Super Bowl LVIII preview: Key storylines, X-factors for 49ers-Chiefs showdown

Ralph Vacchiano

NFC East Reporter

Ben Arthur

AFC South Reporter

The Kansas City Chiefs have dominated the AFC in the 2020s. The San Francisco 49ers have been the most successful franchise in the NFC during this decade, too.

It’s only fitting they get to meet on the NFL’s biggest stage.

That will happen in Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas on Sunday, Feb. 11, after the Chiefs beat the Baltimore Ravens 17-10 in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday and the 49ers overcame a 17-point second-half deficit to defeat the Detroit Lions 34-31 in the NFC Championship Game. The 49ers will be looking for their first championship since the 1995 season. The Chiefs will be trying to win their third in the last five years.

And oh, by the way, the game is a rematch of the one played four years ago — Super Bowl LIV in Miami, when the Chiefs beat the 49ers 31-20 to win the first championship for quarterback Patrick Mahomes and coach Andy Reid.

How will this one go on the field at Allegiant Stadium? Here’s a first look from FOX Sports AFC South reporter Ben Arthur (covering the Chiefs) and NFC East reporter Ralph Vacchiano (covering the 49ers):

THE BIG STORY

Chiefs: The Chiefs are in the Super Bowl for the fourth time in five years, including back-to-back seasons, further cementing their dynasty. Despite an inconsistent offense throughout the 2023 season, one lacking the explosiveness and pizazz we’d grown accustomed to from the last several years, Kansas City has shown its championship pedigree this postseason. 

Before this year, the Chiefs hadn’t played in a true road playoff game in the Patrick Mahomes era. They’ve now won back-to-back to reach Super Bowl 58. —Arthur

49ers: It might be 29 years since the 49ers’ last championship, but they’ve been knocking on the door in recent years. They lost in the NFC title game each of the past two seasons, but this will be their second trip to the…


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Publish date : 2024-01-29 04:27:45

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