn’t happen again.”
Mahomes (3 passing TDs) and Jalen Hurts (4 total TDs) were both at their playmaking best in the first matchup. This marks the fourth instance of a quarterback rematch in the Super Bowl. Each of the previous three were won by the QB who came out on top in the first game.
Can Hurts and the Eagles flip the script? Here’s a closer look at Eagles-Chiefs, Round 2:
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Boomer, Booger preview Chiefs vs. Eagles in Super Bowl LIX
Chris Berman and Booger McFarland look at how the Chiefs and Eagles match up ahead of their showdown in the Super Bowl.
What’s different about the Eagles since they lost to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl two years ago? What do they do better / worse?
The addition of Barkley has been massive. Pick any number of his house calls to see just how much of a game-altering threat he has been in his first season in Philadelphia. He has seven touchdowns of 60-plus yards this season, the most in NFL history.
The Eagles’ primary back in ’22 was Barkley’s backfield partner at Penn State, Miles Sanders, who ran for almost 1,300 yards and 11 touchdowns that year to make the Pro Bowl. But what Barkley has done has been transformational for this offense. He needs only 30 yards to pass Terrell Davis for most rushing yards in a season, including playoffs.
Sacks were the bread and butter of the ’22 Eagles defense: they had 70 of them, the third-most all-time. Haason Reddick and Co., though, were neutralized by the Chiefs offensive line and the famously slick field at State Farm Stadium in Super Bowl LVII. This year’s group, led by defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, is not as prolific rushing the passer (41 sacks) but has impact players at all three levels, including defensive tackle Jalen Carter, All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun and rookie corners Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. It’s a disciplined, physical group that has a penchant for generating turnovers. — Tim McManus
Should the Eagles be worried about Landon Dickerson’s injury and their interior OL?
The injury statuses of Dickerson (knee) and center Cam Jurgens (back) will be worth watching closely in the lead-up to the Super Bowl.
Jurgens did not start in the NFC Championship against the Washington Commanders but was called into action when his replacement, Dickerson, was sidelined for the second half.
Jurgens looked stiff as he made his way off the field to the locker room after the game Sunday but indicated he’d be good to play against the Chiefs. Dickerson, normally the team’s left guard, did not provide an update but has routinely played through injury during his time in Philly.
The Eagles have one of the best assistants in football in offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, who has a well-established record of getting the most out of his players and having the backups ready to play. The o-line performed well against Washington with Tyler Steen filling in at left guard and Dickerson and Jurgens splitting time at center.
Now they will have to deal with one of the best defensive tackles in the game in Chris Jones. He’ll test the stability of that interior offensive line. — McManus
Which player is most likely to be responsible for covering Travis Kelce, and what could be the Eagles’ plan there?
Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio will have answers to disrupt the release for Kelce and match/carry inside vertically when the Eagles play their zone coverage concepts. Philly will account for him on every snap.
In true man coverage situations — especially on third down — I could see Fangio using rookie slot corner DeJean as the matchup for Kelce. DeJean has the strength to challenge Kelce through the release, along with the short-area speed to close on the throw. Plus, DeJean’s instincts can put him in a position to undercut the break and make a play on the ball. He is still looking for his first career interception, but he has broken up eight passes this season, including the playoffs. — Matt Bowen
What do the Eagles need from receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith to complement the run game?
They’ll need the kind of efficiency out of the pass game they received in the NFC Championship when Hurts went 20 of 28 for 246 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions for a quarterback rating of 110.1. It marked just the second time since mid-November that Hurts threw for 200-plus yards.
Questions persisted about the aerial attack for much of the season. The production did not match the kind of expectations that come with players like Brown, Smith, Hurts and tight end Dallas Goedert on the roster. But much of it was by design, as the coaching staff — armed with a dominant defense and ground game — leaned conservative with the pass to keep turnovers at a minimum. That approach has worked quite well: the Eagles have 10 takeaways to zero giveaways in the playoffs.
