Chiefs vs. 49ers picks: Writers predict Super Bowl LIV results

The K.C. Chiefs have finally made it to the Super Bowl and will take on the San Francisco 49ers. Our writers predict the Chiefs to hoist the Lombardi trophy.

After what seemed like the longest offseason in history, a regular season full of ups and downs, and two hard fought playoff wins, the Kansas City Chiefs have finally done it: they’ve made it to the Super Bowl LIV where they will be taking on the San Francisco 49ers.

In just his second year as starter, quarterback Patrick Mahomes has taken the Chiefs to the Super Bowl. This will be just the Chiefs third appearance in the Super Bowl in 54 years. Their first appearance was in the very first Super Bowl I against the Green Bay Packers, which they lost 35-10. Their next, and last appearance until now, was a historic 23-7 win against the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV.

Now, 50 years later, the Chiefs are back. And they’re back with a vengeance. A year ago, the Chiefs fell a game short of the Super Bowl, losing to the New England Patriots in overtime in the AFC Championship. This year, they wouldn’t let another heartbreaking loss keep them from the Super Bowl.

After clinching a first-round bye in Week 17, the Chiefs found themselves in the AFC Divisional game against the Houston Texans. They fell behind 24-0 early in the second quarter and it appeared like another disappointing end to the season. But then Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense took over, scoring 41 unanswered points and ultimately went on to win the game 51-31.

The Chiefs then went on to face running back Derrick Henry and the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Championship. Henry had been carving teams up in the playoffs and looked like a guy the Chiefs would have no way to stop. However, the Chiefs pulled off the impossible and held Henry to only 69 yards and 1 touchdown on 19 carries. Along with this effort, the Chiefs offense continued to click and led the Chiefs to a 35-24 win to claim a Super Bowl berth.

Now, after so much anticipation, the Chiefs are finally ready to play in the big game. Both teams will be entering the Super Bowl fully healthy and are ready to put on a show. Chiefs fans will finally get the opportunity to see their team in the Super Bowl after a 50-year drought.

Our writers believe the Chiefs will claim a victory and hoist the Lombardi trophy. Here’s what they have to say:

Drew Brooks: Chiefs 35, 49ers 34

This is it. The time has finally come to see the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. I think this game will be a shootout and an extremely exciting game. Ultimately, I think the Chiefs will come out on top by a narrow margin and bring the team its second Super Bowl win in franchise history.

Matt Conner: Chiefs 30, 49ers 28

It feels like destiny. It really does. It’s Andy Reid’s big game. It’s the chance for Mahomes to carry the torch. It’s the way this team has overcome so much in a single season to get here. Even matching up against such a similar opponent with Dee Ford on the opposing sidelines, it’s all too much. If I don’t pick the Chiefs here, then I’ll never pick ‘em.

Lyle Graversen: Chiefs 41, 49ers 30

This might just be the wishful thinking of a K.C. homer, but I think Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid’s offense go out and put on a show. I know the 49ers defense is good, but I think K.C.’s offense is better. San Francisco scores enough to keep it interesting, but the Chiefs win it all.

Jacob Harris: Chiefs 31, 49ers 21

I think the Chiefs take a lead by the half and mostly coast from there to a win. Confetti, parade, then do it again next year.

Jake Kokoris: Chiefs 34, 49ers 27

The connection of Reid-Mahomes-Kelce-Hill will dominate the stingy Niners defense. The stakes are at their highest, and Mahomes has shown time and time again he can meet the challenges of pressure. The defense will make a key play late, ultimately defeating Jimmy Garoppolo and the 49ers. On Sunday, the Chiefs become world champs.

Scott Loring: Chiefs 43, 49ers 24

Contrary to popular reports, Raheem Mostert WILL turn into a pumpkin, and Patrick Mahomes will not turn into a pumpkin. Chiefs continue their remarkable turnaround in the run game on defense. Chiefs leave zero doubts.

Jordan Mannix: Chiefs 34, 49ers 27

The Chiefs have arguably the better coaching staff, easily the better quarterback, and an equal level of talent in comparison to the 49ers. While the 49ers defense is tough, I’m not sure Robert Saleh has the mental acuity to outscheme Andy Reid and the most dynamic and creative quarterback in the league. That’s a really difficult proposition.

In comparison, I think Steve Spagnuolo will be able to do enough to slow down Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers rushing attack. He just ended the greatest run a running back has had in recent memory.  In the end, I think the 50-year drought will be over and the Chiefs will bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Kansas City.

Ellen Mathis: Chiefs 34, 49ers 30

This is such a great matchup. Two really fantastic teams, two great head coaches, two teams that are healthy heading in. That’s just what you want. I really hope this game brings tons of fireworks and amazing plays. There is one element of these two teams, however, that tips the scales in what is otherwise a very even matchup and that is Patrick Mahomes. He wants it. He wants that trophy for Andy Reid, and I believe he will get it. Chiefs win Super Bowl LIV.

Byron Smith: Chiefs 42, 49ers 14

San Francisco has gotten some lucky breaks: games against the worst teams in the league making up a majority of their schedule: a ref call that gave them home field advantage in their Week 17 game, two weak playoff opponents (Green Bay is the worst 13-3 team in history). The lucky breaks end here, with K.C. locked in and having had two weeks to prepare for one thing: beating the 49ers. Mahomes gets 4 touchdowns again in this one, 1 on the ground and 3 through the air. The final touchdown comes from Tyrann Mathieu, who will seal the fate of the Lombardi with a pick-six in the closing minutes.

Kelly Thompson: Chiefs 44, 49ers 27

Reid + Mahomes + Bye Week + Weapons are currently on an unstoppable pace. Andy Reid evolved in year 21 and he did so by waiting until the postseason to loosen the reigns on the playbook, and we’ll see play designs and formations on Sunday that we’ve never seen. I expect Mecole Hardman to play 40 percent of the offensive snaps; to see Hardman/Hill as a backfield tandem; and Mahomes continuing to pick up first downs with his legs. The 49ers are going to give Mahomes underneath routes—and he’ll happily take 8-12 yard gains on every play and march up and down the field at will. The pass rush is neutralized by speed, screens and slant routes. Spags takes away the run game and forces Jimmy G to beat them. Jimmy G fails the test. I’m taking the Chiefs.

Farzin Vousoughian: Chiefs 31, 49ers 24

A low-scoring game isn’t out of the question. But the true test will be on both offenses and which one is built to outlast the other defense. The Chiefs have been great at adjustments since the last time they lost. I can see Mahomes struggling against San Francisco’s defensive line. But Andy Reid will find a way around it. Chiefs will win, but it’ll be close down the stretch.

Thomas Welte: Chiefs 48, 49ers 24

The. Chiefs. Are. In. The. Superbowl. There’s a deep part of me that wants to be humble, or afraid, to call upon old post season failures. We’re all waiting to see if this is real, or just another heartbreaker to pin to the bulletin board. I’m putting that all behind though.