Super Bowl LIV is just over 24 hours away and there is significant buzz in Miami. There are a lot of festivities which include concerts and fireworks. The Kansas City Chiefs still remain a 1.5 point favourite. Here are five reasons why you should choose the NFC champion and underdog, San Francisco 49ers.
5) Kyle Juszczyk has been a marvelous fullback–In an era of the NFL where the importance of the fullback position is not as significant as it once was, the 49ers have gone old school and made Kyle Juszczyk of Medina, Ohio an integral part of the offense. In analyzing the statistics of Juszczyk, you may not think he has a huge role on the team (239 receiving yards and seven rushing yards). You are wrong. Juszczyk has done a phenomenal job in the 49ers backfield this season in creating an opening for San Francisco’s outstanding rushing attack.
4) George Kittle is able to play through pain–One could argue that the 49ers and Chiefs have something similar because they have two of the best three tight ends in football. Kansas City has Travis Kelce and San Francisco has George Kittle of Madison, Wisconsin. Kittle was third in receiving yards this season among tight ends with 1053. He was only behind Kelce and Darren Waller of the Oakland Raiders. Last season Kittle led all tight ends in receiving yards with 1377. However heading into Sunday, Kittle will be playing despite a torn labrum in his right shoulder. If he is able to play through pain, Kittle should be a major target for 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
3) Richard Sherman is not slowing down–At age 31, Richard Sherman of Compton, California has had an excellent postseason. He is the only defensive player with two interceptions. He had one pick each in the 49ers playoff wins over the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers. Sherman now has 35 regular season interceptions and four postseason interceptions, in what should be a hall of fame career.
2) Jimmy Garoppolo has to be a strong game manager–Everyone knows the 49ers strength is their running game. In order for San Francisco to have a diversified offense in order to attack the Chiefs defense, Jimmy Garoppolo will need to be good enough. He may not reach 200 passing yards, but that is OK. What matters is that Garoppolo’s completion percentage is high (about 70%) and that he minimizes mistakes.
1) Raheem Mostert has another unbelievable game–There will be significant pressure for Raheem Mostert to perform at a high level with Tevon Coleman’s shoulder injury. Despite the fact Coleman has been practicing, the 49ers need Mostert to carry the load like he did against the Packers in the NFC Championship. Two weeks ago he shredded the Packers defensive line liked minced meat and had a remarkable 220 yards rushing and four touchdowns.
My take: The 49ers may say they are injury free, but we cannot ignore the ailments to Coleman and Kittle. The Chiefs have a more diversified offensive attack, slightly better defense and have more experience in the coaching position. Take Kansas City with confidence.
