Super Bowl LIX preview: Kansas City Chiefs vs Philadelphia Eagles

The wait is over.

Super Bowl LIX is set to bring fireworks as the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles prepare for an epic rematch on Sunday, 9 February 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. 

Not only is this a clash of two NFL powerhouses, but the game holds huge historical significance. The Chiefs are attempting to become the first team in NFL history to complete a three-peat, which has never been accomplished in the Super Bowl era. 

Check out the best UK bookmakers to claim free bets worth up to £850!

Meanwhile, the Eagles are seeking redemption after their heartbreaking 38-35 loss to Kansas City at Super Bowl 57. 

There's always plenty of quirky side bets to place on the Super Bowl every year off the field. And expect a battle filled with star-studded performances, high-stakes drama and star quality from some of the NFL’s best on the field too. 

Super Bowl LIX preview: Team form and season overview

Kansas City entered the 2024/25 season as defending champions and proved once again why they are the most dominant force in football. Finishing with a 15-2 record, the Chiefs secured the top seed in the AFC. 

Their road to the Super Bowl included a nail-biting 32-29 win over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship Game, where quarterback Patrick Mahomes orchestrated another game-winning drive in the final minutes.

Despite their continued success, the Chiefs faced offensive struggles throughout the season. They finished 22nd in red zone efficiency, an unusual weakness for a team led by Mahomes. However, their defence stepped up, ranking second overall in points conceded. 

The Chief’s ability to perform under pressure has been its defining trait, and with Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and head coach Andy Reid, they enter this matchup as slight favourites.

• Chiefs route to the Super Bowl - 23-14 vs Houston Texans (Divisional round), 32-29 vs Buffalo Bills (AFC Championship game)

The Eagles had one mission this season – get back to the Super Bowl and finish the job. They ended the regular season with a 14-3 record, earning the NFC's number two seed. 

Philly then steamrolled past the Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams, and Washington Commanders. Their most dominant performance came in the NFC Championship Game, with a 55-23 win over the Washington Commanders.

Philadelphia’s offensive line paved the way for a historic attacking performance against Washington, racking up seven rushing touchdowns. It was the most ever touchdowns scored in a conference title game since the 1970 merger. 

With the addition of Saquon Barkley in free agency, the Eagles’ rushing attack became even more dangerous. Top touchdown scorer in the post-season Barkley has complimented Jalen Hurts to form a serious dual-threat attack.

Defensively, Philadelphia finished the regular season with the least amount of yards conceded per game (278.4) and second in scoring defence (17.8 points per game). 

With revenge on their minds, the Eagles enter the Super Bowl with attacking and defensive confidence, knowing they have the talent and form to dethrone the Chiefs.

• Eagles route to the Super Bowl - 28-22 vs Los Angeles Rams (Divisional round), 55-23 vs Washington Commanders (NFC Championship game)

Key players to watch

Super Bowls are often decided by the standout performances of a few key players, and this matchup is no different. 

The Chiefs and the Eagles have a handful of stars who can impact the game’s outcome. Mahomes has dictated some of the NFL’s biggest moments, while Eagles sensation Barkley possesses game-changing explosiveness. These are just some of the names that could define Super Bowl LIX.

Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs, QB)

The face of the NFL, Mahomes continues to defy expectations with his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. He’s already 3-1 in Super Bowls, and another win would further cement his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks ever. 

Travis Kelce (Chiefs, TE)

Kelce remains Mahomes’ most reliable weapon, particularly in crucial moments. His ability to find soft spots in defences makes him a nightmare matchup, especially with the Eagles' secondary struggling at times against elite tight ends.

Jalen Hurts (Eagles, QB)

Hurts has developed into one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league. His ability to extend plays with his legs and make deep throws downfield makes him difficult to defend. If he can avoid costly turnovers, the Eagles will have a great chance to win.

Saquon Barkley (Eagles, RB)

Barkley was the Eagles’ biggest off-season acquisition, and he has lived up to expectations. His explosive running ability adds a new dimension to Philadelphia’s attack. Against a Chiefs defence that has struggled against inside zone runs (allowing 4.3 yards per play), all eyes will be on Barkley to break through the Kansas backline.

Winner tip: Who will win Super Bowl LIX?

This game is a near-perfect matchup on paper. The Chiefs have championship experience, elite coaching, and one of the greatest quarterbacks in history. 

The Eagles, however, have a stronger overall roster, an almost unshakeable defence, and a devastating rushing attack that could control the tempo.

Three of the last four Super Bowls have been won by the underdog, which will suit Philly. Additionally, in Super Bowl history, the team that lost the first head-to-head rematch has won the second encounter. This also bodes well for the Eagles.

One key factor will be Kansas City's offensive line. Mahomes was sacked a career-high 36 times this season. If the Eagles' pass rush can generate pressure early and force Mahomes into quick decisions, they could dictate the pace of the game.

Expect a back-and-forth battle, with both teams making big plays, but the Eagles come in with a slight edge in terms of form and physicality over the Chiefs. 

Our tip is to back Philly to avenge their Super Bowl 57 loss and win their first Vince Lombardi Trophy since 2017 (21/20 with Betway).

FIRST’s props and alternative tips

This clash of two NFL heavyweights leaves the door open for plenty of high-scoring and attacking play on Sunday. We are tipping the following prop bets between the Chiefs and the Eagles. 

• Over 49.5 total points - Philadelphia’s emphatic win over the Commanders in the Championship game showcased their readiness for more hefty points scoring at the Super Bowl. There was action aplenty when these sides clashed at Super Bowl 57, which ended with 73 total points and we are backing another big scorer, with over 48.5 points likely. (47/50 with Matchbook)

• Saquon Barkley anytime touchdown - Barkley is one of the in-form players heading into Super Bowl LIX and the Eagles running back has five post-season touchdowns. He also leads the table for most rushing yards (442) and it will take a lot for the Chiefs’ backline to stop the 27-year-old in New Orleans. (4/9 with Betway)

Odds correct at the time of writing.