Hurts quipped after the NFC title game that Sirianni “let me out of my straitjacket a little bit,” allowing him to air it out to Brown and Smith more than usual. Sirianni should go into this matchup confident about Hurts given that his QB had one of the best performances of his career at Super Bowl LVII (374 total yards, 4 touchdowns) against Kansas City. Smith (7 catches, 100 yards) and Brown (6 catches, 96 yards, TD) were a big part of that.
They’ll likely be called on again given that the Chiefs are sure to be focused on slowing Barkley. — McManus
How could the Eagles try to stop Mahomes, and will it be different from two years ago?
The lament from Eagles fans following the Super Bowl LVII loss was because of the static looks offered by then-defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon. On passing downs, the Eagles largely rushed four and dropped seven into coverage, and while they tried to mix up their looks between man and zone, they failed to get the drop on Mahomes. The star quarterback rarely had to hold the ball for extended periods, either finding his first option available downfield or quickly working to an easily accessible checkdown. In all, 37% of Mahomes’ pass attempts in that game went into wide open windows by NFL Next Gen Stats’ charting — the most of any game that season.
With Fangio in the building and two weeks to prepare, it’s easy to predict that the Eagles’ defense will be more versatile this time around. Plus, with Quinyon Mitchell and DeJean in the secondary, the windows should be tighter, too. The Eagles are still largely a rush-four, drop-seven team with Fangio at the helm, so a repeat of 2023’s performance — when Mahomes knew what to expect and how to beat it far too often — is possible. — Ben Solak
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Orlovsky applauds Stephen A.’s take on the Eagles
Dan Orlvosky likes Stephen A. Smith giving a shout-out to the Eagles’ offensive line when discussing Saquon Barkley’s dominance vs. the Commanders.
What are you hearing about Kellen Moore’s chances to land the Saints’ head-coach job after the Super Bowl?
A lot of people I talk to seem to believe Moore is the leading candidate for the Saints’ job. Because they did a virtual interview with him prior to the divisional round, the Saints can interview the Eagles’ offensive coordinator in person this week, and Saints executives would likely fly to Philadelphia to conduct that interview. The deadline for this interview is Sunday; after Feb. 2, coaches whose teams are playing in the Super Bowl are prohibited from talking to other teams about jobs until the day after the Super Bowl (Feb. 10).
There are other candidates, including former Packers and Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy. He has yet to interview but could do so this week. But if the Saints fly to talk to Moore in person in the early part of this week, that could be a strong sign that he’s their guy.
While Moore is getting buzz with New Orleans, I have not heard any head-coaching buzz on Fangio, who to my knowledge has not received any interview requests this cycle. — Dan Graziano
Who concerns the Eagles’ defense beyond Mahomes and Kelce?
Coach Andy Reid for one. They saw his play-design prowess first-hand for 14 seasons when he was the head man in Philly, and got diced up by it pretty good in the Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs to end the ’22 campaign.
The defense goes into every game confident with Fangio at the helm. Mahomes, though, is 8-0 as a starter when opposing Fangio as a head coach or coordinator, including playoffs. Their last meeting came in last year’s AFC Wild Card game against the Dolphins, which the Chiefs won 26-7.
The Eagles have to respect the speed of receivers Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown and know all too well from their last Super Bowl matchup with the Chiefs that JuJu Smith-Schuster is a crafty wideout capable of making backbreaking plays in critical moments. He had seven catches for 53 yards in that game, and drew a holding call on cornerback James Bradberry in the closing moments that helped seal the win for Kansas City.
The Eagles have been stout against the run this season — they ranked 5th in that department during the regular season (105.7 yards per game) — and will have to continue to be sure tacklers against rugged backs Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco. — McManus
As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up for Super Bowl 2025, there are several key matchups that will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the game. Here are some of the biggest questions facing the Eagles as they prepare to take on their opponent:
1. Can the Eagles’ offensive line hold up against the opposing team’s pass rush? With the Super Bowl on the line, protecting the quarterback will be paramount for the Eagles. Can their O-line keep the pressure off their signal-caller and give him time to make plays downfield?
