Super Bowl 55 Predictions

Who wins SB 55?

  • Kansas City

    Votes: 77 49.0%
  • Tampa Bay

    Votes: 80 51.0%

  • Total voters
    157

RedOctober3829

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Who ya got? Vote KC or TB in the poll and add in your final score, MVP, and anything else you want to predict that happens during the game.

Mine is Tampa Bay 31, Kansas City 27
MVP: Tom Brady
KC gets out to an early lead, but Brady leads the Bucs back in the 2nd half and the Bucs defense stops KC from scoring the winning TD late in the game. Brady gets his 7th title.
 

Marbleheader

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I want TB to win, but objectively I think the Chiefs are going to win comfortably. KC 27- TB 17.
 

Willie Clay's Big Play

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Bucs win 34-31
TB gets an early lead. Chiefs storm back late 3rd/early 4th quarter. Chiefs o-line can’t hold up into the 4th. Bucs FG gives them the lead late and Chiefs stall on their final possession.
Super bowl mvp - Brady.
 

CantKeepmedown

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I've been worried that KC might blow them out. Even though everything indicates that they won't. I was surprised to see that prior to the AFCC, the Chiefs hadn't beaten a team by more than 6 since week 8. Add in their gimpy OL and TB's good/great D, and that should be recipe for a TB win.

I hope Arians is smart enough to come up with a game plan that will slow down one of Tyreke or Kelce. And that TB LB's can get to Mahomes early and often.

Heart says TB. Head says KC. 34-31
 

ShaneTrot

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I live near KC, so you can imagine the BS I have to put up with being a Pats fan. You would think Andy Reid invented football listening to these nitwits. But Mahomes is otherworldly. He just makes all the throws and runs just enough to kill you. I love Brady and will be rooting for him but the Chiefs are just too good. Chiefs 36-TB 24.
 

Cornboy14

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I feel the only way Tampa can win is if they have a 2007/11 Giants level performance by the DLine. I like Tampa's secondary, but I don't think they have the speed to deal with the Chiefs WRs, and if they play zone then Kelce will do what Kelce did against the Bills.

Reid is a huge advantage over Arians - he's going to scheme guys like Clyde Edwards-Helaire some big touches. I can't see Fournette/Jones impacting the passing game that well on the Bucs side. Edited to add - David and White have been terrible in coverage. KC will pick on that, and while KC's LBs are similarly terrible in coverage, the Bucs can't take similar advantage.

Mahomes is the new apex predator, I think they go for a 3-peat next season.
 

OurF'ingCity

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Voted KC, though I certainly hope I’m wrong. I just don’t see TB’s defense as being good enough to significantly slow down KC’s offense which means Tampa is going to have to play more or less flawless on offense and probably benefit from a fluky turnover or two.

Which is certainly possible, but is a less-likely outcome. Super Bowls always seem to start off slow in terms of scoring so I’m going to go with 31-24 KC as my official prediction.
 

Traut

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Last back to back Super Bowl winners - Patriots in 2004 and 2005. Why? Because winning back to back Super Bowls is nearly impossible. Vegas has the Chiefs favored by 3. Logically, that makes a lot of sense. They are the better team. They have beaten Tampa already this year (by 3 at home).

I'm taking Tom Brady at home seeing a defense for the second time this year. He gets ring number 7. I would never bet against him in the Super Bowl and I won't start now.

Bucs by a touchdown in a close game.

MVP: Brady
 

brandonchristensen

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Rooting for the Bucs. Definitely has a Rams/Pats feel to it. The Chiefs should probably win...but I'm all for Tom doing it once again.
 

Cotillion

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I want TB to win, but objectively I think the Chiefs are going to win comfortably. KC 27- TB 17.
I am here but I see it more high scoring where the Chiefs are kept in check for a half or so then they just explode like they can and win it. 38 to 32 or something like that.
 

rodderick

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I was all in on the Chiefs but the more I think about it the more I'm starting to buy that the Tampa DL could present some problems, especially with Vea back and after an extra week of rest.
 

axx

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Every SB Brady's played in has been really close. I like KC a lot but the final score might be tight.

