Why you should watch Super Bowl LIV

Super Bowl LIV is shaping up as one of the best, most interesting matchups in recent memory. Unlike some seasons, where the point spread suggests that a blowout is in the offing, this year most sports books have a line closer to a pick-em’ than anything. Here are a few of the best reasons to watch this year’s Super Bowl.

It’s a classic styles clash
Shootouts can be fun to watch, as no lead is safe, and a dramatic comeback is always possible. The same is true for defensive struggles, where points are at a premium and every score, even a field goal, carries with it significant weight. Indeed, the last two Super Bowls gave us an example of each, with the Patriots losing a back-and-forth battle with the Eagles that set multiple offensive records, then grinding past the Rams in the lowest-scoring Super Bowl in history. Nothing is as fun or as compelling, however, as a matchup between teams whose strengths will go head-to-head. Patrick Mahomes is peaking at the right time, and the Chiefs’ offense looks terrifying, but San Francisco’s secondary was historically great for most of the season, and Nick Bosa anchors a fearsome pass rush that has been the bane of opposing quarterbacks all year. How good was San Francisco against the pass? They allowed the fewest yards and net yards per attempt in the league. Enough said.

San Francisco wants to run the ball, and Kyle Shanahan loves taking advantage of mismatches, and using his knowledge of opposing defensive coordinators’ tendencies to create favorable situations, but Kansas City’s run defense is a different animal with a healthy Chris Jones anchoring the middle. Jones is a one-man wrecking crew, and since the Titans shredded them for 225 rushing yards in Week 10, the Chiefs have held five of eight opponents under 100 yards rushing, including Tennessee in their AFC Championship Game battle. Additionally, the Chiefs have Tyrann Mathieu, a unique talent equally adept at taking away passing lanes and disrupting potential big plays in the running game with his quickness and ability to take the right angle.

It doesn’t involve the Patriots
Before New England fans do what they do best – that is, take any perceived slight against them or their team and throw a fit about it – this statement is much more a commentary on Tom Brady and Bill Belichick’s unprecedented dominance than it is anything else. The Pats played in five Super Bowls in the 2010s, including three straight to end the decade, and four of the last five overall. Yes, New England’s presence gives neutral observers around the country a rooting interest – the other team – and television ratings are no doubt helped by the prospect of seeing the Pats lose, but fresh blood in the game is a good thing for the league.

Patrick Mahomes
The best player in the league deserves to be on the biggest stage. It happened in last year’s Super Bowl, except it was Aaron Donald, and as brilliant as he is, he’s still a defensive tackle and can be game-planned away from, which is what the Patriots did. Mahomes will touch the ball between 60-75 times in this game, and is the kind of player, with the kind of unique skill set and style, who captivates casual fans and wows lifelong football junkies at the same time. There is no throw he can’t make, no throw he won’t attempt, and now that his knee is healthy, he’s a threat to break free and run at any time. If he wins, those watching will see a coronation of the game’s next great quarterback.

Storybook material
Raheem Mostert, Matt Breida, K’Waun Williams, Kendrick Bourne, Damien Williams, Daniel Sorensen, and Charvarius Ward are just some of the notable undrafted free agents who will impact this game. There is nothing that television producers and casual fans like more than a great player emerging from the ranks of the overlooked, and there is the distinct possibility that the game’s MVP emerges from this group. Pro tip: study up on each player’s collegiate history, and wow the crowd at whatever Super Bowl party you attend by nonchalantly rattling off Mostert’s impressive statistics at Purdue.

These are the two best teams
It doesn’t always work that way. And before you say, “well they won the games to get this far, they must be the best,” please consider that upsets do happen in the playoffs, and teams like the 1994 San Diego Chargers stumble into the proceedings. It is abundantly clear that the Chiefs and 49ers are the class of the NFL, and that whichever team comes out on top will be a deserving, legitimate champion. Really, what more can you ask for?