2. How will the Eagles’ secondary fare against the opposing team’s star wide receivers? Shutting down the other team’s top pass-catchers will be essential for the Eagles’ defense. Can their defensive backs step up and make crucial stops in the biggest game of the year?
3. Will the Eagles’ running game be able to establish itself against a tough opposing defensive front? A strong ground game can help control the clock and keep the opposing offense off the field. Can the Eagles’ running backs find running lanes and keep the chains moving?
4. How will the Eagles’ coaching staff adjust to in-game challenges and make crucial decisions under pressure? In a game as big as the Super Bowl, every decision can make a difference. Can the Eagles’ coaching staff make the right calls and put their team in the best position to win?
These are just a few of the key matchups and questions facing the Philadelphia Eagles as they prepare for Super Bowl 2025. Stay tuned for what is sure to be an exciting and intense showdown on the biggest stage in football.
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Super Bowl 2025: Eagles’ game plan
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Super Bowl 2025 preview: Eagles’ potential matchups
This year’s Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles will be the second time the teams have faced each other for the championship in three seasons: the Chiefs came out on top, 38-35, in Super Bowl LVII at the end of the 2022 season.
This season’s Chiefs and Eagles show how much one franchise can change over time, while another can roll with the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” philosophy. The Eagles have been all about the differences, while the Chiefs, quite understandably given their success, have been more about stability.
Here’s how the two teams stack up, then and now. Where are they better, and where are they worse?
Nick Sirianni has some trusted assistants on staff. Photograph: Matt Slocum/AP
Coaching
Eagles: Back in the 2022 season, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni had Shane Steichen as his offensive coordinator, and Jonathan Gannon running the defense. That worked well enough that Sirianni had to deal with some serious brain-drain. The Indianapolis Colts hired Steichen to be their head coach after the season, and the Arizona Cardinals gave Gannon the same opportunity.
Last season was a bit of a struggle with OC Brian Johnson and DC Sean Desai, but after the Eagles plummeted as quickly as Monty Python’s dead parrot in the second half of the campaign, general manager Howie Roseman made two very astute hires with Kellen Moore in charge of the offense, and Vic Fangio controlling the defense. Moore has done a good job, led as he is by running back Saquon Barkley and an offensive line coached brilliantly by Jeff Soutland. But, as is the case for the Chiefs, the Eagles are defined by their defense as much as anything else. Fangio, whose systems have taken over the league in recent years, turned that defense around quickly and decisively. Verdict: Better than Super Bowl LVII.
Chiefs: Things are pretty much the same for head coach Andy Reid here. He still has Matt Nagy as his offensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo as his defensive coordinator, and the legendary Dave Toub in charge of special teams. Where things have improved is that Nagy has learned to do more with less from a personnel perspective, as the focus over the last few years from general manager Brett Veach has been building a defense that is now young, nasty, and out to dominate. It’s really Spagnuolo’s elevation as one of the greatest defensive minds of his – or any – era that gives this group a serious bump. Verdict: Better than Super Bowl LVII.
Jalen Hurts had one of his best games of the season in the NFC championship game. Photograph: Laurence Kesterson/UPI/REX/Shutterstock
Quarterbacks
Eagles: Back in the 2022 season when Steichen was running the Eagles’ offense, Jalen Hurts was the perfect pointman to balance the run and pass game both as a pure thrower of the ball, and as a true running threat at any time. Hurts was a borderline MVP candidate, but over the last two seasons, his development has been delayed by his own failings.
He’s a tremendous athlete and a good pure quarterback, but there were far too many instances this season in which he was late to pull the trigger on throws he should have made. Moore has directed Hurts to be a “safe” quarterback who is better off taking a sack or throwing the ball away than making risky throws. When you have a dominant run game and an outstanding defense you can win that way, but it doesn’t leave much margin for error. Verdict: Worse than Super Bowl LVII.
