GOING FOR TWO
Mahomes & Co. set to capture their second straight crown
SUNDAY
Chiefs (+2) over 49ers; Over 47.5:
In this wild and wooly NFL postseason, we’ve continued to embrace Kansas City’s sustained upward trajectory, complete with close calls and thrilling finishes. We stuck with the defending champs Chiefs through thick and thin, both giving points and getting them. And we’re not looking to change horses in the middle of this stream.
With one stalwart player/performer after another making the most of the stout challenges they’ve faced, they’ve conquered a number of the league’s top-drawer front-liners. Both the individual performers involved and the teams they have come to personify have rushed in to break this finish line with maximum distinction. We continue to believe coach Andy Reid and his men will have more than enough left to close out Kyle Shanahan’s multi-talented 49ers, headed offensively by Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey and with multiple additional skilled craftsmen on both sides of the ball.
We do expect that the Niners will come in anything but shorthanded. But even so, there appears to be a considerable gap in talent — and experience — this year.
Kansas City, with Patrick Mahomes, is a sustained force to be reckoned with — probably for seasons to come. The Chiefs rose to the challenge on multiple occasions when it mattered most during the course of the regular season and hung in through the postseason.
After the divisional playoffs, the market made San Francisco the favorite, but as kickoff neared, concentrated, one-way money came steaming in on K.C. With such a large pool of cash, the favorite didn’t change— but the level of favoritism did.
Expect Kansas City to be ready when the opening whistle blows, getting a feel of the 49ers in the first quarter, then going in for the kill after they identify any key San Francisco weaknesses.
Both of these teams are really, really good — but the experience factor for the Chiefs is enormous. Barring multiple series injuries, expect K.C. to prevail, even without the points.
For those focused on the Super Bowl money line, the Chiefs are widely available in the +110 to +115 range. For those fancying San Francisco, the 49ers remain favored in the -125 to -130 range. Weather won’t be a factor under the translucent Allegiant Stadium roof, and we expect the total to go over the 47.5 points. But if the Chiefs get off to a big enough lead, there’s always the chance they could revert to a posture of extreme conservatism on their way to a second straight Lombardi Trophy.
Chiefs 30, 49ers 24. CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND: 1-1 SEASON: 110121-9