Travis Rosenau (Sports): This year’s Super Bowl matchup has already made several eyes roll across the nation, but it was one of the most likely matchups heading into the playoffs. Entering the postseason, I thought it would be Baltimore and Philadelphia in the Super Bowl, but it was hard to count Kansas City out. Now, the Chiefs are back in the Super Bowl and looking for the first three-peat in the Super Bowl era.

I believe the Eagles are truly the better team across the board. The closest matchup will be at the quarterback spot, seeing how Patrick Mahomes plays compared to Jalen Hurts. The Eagles should be Super Bowl 59 winners this year. With Saquon Barkley on the ground and the Eagles’ defense, which finished first overall in defensive rankings this season, that should be enough to have the edge over Mahomes and the Chiefs. But for some reason, maybe due to experience and familiarity, I see Kansas City completing the three-peat. With all the talk around Barkley, Hurts and Mahomes, I think Isiah Pacheco will play a big role for the Chiefs and will end up with the Super Bowl MVP.

Chiefs 32, Eagles 26.

Ari Selvey (Sports): As much as I want to be a contrarian and pick against my fellow Journal sports writers, I have learned to never bet against Mahomes. The product on the field is less entertaining than it has been in the past, and the Chiefs aren’t blowing anybody out this year, but that doesn’t make them any less effective at winning football games. Andy Reid has a 31-7 record when coming off of a bye week, and the only people to beat Mahomes in the playoffs are Tom Brady and Joe Burrow. I don’t think the Eagles have the clutch-time performers to deal with whatever dark magic the Chiefs have been using to win games this year. Patrick Mahomes will be the Super Bowl MVP.

Chiefs 24, Eagles 19.

Jim Bastian (Sports): Mahomes is the best quarterback in the NFL and the Chiefs do not make any pre- or post-snap penalties. Mahomes will lead the Chiefs past Barkley and the Eagles 28-21.

But people will still blame the refs.

Chiefs 28, Eagles 21.

Jeff Meder (Sports): I think I’ll go Kansas City by 3 points.

Grant Gibbons (Publisher): Eagles win 35-27. Saquon Barkley will break some big runs and Jalen Hurts will do just enough passing to carry the Eagles to victory. Patrick Mahomes’ magic will finally come to end as he throws an interception on the final drive of the game. Saquon Barkley will be named the MVP. 

Eagles 35, Chiefs 27.

Eagles 35, Chiefs 27.

Clay Schuldt (News): My prediction is the Chiefs will in fact win. I think they’re going to get that three-peat. The Chiefs have been really strong and it seems they have a dynasty going on. I’m no expert, but it just feels right.

Chiefs 24, Eagles 14.

Fritz Busch (News): Philadelphia will win — they’re hungry. It should be close. The Eagles have a better running back.

Eagles 23, Chiefs 20.