Super Bowl predictions: Chiefs or 49ers?

The Sun-Times’ experts offer their picks for Super Bowl LIV.

SHARE Super Bowl predictions: Chiefs or 49ers?
Quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Jimmy Garoppolo look at the Lombardi Trophy on Monday night.

Quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Jimmy Garoppolo look at the Lombardi Trophy on Monday night.

Michael Reaves/Getty Images

The Sun-Times’ experts offer their picks for Super Bowl LIV:

RICK MORRISSEY

Chiefs 35-31

Patrick Mahomes is too talented and too creative to be stopped, even by a good 49ers defense. This is going to be another rough day for Bears GM Ryan “Mitch is Our Quarterback’’ Pace. Season: 9-7.

RICK TELANDER

Chiefs 31-27

I think the 49ers are the better team, but the Chiefs are comeback artists, and they have a map for winning. Stop the 49ers running game, force Jimmy Garoppolo to throw a lot, but not to tight end George Kittle. Then let Mahomes do his freak thing. Season: 10-6.

PATRICK FINLEY

Chiefs 27-24 (OT)

The best part about this game is that some coach will find redemption: Andy Reid after a career of playoff disappointment, or Kyle Shanahan after blowing a 28-3 lead as the Falcons’ offensive coordinator. The worst part? Someone won’t. Give me the coach with more experience — and the better quarterback. Season: 12-4.

MARK POTASH

49ers 34-31

It’s tough to go against the best trump card in the NFL in Mahomes, but the 49ers have what it takes — outstanding offensive and defensive lines, a quality run game, a quarterback who isn’t afraid of the moment, and a head coach at the top of his game.. Season: 9-7.

JASON LIESER

Chiefs 27-17

Mighty as the 49ers are, there is no defense capable of containing Mahomes. He’ll hail a new era when he captures the Lombardi Trophy on Sunday, and the question will shift: How many of them will he claim in a career that’s still in its infancy? Season: 10-6.

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