The extra week Mahomes got is huge I think.
 

wiffleballhero

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I don't think KCs D is good enough. TB has, by my all but meaningless eye test, played increasingly solid defense over the last handful of weeks. Jamel Dean is probably fast enough to stick with Hill. He didn't play in their earlier match-up, apparently. I think TB wins this 37-34, but is also up 10 with under 5 to go. Brady's final drive is just to burn clock and preserve the 3pts lead to take a knee.
 

BaseballJones

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Hill killed them last time. So did Mahomes. And yet...KC "only" scored 27 points. That was in the midst of the worst stretch of football by Tampa all season as well. Tampa's offense is ranked #3 in scoring and #7 in yards. KC's is ranked #6 in scoring and #1 in yards. On defense, Tampa is ranked #8 in points and #6 in yards. KC, meanwhile, is just #10 in scoring and #16 in yards.

Points for:
- TB: 30.8
- KC: 29.6

Points allowed:
- TB: 22.2
- KC: 22.6

So by these measures, Tampa has both a better offense and defense. Now I think the offense thing is a bit of a mirage, because KC's got the most explosive offense in football, IMO. But still...if any team can compete with them in a shootout, it's Tampa with Brady and all their weapons.

I think KC is rightfully favored, though, and when everything is put together (coaching, intangibles, etc.), KC probably wins. But this is Tom Brady, and I think he has one more magic ride in him.

Tampa Bay 34, Kansas City 31 in one of the best Super Bowls ever
MVP: Tom Brady
 

BigSoxFan

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I see KC getting out to comfortable lead, Brady bringing them back, but ultimately falling short. Basically, a replay of the first game. When I think of which team is more likely to make that late crucial mistake that impacts the final outcome, I feel like that is far more likely to be Tampa. I just hope it's not TB12 so I don't get sad with all the memes that result. I also don't think the entire league has been able to figure out the Mahomes/Kelce/Hill trio since BB in 2018 and can't pick against KC until I see that happen. Tampa's defense is talented enough to force some turnovers. They are going to need to.
 

Kenny F'ing Powers

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Nov 17, 2010
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Heart says Brady. But Arians isnt BB. His D is going to get burned consistently and never know how to adjust.

Think Bradys about to see what it's like to not have the greatest coach of all time in the biggest moment. Which SUCKS.

34 - 24 KC
 

SoxJox

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If TB's OL can provide protection, I have to think the corps of Godwin, Evans, Tyler Johnson give TB a decided edge. Plus Brown and surprisingly less-used Gronk.

TB 37
KC 34
MVP: Chris Godwin

An environmental factor: According to the most recent weather forecasts, the chance of rain on game day is sitting at roughly 70% and the chance of rain at kickoff is sitting at 45%.

The special teams (i.e., kicker) factor:

According to CBS:

On Kansas City's end, Butker hit just 88.9% (48 of 54) of his extra points this season, which was the third-worst number in the NFL. Butker's percentage was even worse on the road as he hit just 86.2% (25 of 29) of his extra points. For the Buccaneers, Succop wasn't much better as he hit just 91.2% (52 of 57) of his extra points. Succop and Butker combined to missed 11 extra points, which is an incredibly high number when you consider that the TEN best extra point kickers this season also combined to miss 11.

In the four Super Bowls that have been held in Tampa, kickers have made just 75% of their kicks (9 of 12) with the misses coming from 41, 44 and 47.

Also, it's probably worth mentioning that Tampa is basically a kickers' graveyard. The Buccaneers have been churning through kickers over the years and one reason might be due to the fact that Tampa is a tough place to kick. Not only is it rainy, but it can also be windy and that wind usually only blows one way, which means a kicker has to deal with it for at least two quarters per game.

In the 2020 season, NFL kickers managed to hit just 77.8% of their kicks at Raymond James Stadium and that's only because Succop went 11 of 12 at home. If you take the home kicker out, opposing kickers were only able to convert 66.7% of their field goals (10 of 15) in Tampa. Even worse, home kickers only converted 50% of their kicks (5 of 10) from 30 yards or longer and they were just 1 of 5 from that beyond that magical 43-yard mark.
 

tims4wins

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Hill killed them last time. So did Mahomes. And yet...KC "only" scored 27 points. That was in the midst of the worst stretch of football by Tampa all season as well. Tampa's offense is ranked #3 in scoring and #7 in yards. KC's is ranked #6 in scoring and #1 in yards. On defense, Tampa is ranked #8 in points and #6 in yards. KC, meanwhile, is just #10 in scoring and #16 in yards.