Chiefs: 2021 was Patrick Mahomes’ last season with Tyreek Hill before the explosive receiver was traded to the Miami Dolphins. Mahomes hasn’t had that kind of threat since, but in the 2022 season, he still managed to throw for a career-high 5,955 yards, and the same 48 touchdown passes he had amassed the year before (including the playoffs). Travis Kelce was Mahomes’ primary target then as he is now, and the Chiefs did the best they could with an amalgam of second-tier targets behind him. And that’s pretty much the way things are now. Kelce is three years older, and the attrition of the game shows up in his lack of downfield speed, but he and Mahomes still have chemistry that rivals any in pro football history.
The difference is that Kansas City’s passing game is much more horizontal than it was in 2022. In that season, Mahomes completed 31 of 70 passes of 20 or more air yards for 985 yards, four touchdowns, no interceptions, and a passer rating of 110.1, This season, he’s completed just 13 of 51 deep passes for 465 yards, four touchdowns, four interceptions, a passer rating of 58.5, and the NFL’s worst deep completion percentage of 25.5% among qualified quarterbacks. Verdict: Worse than Super Bowl LVII.
Xavier Worthy has given the Chiefs a much needed injection of speed. Photograph: Charlie Riedel/AP
Offense
Eagles: Philosophically, the Eagles aren’t that different offensively than they were in the 2022 season. The offensive coordinators call the plays, but from a conceptual standpoint, Sirianni calls the shots. The Eagles were, and are, a team led by 11 personnel (one running back, one tight end, and three receivers), with about a 30% sprinkling in 12 personnel, which takes one receiver off the field in favor of a second tight end. Sirianni likes a lot of no-huddle, a lot of shotgun, and a considerable number of run-pass options. He’s not a fan of pre-snap motion, but he’s bent to that a bit because Kellen likes it; the Eagles have risen from 31st to 23rd in pre-snap motion since 2022.
The obvious difference is the acquisition of Barkley, which has turned the Eagles from a team equally dependent on the run and the pass, with Hurts as the bridge, to a team that thinks about the run game first, and fills things in with the aerial game. The Eagles have by far the NFL’s most rushing attempts this season with 659 (the Baltimore Ravens rank second with 584), and under Stoutland’s mentorship, there isn’t a blocking scheme Philly can’t use to dominate opposing defenses. Hurts’ regression is real, but Barkley makes this offense better as a pure force multiplier. Verdict: Better than Super Bowl LVII.
Chiefs: Kansas City’s reliance on multiple tight ends sets may surprise people who think of the Chiefs’ offense as one that loves to spread things out in the passing game, but we’ve already discussed the horizontal nature of that. Then and now, in the pass and run games, the Chiefs will put two and three tight ends on the field as much, or more than, any other team. Kansas City ran two or three tight ends on 38% of their snaps in 2022, and they were top-four in success rate when they did. They’ve done so 45% of the time in the 2024 season, and they’re still top 10 in success rate. Rookie receiver Xavier Worthy, who set the all-time 40-yard dash at the scouting combine with a 4.21-second run, is coming on as a major part of the passing game. That development has added a downfield threat to the passing game, and not a moment too soon. The Chiefs don’t lead with their run game, but they’re highly effective with pre-snap motion and all kinds of misdirection. Kareem Hunt, who is in his second stint with the team, is the leader of that run game, though the specter of Mahomes as a rusher always has defenses on edge.
From a blocking perspective, the Chiefs may have the NFL’s best interior line with guards Joe Thuney and Trey Smith, and center Creed Humphrey. But the tackle positions are a problem to the point where Thuney has had to kick out from his left guard position to sub in at tackle. That could be a serious issue against the Eagles’ array of pass-rushers, and Jawaan Taylor at right tackle doesn’t offer much more protection. Verdict: Worse than Super Bowl LVII.
Zack Baun has been transformed into an All-Pro since he joined the Eagles. Photograph: Derik Hamilton/AP
Defense
Eagles: Fangio is generally thought of as the game’s master of Quarters or Cover-4 coverage, in which four defensive backs (usually two cornerbacks and two safeties) each patrol a quarter of the field, hence the name. But Fangio is more malleable than that. When he was the Denver Broncos’ head coach from 2019-2021, and he had personnel better-suited to man coverage, he adjusted accordingly. Now, Fangio calls more Cover-1 and Cover-3 than Cover-4, though the Eagles’ rate of Cover-6 (Cover-2 to one side of the field, Cover-4 to the other) leads the NFL at 16.6%.
