Think it will hinge on some big defensive stops and turnover(s). Niners D has been much improved this year but can they get to Mahomes the magician? His accuracy when extending the play has been outstanding in the play offs and the Niners will have to be at their very best to stop him. Equally the Niners run game has been strong and if they can limit the KC offence time on the field that would be a big plus. However, KC did a great job on the Titans beast last time out and therefore Jimmy G will need to find some targets to keep the chains moving. Great contest ahead I hope.
Yes to all of that, and fully agree that turnovers could be crucial. The thing that's struck me this season more than most is how often the American media (print, vision and online) have created instant superheroes and then had them cut down to size. So Lamar Jackson was the most gifted QB in history until the playoffs, and then he wasn't. Derrick Henry was the ultimate irresistible force until he met the Chiefs, and then has wasn't. Recent Superbowls have ended with Von Miller and Julian Edelman as MVPs, when their starrier team-mates had ordinary games. The point I'm (boringly) making is that this game might turn on a play by someone whose name you barely recognise. Equally, it might go down to a single inspired playcall by Reid or Shanahan. The apparent confidence in my previous post is actually whistling in the dark - I've no idea what will happen. The one thing I'm certain of is the shallowness and short memory-span of the US media. Still fancy going high on the points, though.
I can't believe it! What a come back. Big Red is going to finally get a Lombardi. I'm so pumped, we are the come back Kings!! HOW BOUT DEM CHIEFS!!!
Congratulations Big Chief, Big Red and all associated! They’ve had a great year and really turned it up in the play offs. Another tough one for the Niners but I think their time will come with Shanahan.
Absolutely, I thought we were toast after that horrible 3rd quarter. The Niners D Line is scary good!
umpire gave them a lot of help with that BS offence pass interference call at the end of the 1st half, it was weaker than a liverpool penalty. that said, I think Mahomes would've won it anyway, seems to me he's trolled every team in the close season letting them get a double digit lead before he starts playing.
Pleased to see it wasn't a totally one-sided affair. I need to officially hang up my pundit cap though, other than saying the 49ers looked good around the half way mark this season all my predictions bombed. No Saints, no Ravens, no Patriots etc Hopefully the Seahawks can sort out their defence and get further into the play-offs next season. Well done to KC!
Was a bad day at the office overall for the KC O but they still managed 31 points, so pretty pleased with my prediction. Was a much tighter game than I thought and a good watch and imo the best team won overall. now on to off season, FA and the Draft. Usually my favourite time of the year