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Andy Smith makes 10 Bold Predictions for the Super Bowl. Expert analysis and bold predictions for the upcoming Super Bowl LIX.
No. 10: Saquon Barkley Breaks Single-Game Record
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has been the catalyst of the offense all season. During the regular season, he eclipsed 2,000 yards on the ground and was on pace to break Eric Dickerson’s record before sitting out in the final week.
In the playoffs, Barkley has returned to form, tallying 147.5 rushing yards per game. Expect him to rise up to the moment and break Timmy Smith’s single-game rushing record (204 yards).
No. 9: Jalen Hurts Breaks His Own Super Bowl Record
In Super Bowl LVII, Jalen Hurts tied James White’s previous record of scoring 20 points in a single game. During this game, Hurts punched in three scores and added a two-point conversion but fell short in losing to the Kansas City Chiefs.
During the NFL Title game, Hurts punched in three scores and saw three carries from within the five-yard line. If the Eagles reach the red zone often, expect Hurts to push them over the goal line. Hurts has the perfect opportunity to get some revenge and break a record.
No. 8: DeVonta Smith Leads The Eagles Passing Attack
DeVonta Smith has taken the backseat during the playoffs, but I expect him to play a role as the deep threat in the Philadelphia passing offense. During the first three rounds of the playoffs, the former first-round pick has caught four passes in each game with 40.3 yards per game.
However, he has made at least one catch for over 20 yards in two games. During the regular season, he made 14 catches for 20+ yards and four for 40+ yards. If this game becomes high-scoring, expect Smith to make an impact deep down the field.
No. 7: Will Shipley Makes An Impact
After not seeing an attempt during the Wild Card and Divisional Round, the rookie running back saw seven attempts during the final minutes of the NFC Title game. In this game, Shipley tallied 77 yards and a score on just four attempts.
During the regular season, Shipley ran the ball just 30 times for a mere 82 yards. While Saquon Barkley will see the vast majority of the attempts, Shipley could make an impact on a limited workload.
No. 6: Eagles Defense Leads The Way
The Philadelphia defense has been a bright spot for them all season. During the regular season, they allowed the fewest yards-per-game (278.4) and second-fewest points-per-game (17.8).
In the postseason, they held the Packers to just 10 points in the opening round and then held the Rams to 22 the following week. While the Commanders scored 23 points, they forced three fumbles, tallied three sacks, and an interception. Do not be surprised if the defense leads them to a victory once again.
No. 5: Travis Kelce Surpasses Jerry Rice's Postseason Yardage Record
Travis Kelce has always risen up to the occasion during the Kansas City Chiefs dynasty. While he was quiet in the AFC Title game, Kelce led the way in their second-round victory over the Houston Texans as he caught seven passes for 117 yards and a touchdown.
During each of his previous two Super Bowls, Kelce has tallied at least 80 yards. The 35-year-old needs 207 yards to break Jerry Rice’s postseason receiving record. While it is a tall task, the future Hall of Famer will step up in the spotlight to cap-off an incredible career.
No. 4: Xavier Worthy Scores Longest Play In Super Bowl History
After struggling to find consistent production during the regular season, Worthy has begun to find his footing late in the season. Over his past four games, Worthy has averaged 68.5 yards per game. Last weekend in their victory in the AFC Championship Game, Worthy tallied 85 yards and a score.
Jacoby Jones currently holds the record for the longest TD play (108 yards) in Super Bowl history. With Worthy’s elite speed, he could have a path to making Super Bowl history and set him up for a breakout sophomore season.
No. 3: DeAndre Hopkins Shines In Super Bowl Debut
The 32-year-old will be making his long-awaited Super Bowl debut this weekend. After playing on several unsuccessful teams, Hopkins has a chance to win his first Lombardi Trophy. Hopkins was traded to the Chiefs in the middle of the season and showed flashes of potential but has not seen consistent targets.
During the playoffs, Hopkins has caught just one pass for 11 yards. However, with the stakes this high, expect the former first-round pack to play an integral role in leading the Chiefs to their third-straight Super Bowl.
No. 2: Chiefs Win Three-Straight Super Bowls
Even after losing just two games in the regular season and having home-field during the AFC playoffs, many questioned the Chiefs roster and believed they could not return to the Super Bowl. However, they defeated the Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills to reach their third-straight Super Bowl.
The Chiefs could become the first franchise in NFL history to win three straight Lombardi Trophies. While they do not have an easy task and open as just -1.5 point favorites, do not be surprised when Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs take care of business and put their names in the record books.
No. 1: Super Bowl LIX Becomes Highest-Scoring Super Bowl
The highest-scoring Super Bowl was during the 1995 season (XXIX), when Steve Young and the San Francisco 49ers defeated the San Diego Chargers 49-26. The 2018 Super Bowl (LII) between the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles came close but fell just one point short, as the teams combined for 74 points.
With a high potent Philadelphia offense led by Saquon Barkley, Jalen Hurts, and A.J. Brown facing the Kansas City Chiefs featuring Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and budding star Xavier Worthy, this game has the potential to break that record.