Points for:
- TB: 30.8
- KC: 29.6

Points allowed:
- TB: 22.2
- KC: 22.6

So by these measures, Tampa has both a better offense and defense. Now I think the offense thing is a bit of a mirage, because KC's got the most explosive offense in football, IMO. But still...if any team can compete with them in a shootout, it's Tampa with Brady and all their weapons.

I think KC is rightfully favored, though, and when everything is put together (coaching, intangibles, etc.), KC probably wins. But this is Tom Brady, and I think he has one more magic ride in him.

Tampa Bay 34, Kansas City 31 in one of the best Super Bowls ever
MVP: Tom Brady
27 points, but they scored all 27 on their first 6 drives: FG, punt, TD, TD, fumble, FG, TD... they only had 10 drives total, and the last drive of the game took over 4 minutes and killed the clock. The drive before that took up over 6 minutes of clock time - they got the ball up 27-17 with 12:44 left in the game, killed over 6 minutes, Tampa scored in 2 minutes, then the Chiefs killed the clock. So their last two drives were a combined 17 plays, 10:33, and effectively ended the game, even if there were no points scored. Basically the Bucs D had one good stretch, back to back 3 and outs in the mid-late 3rd quarter.
 

tims4wins

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I wonder if Brady will ever play in a "normal" Super Bowl. All 9 games have been weird IMO. Has he scored a first quarter point or TD yet? I can't remember.
 

cshea

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I believe Brady has never scored a first quarter point in the Super Bowl.

Edit: I was wrong, they got a FG in the first quarter in Eagles 2
 

cshea

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As for this game, I'm pulling for the Bucs but I think the Chiefs win. maybe 31-24 or thereabouts.

I think a key for Tampa is getting out to an early lead. If they win the coin toss, they should take the ball. Not sure Arians will do that though. It's virtually impossible to chase down the Chiefs once they get ahead. Asking your defense to make multiple stops in a row to get back into or take a lead is very, very difficult against that offense. The Bucs DL needs to get after Mahomes like they did with Rodgers. Try and get him to get rid of it quick, even if it's deep ball after deep ball.
 

NJ_Sox_Fan

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I think that TB D Line could give Mahomes some trouble.

That being said, I see this as either KC in a complete blowout, or TB winning a close one. Hoping for #2, and #7 for #12
 

tims4wins

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As for this game, I'm pulling for the Bucs but I think the Chiefs win. maybe 31-24 or thereabouts.

I think a key for Tampa is getting out to an early lead. If they win the coin toss, they should take the ball. Not sure Arians will do that though. It's virtually impossible to chase down the Chiefs once they get ahead. Asking your defense to make multiple stops in a row to get back into or take a lead is very, very difficult against that offense. The Bucs DL needs to get after Mahomes like they did with Rodgers. Try and get him to get rid of it quick, even if it's deep ball after deep ball.
I could see Arians taking the ball if they win the toss, actually. I think that's a good idea.
 

BornToRun

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38-34 Tampa

MVP: TB12, 31-42 325 yards 3 TD

Tampa goes ahead on a long scoring drive with about 3 minutes left, finishing up with a goal line TD run from Fournette. Chiefs are going for the win on the final drive when Mahomes is pressured into a game sealing pick to one of Tampa’s safeties.
 

SamCassellsStones

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Feb 8, 2017
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Jason Pierre Paul gets to Mahomes a couple times, joining Frodo Baggins in “people with 9 fingers who pulled off unexpected upsets” lore.

Unexpected thunderstorm; Tyreek Hill and Antonio Brown are both struck by lightning in karmic retribution for being shitty people.

Lets go 24-23 Bucs, me hearties!
 

