The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for Super Bowl 58, facing off against the San Francisco 49ers. The highly anticipated event is scheduled for Sunday, February 11, at the Allegiant Stadium, the Raiders' home in Las Vegas, Nevada.
This marks the Chiefs' second consecutive appearance in the Super Bowl and their fourth in the last five seasons. Their impressive track record includes securing victory in last year's edition against the Philadelphia Eagles with a final score of 38-35.
Notably, this upcoming Super Bowl is also a rematch of Super Bowl LIV at the end of the 2019 season, where the Chiefs emerged triumphant over the 49ers with a score of 31-20.
The Chiefs have shown signs of vulnerability this season, concluding their campaign with an 11-6 record. While they secured the top position in the AFC West, their journey diverged from the previous season's remarkable 14-3 performance.
Unlike last year, they found themselves competing in the Wild Card round instead of enjoying a direct entry to the Divisional Round, wherein they won over the Miami Dolphins.
In their next postseason games, they were able to claim wins over the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round, as well as a huge AFC Championship Game victory in a highly anticipated match against MVP frontrunner Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.
3 problems that will doom Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 58
1. Wide receivers
The Chiefs' receiving corps hasn't performed up to par compared to their previous Super Bowl campaigns.
The offense has been inconsistent due to the decision to let go of JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman during the offseason.
Instead, they placed their trust in players like Justin Watson, Kadarius Toney, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Skyy Moore, and rookie Rashee Rice to form their wide receiver room. Notably, the Chiefs didn't actively pursue a high-level playmaker during the trade deadline.
2. San Francisco's rapid offense
The Chiefs can't let 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan use his smart play calls and unique formations to get around their strong defense.
Aside from quarterback Brock Purdy, the Niners also have two of the best offensive players in the game in running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receiver Deebo Samuel, whose creativity may threaten the Chiefs defense.
3. Some Chiefs key players are out
Three crucial players in the title game could be unavailable for the Chiefs in their showdown against the 49ers.
Wide receiver Kadarius Toney appears to have entered into a dispute with Chiefs management over a hip injury that kept him sidelined for six games. Aside from Toney, uncertainties surround the participation of running back Jerick McKinnon and guard Joe Thuney.
McKinnon, grappling with a groin injury, has been on injured reserve since December 24 and has not been able to participate in practice. Thuney sidelined due to a pectoral injury, was notably absent in the game against the Ravens.
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