Fangio doesn’t blitz a lot, and the Eagles generally run four-man fronts with nickel defenses behind them. Gannon was more a fan of five-man base fronts, where five defensive lineman clogged as many gaps as possible. Fangio is multiple in both his fronts and coverages with all kinds of little subtleties, from stunts and overload fronts to disguised coverages that morph from pre- to post-snap. Fangio will generally counter run plays with light boxes, and while many of his acolytes have issues stopping the run with lighter boxes, it’s not been an issue for the Eagles this season.
Like Spagnuolo, the Chiefs’ defensive coordinator, Fangio is a master at matching schemes to personnel, and he’s brilliant at bringing the most out of his players, whether they’re first-round picks like Jalen Carter and Quinyon Mitchell, or supposed role players like former New Orleans Saints rotational linebacker and special teams player Zack Baun, who Fangio saw as a potentially outstanding pass-rusher and off-ball linebacker. Baun responded with an All-Pro season. Verdict: Better than Super Bowl LVII.
Chiefs: 2022 was the season the Chiefs decided to get younger and better on defense, and thatcalculated strategy has paid dividends. Veach and Spagnuolo work in close concert to staff a roster that has become as press-heavy and opportunistic as any in the league. The blitz is even more of a Spagnuolo staple now than it was in 2022 – then, the Chiefs blitzed on 24% of their snaps. This season, that’s risen to 30%.
Spagnuolo does not present a defined coverage type. This season, the Chiefs have played at least 16.7% of their snaps in each of four concepts: Cover-1, Cover-2, Cover-3, and Cover-4. Spagnuolo dialed up a bit more two-high safety stuff (Cover-2 and Cover-4) in the 2022 season, but he really wants to blur the picture for opposing quarterbacks with all kinds of different pressure and coverage concepts. As much as pre-snap motion is a major part of Kansas City’s offense, Spags believes in it just as much. His ability to do so many different things with so many young players is a testament to his coaching brilliance, but it’s also about the attributes the Chiefs require at every defensive position.
At last year’s Super Bowl, Spagnuolo told me that his Chiefs defense that season was the smartest he’d ever had in his coaching career, which goes back to 1981. This year’s is just as good. Verdict: Better than Super Bowl LVII.
Harrison Butker is one of the most reliable kickers in the league. Photograph: Charlie Riedel/AP
Special teams
Eagles: A former linebacker at Oregon and (for a brief minute) with the Miami Dolphins, Eagles special teams coordinator Michael Clay took that position before the 2021 season. In 2023, Philly ranked first overall in Special Teams DVOA, dropping to 14th in 2024. Jake Elliott was the kicker in 2022 as he is now, and his 2022 season was far splashier. Then, he had a field goal percentage of 87.0% compared to 2024’s 77.8%, and in 2022, he led the NFL in extra points made (51) and attempted (53). There has been an upgrade in the punting department. In 2022, Arryn Siposs averaged 38.6 net yards per punt. This season, Braden Mann has averaged 41.9. The Eagles have the same punt return average (9.2 yards per return) as they had in 2022; the 2024 kick return average of 26.5 yards per return is better than 2022’s 22.1 with Kenneth Gainwell, Will Shipley, and Isaiah Rogers as the primary instigators. Verdict: Worse than Super Bowl LVII.
Chiefs: Toub was Reid’s special teams coordinator in Philadelphia from 2001-2003. From there, he went to the Chicago Bears, where he coached All-Pro kicker Robbie Gould, and Hall of Fame return man Devin Hester. Toub and Reid reunited with the Chiefs in 2013, and Reid added the assistant head coach title to Toub’s resume in 2018. Toub extracted kicker Harrison Butker from the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad in 2017, and Butker has been the team’s kicker ever since. 2022 was Butker’s worst season, as he was dealing with injuries and had a span of five straight games in which he missed either a field goal or extra point, the longest streak of his career.
