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Mike Fanelli gives his fantasy football bold predictions for Super Bowl LIX, giving fantasy players something to think about when setting their lineups.
Super Bowl LIX is here, and I’m back with my final edition of bold predictions for the year. This week’s list of bold predictions will include Patrick Mahomes, Saquon Barkley, and Travis Kelce.
Every week, I will provide some fun and bold predictions. While these bold predictions aren’t the most likely outcomes, they are things I believe could happen this week.
Let’s look at my three bold predictions for Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs.
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Patrick Mahomes…
has at least three passing touchdowns
Mahomes set the NFL on fire in his first year as the starter, throwing for over 5,000 yards and a league-high 50 touchdowns, leading to him winning his first MVP award. Unfortunately, the superstar’s passing numbers have declined lately after starting the hot start to his career.
The former Texas Tech star had an NFL-high 41 passing touchdowns in 2022. However, Mahomes has 53 passing touchdowns over the past two years, totaling 27 or fewer in both seasons. He averaged 1.6 passing touchdowns per game during the regular season, a career-low. Furthermore, Mahomes has only one passing touchdown in both playoff games.
However, the future Hall of Famer was outstanding in the Super Bowl LVII win against the Eagles. Mahomes had only 27 pass attempts and 182 yards in the matchup. Yet, he finished with three passing touchdowns, including one to Skyy Moore, despite the formation being wrong.
Wrong formation, no problem.
The Chiefs final TD wasn't how they drew it up 🤯#NFLTurningPoint pic.twitter.com/eUGXSeXpbq
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) February 16, 2023
Furthermore, the superstar quarterback has played well in the Super Bowl, totaling seven passing touchdowns in his three victories. Meanwhile, Philadelphia has surrendered only three passing touchdowns in their three playoff games. However, they have won by an average of 16.7 points per contest. Expect the Super Bowl matchup to be close and high-scoring, leading to a massive performance from Mahomes.
Saquon Barkley…
wins the Super Bowl MVP award
Unfortunately, Barkley likely won’t win the NFL’s regular season MVP award. Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen play the more important position and had outstanding years. However, the former Penn State superstar is the main reason why the Eagles are playing in the Super Bowl for the second time in the past three years after an unbelievable regular season.
While he didn’t get the chance to break Eric Dickerson’s rushing record, Barkley was far and away the top running back in the NFL this year. The superstar led the league in rushing attempts (345), yards (2,005), and yards per game (125.3) while finishing eighth in touchdowns (13). More importantly, he has stepped up his game during the playoffs.
Barkley has averaged 22 rushing attempts for 147.3 yards and 1.7 touchdowns per game in three playoff matchups, totaling at least 118 yards in every outing. Last week, the superstar destroyed the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game, finishing with 15 rushing attempts for 118 yards and a career-high three touchdowns, including on the first play for the offense.
SAQUON ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!
📺: #WASvsPHI on FOX
📱: Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/26534Ls9Mx— NFL (@NFL) January 26, 2025
Meanwhile, the Chiefs have struggled to stop opposing running backs during the playoffs. They gave up 13 rushing attempts for 85 yards and two touchdowns to James Cook last week. Furthermore, Kansas City surrendered 18 rushing attempts for 88 yards and a touchdown to Joe Mixon the week before. Barkley must have an MVP-worthy performance for Philadelphia to win the game.
Travis Kelce…
is the top receiver in the game
Kelce has been the top tight end in the NFL for most of his career. However, he has shown signs of slowing down over the past few years. The future Hall of Famer had over 1,000 receiving yards every season from 2016 through 2022. Unfortunately, Kelce had a career-low 823 receiving yards during the 2024 regular season.
Furthermore, his three receiving touchdowns were the lowest of his career despite the Chiefs missing Rashee Rice for most of the year. Yet, the superstar has stepped up his game during the playoffs for the second consecutive season. Kelce averaged eight receptions on 9.3 targets for 88.8 receiving yards and 0.8 touchdowns per game during last year’s playoffs.
While he had a quiet performance in the AFC Championship Game win over the Buffalo Bills, the veteran dominated in the team’s first playoff game this year, totaling seven receptions on eight targets for 117 receiving yards and a touchdown against the Houston Texans. More importantly, Kelce played well the last time he faced the Eagles in the Super Bowl.
The future Hall of Famer caught all six targets for 81 receiving yards and a touchdown in Super Bowl LVII. Meanwhile, Philadelphia has surrendered 18 receptions for 158 receiving yards and a touchdown to Zach Ertz and Tyler Higbee over the past two weeks. Expect Kelce to have a massive performance in what could be the final game of his career.
Travis Kelce touchdown @ Super Bowl LVII (2023) 🏹#WPMOYChallenge pic.twitter.com/258t9j1OAi
— 87KillaTrav (@87KillaT) January 4, 2025
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