PREDICTIONS

The Sun-Times’ experts offer their picks for Super Bowl LIV:

RICK MORRISSEY

Chiefs, 35-31: Patrick Mahomes is too talented and too creative to be stopped, even by a good 49ers defense. This is going to be another rough day for Bears general manager Ryan “Mitch Is Our Quarterback’’ Pace. Season record: 9-7.

RICK TELANDER

Chiefs, 31-27:

I think the 49ers are the better team, but the Chiefs are comeback artists, and they have a map for winning. Stop the 49ers’ running game, force Jimmy Garoppolo to throw a lot, but not to tight end George Kittle. Then let Mahomes do his freak thing. Season record: 10-6.

PATRICK FINLEY

Chiefs, 27-24 (OT): The best part about this game is that some coach will find redemption: Andy Reid after a career of playoff disappointment, or Kyle Shanahan after blowing a 28-3 lead as the Falcons’ offensive coordinator in Super Bowl LI. The worst part? Someone won’t. Give me the coach with more experience — and the better quarterback. Season record: 12-4.

MARK POTASH

49ers, 34-31:

It’s tough to go against the best trump card in the NFL in Mahomes, but the 49ers have what it takes — outstanding offensive and defensive lines, a quality running game, a quarterback who isn’t afraid of the moment and a head coach at the top of his game. Season record: 9-7.

JASON LIESER

Chiefs, 27-17: Mighty as the 49ers are, there’s no defense capable of containing Mahomes. He’ll hail a new era when he captures the Lombardi Trophy on Sunday, and the question will become: How many of them will he claim in a career that’s still in its infancy? Season record: 10-6.