Butker’s politics are … interesting, but he’s been a bastion of consistency when healthy. After signing a four-year, $25.6m extension in the 2024 offseason, Butker suffered a knee injury in November, and the Chiefs cycled through three different kickers (including safety Justin Reid) while Butker recovered. Only Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens has a higher career field goal percentage than Butker’s 88.62%. Punter Tommy Townsend, now with the Houston Texans, was a First-Team All-Pro in 2022. He’s since been replaced by Matt Araiza. Mecole Hardman has been Kansas City’s steadfast return man, but in 2024, rookie Nikko Remigio has shown some flashes. Verdict: Better than Super Bowl LVII.
Overall
Eagles: Barkley and Fangio, along with Roseman’s brilliant acquisition strategies, make the Eagles more formidable than they were in the 2022 campaign, regardless of which Hurts shows up. If the good Hurts is on the field, this is the NFL’s toughest team to beat. Verdict: Better than Super Bowl LVII.
Chiefs: Spagnuolo’s defense is better than the last time it faced the Eagles in the Super Bowl, and while the offense isn’t what it was – especially in the deep passing game – Reid’s Bill Belichick-like adherence to every player doing his job perfectly to win close games is the secret sauce. Verdict: Better than Super Bowl LVII.
The Super Bowl is the biggest event in American sports, and every year fans eagerly await to see which teams will battle it out for the championship. In 2023, the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs faced off in a thrilling showdown that left fans on the edge of their seats. But how do these two teams compare to their previous Super Bowl appearances? Let’s take a look at how the Eagles and Chiefs have evolved over the years.
The Philadelphia Eagles last appeared in the Super Bowl in 2018, where they defeated the New England Patriots to claim their first-ever championship. Led by quarterback Nick Foles, the Eagles’ high-powered offense and stout defense were the keys to their success. Fast forward to 2023, and the Eagles have continued to be a competitive team in the league. With star quarterback Jalen Hurts at the helm, the Eagles have maintained their offensive prowess while also improving their defense. This year’s Super Bowl appearance was a testament to the team’s resilience and determination.
On the other hand, the Kansas City Chiefs have been a dominant force in the NFL in recent years. Led by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs have consistently been one of the top teams in the league. Their explosive offense and aggressive defense have made them a formidable opponent for any team. The Chiefs’ last Super Bowl appearance was in 2020, where they defeated the San Francisco 49ers to claim their first championship in 50 years. In 2023, the Chiefs once again showcased their talent and determination, making it to the Super Bowl for the second time in three years.
Overall, both the Eagles and Chiefs have shown tremendous growth and evolution since their last Super Bowl appearances. While the Eagles have continued to build on their success and remain a competitive team in the league, the Chiefs have solidified their status as one of the top teams in the NFL. The 2023 Super Bowl was a thrilling matchup between two talented teams, and fans can’t wait to see what the future holds for these powerhouse franchises.
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Carson Wentz was 1,122 miles from the stadium where his NFL career began in 2016 and 1,512 days removed from making his last NFL start in an Eagles uniform.
He posed for pictures alongside Patrick Mahomes and his other Chiefs teammates inside the Kansas City locker room at Arrowhead Stadium just after 9:30 p.m. local time Sunday. This time of year, seven years ago, he was preparing to watch Nick Foles lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots while he was sidelined with a torn ACL in his left knee.
The years between Super Bowl appearances for Wentz have been anything but a clear path. From a sour ending in Philly in 2020 to one-year stints with the Indianapolis Colts in 2021 and Washington Commanders in 2022 to briefly backing up Matthew Stafford last season with the Los Angeles Rams, Wentz’s career trajectory looks much different from the expectations set for him in his MVP-caliber 2017 season.
But as he beamed with joy in a cigar-stenched locker room on the verge of a chance at a first-ever three-peat, Wentz had plenty of perspective on what the moment meant for him.
