With the NFL regular season getting ready to wrap up, fans across the globe are counting down the days for the playoffs to arrive. It’s going to be another wild January leading up to the big game. But, will last year’s Super Bowl repeat itself this year?
Over in the AFC, the Kansas City Chiefs have been incredibly dominant. The defending Super Bowl champions feature one of the best offences in the game. In the NFC, though, the 49ers have struggled with injuries and are in danger of missing the postseason. How will things end up going down this winter?
The Kansas City Chiefs are the favourites to win the AFC
After winning their first Super Bowl in 50 years last season, the momentum is once again building for the head coach Andy Reid and his men, as the Kansas City Chiefs are the favourites to win the AFC this season with their 1.87 odds. The Pittsburgh Steelers are of course in the mix, as are the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens and others.
What makes the Chiefs so strong right now is of course the play of Patrick Mahomes. After signing his 10-year, $502 million contract, the gun-slinger has no question lived up to his massive hype as one of the best in the NFL. Mahomes is firing the ball all over the field, with Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce and others benefitting.
Speaking of Hill, he’s in the middle of an unforgettable season. Hill’s best game came against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he hauled in 13 balls for 269 yards and three touchdowns. What makes Hill so special is his out-of-this-world speed. With Mahomes’ rocket for an arm, the two are always able to connect for deep balls.
To make things even worse for opposing defences in Kansas City also has a solid ground game. Rookie Clyde Edwards-Helaire was selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft and immediately took over as the starter after Damien Williams opted out of the campaign. Edwards-Helaire has been brilliant running the ball and catching it out of the backfield.
Multiple teams can potentially prevent the Chiefs from making it to the Super Bowl
Should Kansas City win the AFC again, it will be a difficult task. Indeed, multiple teams can potentially prevent the Chiefs from making it to the Super Bowl this season. At the top of the list has to be the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Ben Roethlisberger back to full health from his elbow injury, Pittsburgh has been outstanding in 2020.
The team actually went a perfect 11-0 to start the year but saw its perfect season end with a stunning loss at Heinz Field to the Washington Football Team. Regardless, the team’s defence has been superb, with guys like TJ Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick powering things. Could the Steelers end up ruining the party for the Chiefs?
Elsewhere, don’t forget about the Baltimore Ravens or Buffalo Bills. With the Bills, Josh Allen has been one of the best quarterbacks in the AFC. He’s a guy who can hurt you with his arm and his strong wheels. Buffalo’s defence has also answered the call.
And hey, what about the Cleveland Browns? out of nowhere, Baker Mayfield has them looking like a serious threat in the AFC North. The Browns are looking like they’re going to make the postseason for the first time since 2002.
The 49ers Super Bowl hopes aren’t high for 2020
While the thought of a San Francisco vs. Kansas City rematch seems fun, the 49ers’ Super Bowl hopes aren’t high for 2020 right now. Matter of fact, it’s looking like an uphill climb for this team to make the playoffs. With both the Rams and Seahawks ahead in the NFC West standings, and other teams in front for the Wild Card spots, San Francisco may end up on the outside looking in.
It’s unfortunate for Kyle Shanahan’s team, but the fact of the matter is that injuries have haunted them throughout the season. Jimmy Garoppolo, George Kittle, Nick Bosa, Richard Sherman, Raheem Mostert and so many others have missed most of the season because of an injury.
With the 49ers struggling and holding concerning 76.00 odds to win the NFC, it’s looking likely a team like the Seahawks, Packers, Saints, Buccaneers, Rams or even Cardinals will be the ones to win the NFC and go on to play in the Super Bowl. The Packers have been incredible throughout the year, with Aaron Rodgers looking like one of the best signal-callers out there. He and Davante Adams have been brilliant together.
Meanwhile, in Seattle, Russell Wilson has been superb and second-year wide receiver DK Metcalf continues to impress catching the ball from him. Again, the thought of a Super Bowl rematch would be great, but Kansas City looks like the one to get back to the big game and definitely not San Francisco.
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