Who’s deeper: Chiefs or Eagles? The NFL’s biggest stars will shine on Sunday as the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.
Patrick Mahomes leads the Chiefs in their quest for a historic three-peat, while Jalen Hurts and the Eagles aim to redeem themselves after falling to Kansas City in Super Bowl LVII.
Both Mahomes and Hurts are standout quarterbacks in the NFL, but if one had to choose, who would be the preferred option under center?
Defensively, these teams boast the strongest units in the league, raising the question of which squad holds the upper hand.
To explore these questions, an ultimate Super Bowl starting lineup was crafted, combining the projected starters from both teams for offense and defense.
In forming this lineup, the focus was on assembling the best possible team, transcending past performances at various levels. Imagining the role of a general manager, the challenge was likened to facing off against the Monstars, with confidence in this loaded roster.
Offense
QB: Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs)
While Hurts had an impressive college career at Oklahoma, recording 3,851 passing yards, 1,298 rushing yards, and 53 total touchdowns, Mahomes’ performance stands out. He famously threw for 700 yards in a single game against Oklahoma, showcasing his exceptional talent.
RB: Saquon Barkley (Eagles)
Barkley has been a force on the field, averaging 1,900 yards from scrimmage and 21 touchdowns during his last two years at Penn State. His impact continued in the NFL, where he achieved 2,000 yards from scrimmage as both a rookie and a seasoned veteran.
Despite being on the verge of breaking Eric Dickerson’s long-standing rushing record, Barkley was held out of a game, showcasing the strategic decisions teams make regarding player health.
WRs: DeVonta Smith (Eagles), A.J. Brown (Eagles), Hollywood Brown (Chiefs), DeAndre Hopkins (Chiefs)
Smith, known as the Slim Reaper, dominated college football in 2020, amassing 117 catches for 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns, leading Alabama to a national championship. His accolades include two national titles and the prestigious Heisman Trophy.
TE: Travis Kelce (Chiefs)
Kelce is on a quest for his fourth Super Bowl victory, having earned seven All-Pro selections and ten Pro Bowl nods, establishing himself as the greatest postseason tight end in history.
OL: Creed Humphrey (Chiefs), Landon Dickerson (Eagles), Lane Johnson (Eagles), Joe Thuney (Chiefs), Jordan Mailata (Eagles)
Humphrey, Dickerson, and Thuney earned All-American honors in college, while Johnson has been recognized as an All-Pro multiple times, showcasing the strength of this offensive line.
Defense
DL: Chris Jones (Chiefs), Jordan Davis (Eagles), Jalen Carter (Eagles), Nolan Smith (Eagles)
Davis was touted as a potential Heisman finalist during his college days, and his performance continues to validate that claim. The Eagles’ defensive lineup is reminiscent of a recruiting showcase for Georgia’s Kirby Smart.
DB: Trent McDuffie (Chiefs), Cooper DeJean (Eagles), Justin Reid (Chiefs), Quinyon Mitchell (Eagles)
DeJean’s ability to match up against Kansas City’s top receiver is notable, showcasing his skill in high-pressure situations.
LB: Nakobe Dean (Eagles), Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (Eagles), Leo Chenal (Chiefs)
Before his injury, Dean had a standout season, recording 128 tackles and demonstrating his prowess as a leader on the field. His academic achievements, including graduating cum laude in mechanical engineering, highlight his dedication both on and off the field.
Dean’s journey from Horn Lake, Mississippi, to NFL stardom serves as an inspiring tale of determination and skill.