“It’s been a journey,” Wentz told The Inquirer as music blasted after the Chiefs’ 32-29 victory over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC championship game. “Every day, or every year, has been something different so far, but I’m just along for the ride, and God’s been good, just continuing to open doors. [I’m] still playing the game I love, and it might look different, but [I’m] still having fun.”
Here was Wentz, now the Chiefs backup quarterback, with just two starts over the last two years in inconsequential regular-season finales, basking in the midst of another special run for a Kansas City squad that has become accustomed to this spot.
As players began filing into the locker room after the field celebration, Wentz was one of the last players to join his teammates there, soaking in the moment with his wife, Madison Oberg, and their three daughters. The 32-year-old admitted that his family has “been along for quite the journey last couple years, too,” but added that seeing his wife and girls celebrate the win is “so fun to see them just light up and come to support me, support their team.”
Wentz has backed up two Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks in consecutive years, sitting behind Stafford last season and Mahomes this year. He says he has relished watching two of the best quarterbacks in the game operate and has picked up things from each “that I can implement [to my own game].”
“Whether it’s just their preparation or play, though they play completely different,” Wentz said, “they’re both just the ultimate competitors. Being able to back them up and learn from them, and just be a part of the culture that they’re instilling in their respective organizations has been fun to be a part of it.”
The feeling is mutual for Mahomes, who took some time postgame to praise Wentz’s work ethic and how early he arrives at the facility.
“Carson is extremely intelligent,” Mahomes said. “You see why he has the talent, you see why he was a starting quarterback in this league, an MVP-level quarterback in this league, and so excited for him. I know he got the Super Bowl when he was in Philly, but to be able to go up against the Eagles again … it’ll be a great moment to be able to go up and do that and try to do whatever we can to find a way to get a win.”
Wentz and the Chiefs, led by former Eagles coach Andy Reid, will have a rematch with the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. On top of Reid facing his old team in the big game for the second time in three seasons, Wentz will get a chance to face the team that drafted him second overall nine years ago, although he’ll be watching from the sideline again on the big stage.
In evaluating his options this offseason, Wentz knew he wanted to be a part of the “winning culture” Reid has created with the Chiefs, winners of three Super Bowls over the last five years. He signed with the Chiefs on April 1 last year. Out of all the things he has experienced this season, from getting to start in the Chiefs’ Week 18 loss to the Denver Broncos to Sunday night’s thrilling win, Wentz says his favorite part of the season is “cherishing those memories [in the locker room], cherishing your time that you have with the guys.”
“Coach Reid definitely was a big part [of me coming here], just being a part of what he’s been building here, and has built here,” Wentz said. “Just learning from him, and the intricate offense and just the creativity that they’ve been instilling, and just his coaching style and the full-fledged respect that he has from everybody in the building, it’s been really fun, and it’s definitely been special for me this year.”
Wentz says the Feb. 9 matchup between the Eagles and Chiefs is ”just another ballgame,” noting that he has already started against the Eagles, in 2022 as the Commanders’ quarterback. And although the game won’t entail Wentz and Jalen Hurts facing off head-to-head in two weeks, the predecessor vs. the successor, Wentz is preparing in case his number is called at Caesars Superdome for all the marbles.
And as for his time in Philly?
“That feels like five, six lifetimes ago at this point,” Wentz said with a smile, but added, “but I’m grateful for my time there, without a doubt, and it’ll be a fun one in two weeks.”
In a shocking turn of events, the Kansas City Chiefs have announced that Carson Wentz will be starting in the Super Bowl against his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles, as Patrick Mahomes’ backup.
After Mahomes suffered a season-ending injury in the AFC Championship game, Wentz was called upon to lead the Chiefs to victory in the biggest game of the year. Despite being acquired by Kansas City as a backup quarterback earlier in the season, Wentz has proven himself as a capable and reliable leader on the field.
