The NFL isn’t perfect, however it is perfect entertainment. The game on the field is the start of it all, but the Super Bowl is a spectacle like no other.
Super Bowl Recap
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The Eagles closed at most books as the -1 favorite, but it did depend highly on the position the Sportsbook held on the Chiefs futures. The Total moved up to 51.5 (which never had a chance in this one).
The questions on whether PHI’s QB, Jalen Hurts, could throw the ball, were answered early in this one. Hurts was on time and on target on the Eagles’ opening drive for a TD. Of course, the Wegs’ tickets were so close on that drive, as RB Kenneth Gainwell fell just one inch short on the 1st TD – which would have paid +310 for anytime TD, but at my favorite bar, Four Shadows in Chicago, I would have split the $1000 pot on the first TD scorer pool (not that I’m bitter). Still, Jalen ran in his first of 3 (that’s right, 3) rushing TDs on the day.
The Chiefs answered that TD with a score of their own to who else, Travis Kelce (anytime TD -130 closing). Mahomes looked healthy enough on the drive to scramble for good yardage. Plus, RB Isiah Pacheco ran strong (and would most of the day).
The Eagles were in control up 14-7 in the 2nd Quarter after a 45 Yard TD pass from Hurts to WR AJ Brown, then on a 3rd and 6 at midfield after a false start, Hurts made his only real mistake as he dropped the ball on a designed run resulting in a scoop and score TD by KC to tie the game. This play seemed to be a big momentum play. However, the Eagles were still able to get another TD to go up 21-14, plus tacked on a FG at the end of the half for a 24-14 lead. Eagles dominated the time of possession. Plus, Mahomes appeared to turn his ankle on their last possession. However, the Chiefs down by double digits in a playoff game is a strangely comfortable position for them.
In the 2nd half, Mahomes looked fine and taking the Chiefs on another drive with a Pacheco TD (final stat line – 15 carries, 76 yards, 1 TD) to pull within 3 points. The Eagles answered with a FG to take the lead to 6 points at the end of the 3rd Quarter.
The Chiefs did what they needed to do in this game – Pacheco ran the ball effectively. Then, a blown coverage in the Red Zone, and the Chiefs now led – 28-27. The Eagles didn’t answer and overran the punt coverage as Kadarius Toney reversed the ball on the return for a massive 65 yard punt return down to the PHI 5 yard line – the 2nd huge momentum play for the Chiefs. PHI would blow another coverage on 3rd down for a Skyy Moore TD and a now 8 point lead, 35-27.
The Eagles had only trailed by 2 scores for 22 minutes on the year. Yet, Jalen Hurts was game again. He continued to make clutch throws including a huge play to WR Davonte Smith down the left side line for 45 yards. Hurts ran in his 3rd TD and a 2 Point Conversion – his final stats, 304 Yards Passing, 1 Passing TD, 3 Rushing TDs and that Fumble. Still, despite controlling the time of possession – 35:47 to just under 20 minutes – KC had one more chance to win another Super Bowl. Mahomes and the ball with 5:15 left on the clock is just too long, plus the Eagles despite holding Mahomes to low passing totals (182 Yards, 3 TDs, but he went 13 of 14 in the 2nd half) never could get home for a sack. Mahomes hit JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kelce, and the key play was a 26 yard scamper to get to the PHI 17 yard line setting up the final sequence. A short Pacheco run, incompletion setting up a 3rd and 8 from the PHI 15 with 1:54 left on the clock. In a game where the officials called Zero Offensive Holdings, Defensive Pass Interferences or Defensive Holdings prior to this play, maybe it was a penalty by the books, but you can’t tell me that there were not any other close calls that they swallowed the whistle on. In the end, CB James Bradberry held JuJu Smith-Schuster around the waist was made, and it set up a clock bleed for a go ahead FG with just 8 seconds on the clock.
Hurts had a shot to throw a Hail Mary, but it was nowhere close on the final PHI play, and a very interesting and exciting game ends on a thud. Still, Chiefs win their 2nd Super Bowl under HC Andy Reid and with QB Patrick Mahomes who wins the MVP. Rarefied air for sure.
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Prediction Review
Not a good week and result generally, KC winning and the Over killed my Future and the Teaser, but I was able to get the Chiefs ML in game (+145). Solid playoffs with 10-3 S/U, 8-5 ATS, but not good on totals 5-8.
The props are below:
- Gainwell Over 2.5 (4) and Over 19.5 (20) Yards Receiving – Winners
- Gainwell Over 49.5 Yards Total – Loser (41) and the gut punch on the goal line for Anytime TD (+310)
- Pacheco Over 19.5 – No catches which was tough, but I did get the next prop when I heard Clyde Edwards-Helaire was ruled out
- Pacheco Over 66.5 Total Yards – Winner (74 Rushing)
- Kelce Anytime TD – Winner
- Passers to Complete a Pass – 2.5 – Loser – No trick plays or extra passers
- Hassan Reddick 0.5 Sacks – Weird Game – No Actual Sacks in the game – one sack by KC was Hurts running out of bounds behind the line
- Hassan Reddick +3000 MVP – on Free Roll didn’t come in
Silly Props
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- National Anthem – Under 126.5
- Coin Toss – Tails Never Fails haha
- Rihanna First Song – B***h Better Have My Money hit
- Gatorade Color – I didn’t see it, but I was told Purple hit
In the end, a great playoff run. Would have been a lot better with a PHI win or Gainwell TD, but I’ll take 6.6X in the Playoffs.
Monday morning after the Super Bowl should be a US Holiday, and unfortunately, we have to wait 7 months until we do it all again. I’ll have more Draft coverage this year. On to March Madness.
Hope you enjoyed the season.
Wegs