The Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles played out one of the best Super Bowls in history earlier this year in Arizona. The AFC champions prevailed 38-35, thanks to a fourth-quarter comeback which was inspired by their quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Focus now turns into the 2023/24 campaign where all roads lead to the Super Bowl at the Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada. Here is a look at who could be playing that game in February 2024.
Defending Champions Have What It Takes to Replicate Success
In the five full seasons that Patrick Mahomes has played in the NFL, he has achieved more than most players do in their entire careers. The victory at Super Bowl LVII was the second Super Bowl ring that the QB had earned, and it’s unlikely to be his last.
See you in AZ, Chiefs Kingdom!! pic.twitter.com/v5Y24oB8dr
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) January 30, 2023
Mahomes played at an exceptional level last season, which is why he was named the NFL MVP for the regular season, as reported by the BBC. He threw for a career-high 5,250 passing yards, recorded 41 passing touchdowns, and his completion percentage was 67.1%.
The 27-year-old will already be preparing for more success in the league. What his side achieved in the Super Bowl will only motivate him to win more Vince Lombardi Trophies. He is already being compared to some of the all-times greats in US sports such as NBA stars Michael Jordan and Bill Russell.
It is not just the Chiefs quarterback which makes Kansas City one of the teams to beat again next season, their offense is very strong. In Travis Kelce, Juju Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, they have three players that Mahomes has full confidence throwing to.
One of the stars of last season for the Chiefs was running back Isiah Pacheco. In his rookie campaign, he led the team in rushing yards (830). He is now their number-one rusher, and he is backed up by the very capable Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Having versatility in their offense makes them a very dangerous team.
As of April 28, the Chiefs are the +500 favorites in the latest NFL odds with Betway. They are bidding to become the first team to defend their crown since the New England Patriots managed that feat in 2005.
Eagles Can Fly Through NFC To Book Second Super Bowl Appearance in Two Years
It was an excellent campaign for the Philadelphia Eagles last season, but just like the Philadelphia Phillies in the MLB, they had to settle for the runner-up sport. The NFC East champions were just minutes away from their first Super Bowl success since 2017. Everybody at the organization will be hoping they can go one step further next season.
The Eagles were the outstanding team in the NFC last year. They finished the regular season with a record of 14-3. Their first defeat of the season came in week 10 against NFC East rivals Washington Commanders.
A lot of Philadelphia’s success was down to their outstanding quarterback Jalen Hurts. He has been rewarded for that season by being given an improved contract with the franchise. The former University of Alabama and Oklahoma player is now the second highest-paid player in the NFL behind Lamar Jackson.
Hurts is a great example of what a modern-day QB can do in the NFL. He was just as dangerous with his feet as he was with his arm. He scored 13 rushing touchdowns and had 760 rushing yards in the 15 regular season games he started.
.@breadmanjalen by the numbers 👀 @PondLehocky | #NFLDraft | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/smjJx6dq4a
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) April 28, 2023
Philadelphia are a team that is just as strong on defense as they are on offense. Their defensive players should be able to dominate once again, getting Hurts back on the field. As CBS reported, they added defensive tackle Jalen Carter in the first round of the NFL Draft, and if the scouting reports on the player are correct, he could have an immediate impact in the NFL.
The Eagles are unfortunate to be in one of the strongest divisions in the NFL. Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants and Washington Commanders all rank as strong opposition that they will need to play twice. However, those matches will prepare them well for the playoffs. They look like the team to beat in the NFC again, so a second straight Super Bowl appearance looks likely.
The 2023/24 NFL season begins on the 7th of September with the NFL Kickoff game. The Chiefs will be in action at Arrowhead, and they will be hoping to make a winning start in front of their home supporters.
