You have to give Mahomes his due. This year’s edition of the Kansas City Chiefs lacked Tyreek Hill, and they struggled for much of the year to find receivers who could actually catch the ball. Rashee Rice definitely emerged but even Kelce was dropping passes for much of the season.

The Chiefs did little for much of the first half and while SF dominated, they did not put the game away or build a big enough lead. The Niners also did nothing in the 3rd quarter – literally. Frankly, not the most exciting game but it was close throughout and we did get an overtime which is unusual for a Super Bowl.

Watching Mahomes, one of his greatest assets is knowing when to take off with the ball. He is certainly fast enough and is masterful at picking his spots. Late in the game and in OT, he made some very good decisions to pick up big yards.

A bad night for the Niners special teams with the blocked extra point and the big fumble on the punt which hit the foot of one of their players. It will be interesting to see what happens to SF now as they lost in the Conference championship last year and now the Super Bowl. Few teams are able to keep the pieces together to make it all the way back for 3 straight years. The window may close for them although they certainly have key pieces on offense that are young enough. The salary cap will tell the story in the end.

SU was off as always on its prediction although we had good intentions. Props to long-time subscriber, M. Levine, for putting his score out there.

Comment on sports viewing for Super Bowl Sunday. It is a sign of the rising popularity of women’s sports that FOX had the Iowa-Nebraska college hoops game on to showcase Caitlin Clark, and ESPN had UConn vs. South Carolina. Btw, South Carolina is a powerhouse team – what a collection of All-Americans.

SU is not a Tony Romo fan – not anymore. Just too enamored with himself making predictions that he hopes come true or imploring coaches to go for it on 4th down deep in their own territory. And enough of the talk about “leverage.” What is that exactly?

It is an annual Super Bowl tradition for SU to inaccurately predict the outcome for the big game. SU is proud to say that I have not read any of the pre-game shows/podcasts/articles but I did watch a A LOT of NFL football this season following our under-performing fantasy football team (note to readers: do not select Stefan Diggs anymore for your fantasy team). It is that time.

Prediction: SF 31 – 27 over the Chiefs.

I do see that many are on the Kansas City bandwagon and it is hard to predict against Patrick Mahomes. Btw, why all the hate towards the Chiefs and Mahomes? And I am not referencing the MAGA crowd and their obsession with Taylor Swift. Is it that Kansas City is always in the Super Bowl and a desire for something different? Too many Travis Kelce commercials?

For SU, Kansas City really struggled for much of the year. True, they are playing a lot better of late, and their defense has been very good down the stretch and in the playoffs. Mahomes has won with far fewer weapons on offense, and is a master of buying extra time in the pocket. I think Christian McCaffrey is a difference maker for the Niners, and will actually be the game’s MVP. He should be fresh with the bye week and see an extra workload both running and receiving.

SF’s defense looked pretty pedestrian last game vs. the Lions, and you have to figure they have made some adjustments there. The Niners have a rookie kicker in Jake Moody, and I don’t think they will rely on him much in this game, i.e., they will go for it on 4th down and short more often than not. Feels like this game will be close throughout and will come down to the final possession which for SU has the Niners stopping Mahomes on the game’s last drive to hold on to a small lead.

As always, the floor is open for anyone to insert their prediction in the Comments section, and be eligible for the SU logoed umbrella and key chain. Your chance to gain the admiration of thousands with your correct prediction!

SU is firmly on the Knicks’ bandwagon this year after an absence spanning many, many years (thank you Isiah Thomas, Stephan Marbury and Carmelo for that). This is a likeable team that plays very hard at both ends, has a true superstar in Jalen Brunson and now has the pieces, if and when healthy, to make a deep run in the playoffs. New York will totally embrace this team in May if they can get to the Conference finals.

Finally, stumbled across this on the ATP Men’s Tennis Tour. Just 5 minutes but amusing: https://twitter.com/atptour/status/1755275229633384956

SU will withhold any Yankees’ commentary as we near the date where pitchers and catchers report. That’s because they have not done anything of late to supplement the pitching staff, and I will not get excited over the 2024 team going into this season with this roster. Can’t do it. 90 – 72 is the likely landing spot and early golf tee times for the players come October.

So, enjoy the game and let’s hear from you!