Story by Jakayla Brown and Oliver Wood-Morris
The Tali Toss Up is a series dedicated to our staff voicing their opinions on why something is better than the other. In this case, Talisman writers Jakayla Brown and Oliver Wood-Morris argue to establish who should win this year’s Super Bowl, the Kansas City Chiefs or the Philadelphia Eagles.
As the Super Bowl clock ticks down, the yearly debate ramps up. Who will win the Super Bowl this season: the Kansas City Chiefs or the Philadelphia Eagles? This year’s Super Bowl occurs on Feb. 9 at Ceaser Superdome in New Orleans. While both teams boast talent, strong coaching, and a history of success, only one team can take home the Lombardi Trophy.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: Jakayla Brown
The Kansas City Chiefs have done it again! The road to another Super Bowl title runs through Kansas City, also known as the Red Kingdom. With quarterback Patrick Mahomes at the helm, a battle-tested roster and a proven championship mentality, the Chiefs have everything it takes to reclaim the Lombardi Trophy. Doubt them if you want— but history says you’ll be wrong.
It is a surprise to none that the Chiefs have been the talk of the NFL for the last five years. Since the addition of quarterback Mahomes in the 2017 draft, the team has been on a hot streak of success.
The Chiefs have a unique ability to make things happen. Whether it’s through clutch plays, defensive grit, or Mahomes’ leadership, they refuse to let adversity define them. The Chiefs are among the smartest teams in the NFL. Head coach Andy Reid’s leadership and innovative play-calling define the Chiefs this season, proving once again that he’s one of the greatest coaches in NFL history.
Sophomore Chase Shockley from Carthage, Missouri said that when the Chiefs are in the Superbowl, it’s like a national holiday.
“My family has rooted for the Chiefs for decades; they have the GOAT quarterback, tight end and head coach,” Chase said.
While much success is attributed to Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs have a solid roster that can function even when Mahomes is not at his best. With receivers Travis Kelce, DeAndre Hopkins, and Xavier Worthy, running backs Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco, and defensive tackle Chris Jones leading the d-line, the Chiefs are the best team in the AFC.
Not to mention, the Swifties love the Chiefs! Pop superstar Taylor Swift began dating wide receiver Kelce back in the summer of 2023. She has been a dedicated fan and supporter of the franchise since. I guess you could say it’s her “Wildest Dream.”
In fact, at Swift’s Era’s Tour stop in Argentina, she changed the original lyrics of her song “Karma” from “Karma is the guy on the screen/coming straight home to me,” to “Karma is the guy on the Chiefs/coming straight home to me,” producing new fans for the Chiefs.
Just before the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, the Chiefs returned to the Superbowl for the first time since 1970. Since then, the Chiefs have been to the Superbowl 4 times, securing the Lombardi Trophy 3 times.
The Red Kingdom pride has existed much before their recent success streak. On Sept. 29, 2014 Chiefs fans broke the world record for the loudest football stadium reaching 142.2 decibels, which is equivalent to the sound of a jet taking off. GEHA field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri has held that record ever since.
The 2024-25 season in particular has been full of record-breaking stats. According to statistics, the Chiefs finished the season with a record of 15:2, undefeated at home for the first time since 2003. Rookie Worthy broke the record for most touchdowns from scrimmage by a rookie wide receiver. All of this earned them the title of AFC Champions for the second time in a row, fourth in five years.
This leads me to my final point, the Chiefs are the smartest team in the NFL and Reid is the best coach in the league. He and Mahomes always find a way to clutch it in the end, even when it seems impossible.
The Chiefs face the Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans this Superbowl on Sunday, Feb. 9 at 5:30 p.m. CST. This matchup is a repeat of the 2023 Super Bowl where the Chiefs beat the Eagles 38 to 35. If the Chiefs execute their game plan with discipline and trust in their instincts, they’ll again be hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: Oliver Wood Morris
While the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles both had stellar seasons, consistency points go to the Eagles. This makes them the obvious choice for the Super Bowl. According to SBNation, the Eagles finished the regular season with a 14-3 record, securing the No. 2 seed in the NFC.
The Chiefs had one more win than the Eagles in the regular season. However, the Eagles showed more consistency with their gameplay. They maintained dominance throughout the season with fewer fluctuations in performance. This is a key factor in high-stakes games like the Super Bowl.
When comparing the offensive and defensive statistics, the Eagles have a clear advantage. According to ESPN, the Eagles averaged 27.2 points per game, ranking them seventh in the league. On the other hand, the Chiefs averaged 22.6 points, ranking them 15th. The Eagles’ ability to outscore opponents consistently highlights their efficiency in converting drives to points.
Additionally, another key offensive factor is ball security. The Chiefs struggled with dropped passes compared to the Eagles. They ended the season with 27 drops per game, while the Eagles had seven.
This start contrast suggests that the Eagles’ receiving corps has been more reliable, reducing wasted opportunities and turnovers.
One of the most anticipated aspects of the game is between quarterbacks, Jalen Hurts (Eagles) and Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs). When looking at the regular season both players have been exceptional.
Hurts has had a great streak this season, throwing for 2,903 yards, accruing 18 touchdowns and five interceptions. This scored him a passer rating of 103.7. His efficiency has been a major strength for the Eagles minimizing turnovers and maximizing scoring opportunities.
Mahomes, known for his big-play ability, recorded 3,928 yards, with 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Scoring him a passer rating of 93.5.
While Mahomes appears to have the upper hand with yardage and touchdowns, Hurts efficiency on the field has been a major advantage for the Eagles. His ability to control the game with fewer turnovers and a higher passer rate is crucial for this high-pressure game.
Looking beyond numbers, the coaching battle between Nick Sirianni and Andy Reid adds another electrifying storyline to the showdown. Reid, with a Super Bowl Ring and years of experience, has crafted clever route concepts to score touchdowns— like that of the “corn dog” mechanism that scored the team a previous Super Bowl win.
However, despite Reid’s veteran status, Sirianni’s fresh approach will give the Eagles the upper hand. His aggressive mindset and willingness to take risks– note the “tush push” sneak play– has required the league to reapproach short-yardage situations.
Reid relies on experience and in-game adjustments. Sirianni’s adaptability and modern approach have made the Eagles one of the most dynamic teams in the league right now. Siranni might prove to be the difference-maker in the competition.
This leads me to my final point, everyone loves an underdog— or I guess you could say an underbird. We’ve seen repeatedly that anything can happen in the biggest game of the season. From the New York Giants outdoing the undefeated New England Patriots in the 42nd Super Bowl to the Eagles’ underdog victory in the 52nd Super Bowl, anything is possible.
Both teams have demonstrated excellence throughout the season, setting the stage for a thrilling Super Bowl LIX. Fans can anticipate a memorable showdown between two of the NFL’s premier franchises. However, the Eagles will be soaring high with the Lombardi Trophy by the end.