This Super Bowl matchup is sure to be a thrilling showdown between two powerhouse teams, with Wentz looking to prove himself against his former team and lead the Chiefs to victory. Will he be able to outshine his former team and lift the Lombardi Trophy as Mahomes’ backup? Only time will tell. Stay tuned for what is sure to be an unforgettable Super Bowl showdown.
The Marquette Golden Eagles hit the road for Indianapolis to face the Butler Bulldogs, and they have bounced back with consecutive wins and covers since an upset loss at home against Xavier on Jan. 18. The back-to-back covers are the most since a 4-0 against the spread run from Nov. 15-27. Marquette is still 4-9 ATS in the past 13 games. These teams met in Milwaukee on Dec. 18, winning 80-70, but the Bulldogs covered as +14.5 underdogs as the over (148.5) cashed. The Golden Eagles have racked up 74 or more points in 6 of the past 7 games, too.
For the Bulldogs, they spanked DePaul 86-69 as -6 favorites — with Over 143.5 cashing. Butler has covered consecutive games, too, but it is still just 3-4 ATS in the past 7 overall. The over has hit in 5 straight while going 8-2 in the past 10 games since Dec. 14. The Bulldogs are a very good 3-point shooting team, hitting 36.7 percent from downtown, while allowing teams to go 31.0 percent from behind the arc. The over is the best play on the board, cashing in the first meeting while going high frequently for the Bulldogs.
Marquette at Butler prediction: Over 146.5 (-110) at time of publishing. Playable to 147.5.
The Marquette Golden Eagles will face off against the Butler Bulldogs in a highly anticipated college basketball matchup. Both teams have had their fair share of ups and downs this season, but they will be looking to secure a crucial win in this game.
The Golden Eagles come into this game with a record of 12-10 and are looking to bounce back from a tough loss in their last outing. Led by standout guard D.J. Carton, Marquette will look to push the pace and score points in bunches against a tough Butler defense.
On the other hand, the Butler Bulldogs have struggled this season with a record of 5-12. However, they have shown flashes of potential and will be looking to make a statement against a conference rival in this game. Key players like Chuck Harris and Bryce Nze will need to step up and lead the Bulldogs to victory.
In terms of odds, the Golden Eagles are favored to win this game with a spread of -5.5 points. The over/under for total points scored is set at 140.5, indicating that this could be a high-scoring affair.
In terms of picks, I believe that Marquette will come out on top in this game. They have the better record and more momentum heading into this matchup. Look for D.J. Carton to have a big game and lead the Golden Eagles to a comfortable victory.
Prediction: Marquette Golden Eagles win 78-70
Odds: Marquette -5.5, Over/Under 140.5
Picks: Marquette Golden Eagles -5.5, Over 140.5
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In the Patrick Mahomes era, the Chiefs have worn their home jerseys in three of their four Super Bowl appearances (LIV, LV, LVIII), winning twice in red. Kansas City last wore its white jerseys in the Super Bowl in its first meeting with the Eagles in the capper to the 2022 season. The Chiefs beat Philadelphia, 38-35, to claim its third Lombardi Trophy. K.C. will be going for its third straight title, fourth in six years and fifth all-time this go-around.
The Eagles have worn green in all four of their previous Super Bowl appearances, winning only once in Super Bowl LII. That streak will continue.
Super Bowl LIX kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET on Feb. 9 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
In a surprising turn of events, the Kansas City Chiefs have announced that they will be donning their away white uniforms for Super Bowl LIX, while the Philadelphia Eagles will be sporting their iconic home green jerseys.
This decision comes as a shock to many fans, as the Chiefs have traditionally worn their home red jerseys for the big game. However, head coach Andy Reid has stated that the team wanted to switch things up and bring a new energy to the field.
Meanwhile, the Eagles are sticking with tradition and opting for their home greens, a color that has brought them plenty of luck in the past. Head coach Nick Sirianni believes that the green jerseys will help his team feel right at home and give them an extra boost of confidence.
It will certainly be an interesting sight to see the Chiefs in white and the Eagles in green when the two teams face off in Super Bowl LIX. Which team do you think will come out on top in this color clash? Let us know in the comments below!