BaseballJones

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27 points, but they scored all 27 on their first 6 drives: FG, punt, TD, TD, fumble, FG, TD... they only had 10 drives total, and the last drive of the game took over 4 minutes and killed the clock. The drive before that took up over 6 minutes of clock time - they got the ball up 27-17 with 12:44 left in the game, killed over 6 minutes, Tampa scored in 2 minutes, then the Chiefs killed the clock. So their last two drives were a combined 17 plays, 10:33, and effectively ended the game, even if there were no points scored. Basically the Bucs D had one good stretch, back to back 3 and outs in the mid-late 3rd quarter.
Right in only 10 drives. Tampa's offense could really help their defense in this game. In fact...they're probably going to need to. Here was KC's starting point for each drive:

KC 25
KC 22
KC 10
KC 22
KC 25
KC 25
KC 11
KC 35
KC 25
KC 25

AVG: KC 22.5

So they had bad field position most of the day. So KC routinely had to drive the length of the field, which took time. And Tampa had two turnovers, but they were on the KC 11 and the KC 13 (which got returned 22 yards to the KC 35 for KC's best starting field position of the game). So while KC had a turnover in the Red Zone, Tampa gave up points on two occasions on turnovers deep in KC territory as well. But the point is that the offense can help the defense, and they'll need to on Sunday.
 

tims4wins

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Right in only 10 drives. Tampa's offense could really help their defense in this game. In fact...they're probably going to need to. Here was KC's starting point for each drive:

KC 25
KC 22
KC 10
KC 22
KC 25
KC 25
KC 11
KC 35
KC 25
KC 25

AVG: KC 22.5

So they had bad field position most of the day. So KC routinely had to drive the length of the field, which took time. And Tampa had two turnovers, but they were on the KC 11 and the KC 13 (which got returned 22 yards to the KC 35 for KC's best starting field position of the game). So while KC had a turnover in the Red Zone, Tampa gave up points on two occasions on turnovers deep in KC territory as well. But the point is that the offense can help the defense, and they'll need to on Sunday.
Wow, that is awful field position, making their offensive performance look even better. You're absolutely right - the Bucs offense needs to help their D more.
 

RG33

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Mahomes, Tampa’s weak secondary, and the Spagnulo Effect make it a 38-17 rout for the new GOAT.
 

DennyDoyle'sBoil

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I think Tampa will need to go +2 on turnover differential in order to win the game. I like the chances for Tampa's defense to create a turnover differential by punching a ball out in a difficult spot. The could make the difference.

But if Tampa cannot win the turnover battle, then I think it will end up being Kansas City. I like their chances better to convert TDs in the red area. I think that Mahomes' legs give them a better chance to come away with seven points on say goal to go from the nine.

I'm envisioning it playing out where TB has to settle for one or two more field goal attempts in the red area than Kansas City and so Kansas City being plus four or eight points in red area conversions through three quarters plus, causing Arians to chase the two points. I have it something like Kansas City plus 8. Maybe something like 34-26 as the final score.
 

Dollar

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My heart says Tom, but my head says that Bruce Arians has no answer for Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce, and this turns into a "first half of SB 51" laugher kind of game. The Chiefs take their foot off the gas a little in the second half and Tom gets it relatively close, but I have no faith in Arians to create a defensive gameplan to stop Mahomes and Company.

Maybe if the Bucs have Whitehead and Winfield Jr back at full strength, they might have a chance at winning, but otherwise I fear the Chiefs take this one... let's say 41-34 Chiefs after a 28-7 first half lead.
 
Last edited:

Ale Xander

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MVP: Mahomes, 31-39, 425 yards, 3TD passing, 1 rushing. Kelce has 13 receptions
TB gets 3 personal foul penalties and drops 2 Mahomes potential INT's
Chiefs 35 TB 24
 

nattysez

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I thought Tampa would be 9 point underdogs after the championship games and had started to allow two weeks of nonsense to start making me question that. But I just don't see how Tampa stops Mahomes for four quarters.

It'll be a game if Tampa can get an early score or two and KC does its usual slow-start business, but I suspect it's going to be a laugher.
 

azsoxpatsfan

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Tampa wins 35-31, Brady wins MVP after throwing 375 yards and 4 tds, Hill punches a coach after fumbling on the potential go ahead drive but KC ends up firing the coach in the offseason
 

Eck'sSneakyCheese

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I'll reiterate what others have said. I haven't bet against Tom in 20 years. Not about to start now. TB 42 - KC 38. Devin White MVP.
 

Dotrat

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My heart is with TB. And as much as I like Reid and love watching Mahomes, Hill and Clark disgust me. On a more analytical note, I think the injuries to KC's OL should allow Tampa's pass rush to slow down KC's usual onslaught by just enough for the Bucs to win, especially if they can get pressure with a 4-man rush. But if Arians tries to cover Kelce and Hill via the Sean McDermott method, KC wins by at least 10.