Super Bowl LIX: Staff Predictions

Published: Saturday, February 8, 2025

by WSOU Sports Staff

Super Bowl LIX is set to kick off in New Orleans on Sunday evening. To celebrate the pinnacle of the 2024 NFL season, our staff here at WSOU Sports has made predictions for who they believe will take home the Lombardi Trophy when the clock runs out at Caesars Superdome:

Spencer Gonzales, Station Manager

Another year, another appearance by America’s new favorite villains—the Kansas City Chiefs. This time, it's a rematch with the Philadelphia Eagles, who arguably have a stronger roster than in 2023 with the addition of Saquon Barkley. Philly's success in the big game will hinge on Barkley. If the newly crowned Offensive Player of the Year runs wild against KC's stingy defense, the Eagles will have a great shot at hoisting another Lombardi Trophy. But no one knows how to win the big game better than Patrick Mahomes. If he has even a sliver of hope and the ball in his hands, it's almost inevitable that he'll find a way to win. Mahomes has worked his magic to perfection over the past two years, but this time, it won't be enough. The Eagles will find a way to put the game just out of reach in the final four minutes, securing a win over the league’s newest dynasty.

Spencer's Prediction: Eagles 33, Chiefs 23

Joe Morales, Sports Director

It's time to start the conversation: Is Patrick Mahomes better than Tom Brady? Yes, I said it. Mahomes has now reached seven straight AFC Championship games, winning five. That's greatness. That said, the Philadelphia Eagles have held their playoff opponents to just 18 points per game. If any team can stop this dynasty from growing, it's the Eagles—and they're out for revenge after their Super Bowl 57 loss to Kansas City. Still, no one has been able to stop Mahomes and the Chiefs in the postseason since January 30, 2022. Until that changes, I'm picking Kansas City.

Joe's Prediction: Chiefs 28, Eagles 24

Jack Pine, Assistant Sports Director/Sports Web Editor

It's a rematch of one of the most thrilling Super Bowls ever. Kansas City won last time in an offensive shootout, but their approach this season is different—rely on defense and let Mahomes do just enough to secure the win. Philadelphia has experienced an offensive resurgence, fueled by Saquon Barkley's 2,000-yard season. After last year's disappointing finish, the Eagles are a team on a mission, dropping 55 points in the NFC Championship. If this turns into a track meet in New Orleans, Philly will have the advantage. Kansas City's ability to keep up is questionable, considering they only surpassed 30 points for the first time all season in the AFC Championship. If Philly's defense forces turnovers as usual, it’s game over. Kansas City's defense may keep it close, but I believe Mahomes and Kelce's devil magic will run out in the Superdome.

Jack’s Prediction: Eagles 31, Chiefs 24

Patrick Corsello, Assistant Music Director

As a New York Giants fan, picking the Eagles to win the Super Bowl goes against my morals—so I have to go with the Kansas City Chiefs. I expect a high-scoring game, given how their first matchup went in Super Bowl LVII. Philadelphia has several key weapons Kansas City will need to contain, but if the Chiefs play solid defense, I believe they can score enough to win.

Patrick's Prediction: Chiefs 27, Eagles 24

AJ Rayer

The big game on Sunday comes down to one player, Saquon Barkley. I believe if the Eagles and OC Kellen Moore can establish the run game during their first few drives, it will open up opportunities for Jalen Hurts to take shots down the field to his favorite targets Devonta Smith, AJ Brown, and Dallas Goedert. For Kansas City, going up against this disruptive Philadelphia defensive line will be a challenge that they have not seen in the playoffs so far. I would expect Patrick Mahomes to be blitzed often, be forced to roll out of the pocket and extend plays down the field, and use his legs to pick up first downs. Despite thinking the Eagles have the matchup advantage both offensively and defensively, I do think this game will come down to the final moments. It may be one of those games where whoever has the ball last ends up winning. Turnovers will be crucial; both offenses are experienced, and any extra possessions may be the difference in the game. These games are always impossible to predict, but I believe the Eagles have the better overall team and will win their second Super Bowl. 

AJ's Prediction: Eagles 38, Chiefs 35

Chris Heite

Well, it's the Super Bowl nobody wanted: the Chiefs vs. the Eagles. These are the two teams no casual NFL fan was rooting for in the playoffs. As for the game itself, it could go either way—both Philly and Kansas City have strong squads. My pick, however, is the Eagles. While the Chiefs may seem unstoppable right now, I believe Saquon Barkley can lead the Birds to victory. After a sensational season and an MVP-level postseason, Barkley's performance will be crucial for a Philly win. Is Jalen Hurts better than Patrick Mahomes? Absolutely not. But I do expect a close, back-and-forth battle between these powerhouse teams. Many will pick the Chiefs, but given the storybook nature of their season, I'm taking the Eagles.

Chris' Prediction: Eagles 35, Chiefs 28

Jacob Nieczypor

I believe the game will go a lot like it did a few years ago. Philly will start out hot on offense and jump to an early lead by halftime. Coming out of the break, I think the Chiefs look like the Chiefs we all know and play the better second half. The Chiefs will complete the comeback and complete the first three-peat in NFL history.

Jacob's Prediction: Chiefs 34, Eagles 31

Jacob Glick

The Chiefs and Eagles are set to face off in the Super Bowl for the second time in three years. The Eagles are aiming for the first three-peat in the Super Bowl era, while the Chiefs seek revenge after their loss in Super Bowl 57. Kansas City ranks ninth in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game, making it tough to stop Saquon Barkley. However, if they can limit big plays on the ground and force the Eagles to lean heavily on their passing game, the Chiefs have a solid chance of winning. The Eagles have allowed 245.7 passing yards per game in the playoffs, a sharp drop from their league-best 174.2 during the regular season. With Kansas City's top-tier offensive line and Patrick Mahomes at the helm, the Eagles' pass defense faces a daunting challenge. Lastly, I wouldn’t bet against the Chiefs. With Mahomes, Andy Reid, and an experienced roster, they've proven they can thrive on football's biggest stage—and there's no reason to think they can't do it again.

Jacob's Prediction: Chiefs 27, Eagles 20

Darren Worrell

While I'm not a fan of the Chiefs or Patrick Mahomes, everything seems to favor them in this Super Bowl. As a bitter Giants fan, I just don't want to see Saquon win after leaving. I predict the Chiefs will win with a late touchdown from Mahomes to Kelce. Mahomes will be named Super Bowl MVP for the fourth time.

Darren's Prediction: Chiefs 31, Eagles 27

Kyle Ferreira

As a Ravens fan, this was not the Super Bowl I wanted, but here we are. The Chiefs have really become the new-age New England Patriots, but I just have to admire greatness right now. Patrick Mahomes might win his fourth Super Bowl before turning 30, which is incredible. However, watching the Eagles and finally seeing Saquon Barkley succeed like he did at Penn State is still a beautiful thing to watch. Plus, the Eagles winning the Super Bowl would probably keep Giants fans up at night. My heart wants me to go with the Eagles, but my mind says the Chiefs will make history.

Kyle's Prediction: Chiefs 24, Eagles 21

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