44. Carlos Dunlap, DE, Kansas City
The two-time Pro Bowler is now just a rotational piece along Kansas City’s defense line. Still, if there was a game in which Dunlap might turn back the clock and produce at a high level…it’s this one.
43. Skyy Moore, WR, Kansas City
With several injuries across the receiving corps, rookie Skyy Moore was charged with a larger role in the AFC Championship game. The second-round pick delivered with a crucial late-game punt return. Can he make another game-changing play on special teams?
42. Marcus Epps, S, Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s secondary was sensational this season. Epps, one of the team’s starting safeties, played in all 17 regular season games and collected 94 tackles — third most on the team.
41. Willie Gay Jr., LB, Kansas City
After sustaining a second-half injury in the AFC title game, Gay enters the Super Bowl with a questionable tag. The Chiefs could surely use the third-year linebacker. His speed and coverage ability helps to fortify the middle of Kansas City’s defense.
40. George Karlaftis, DE, Kansas City
The rookie out of Purdue started all 17 regular season and both playoff games for the Chiefs. He’s been especially productive in recent weeks. Karlaftis has recorded 6.5 sacks over his last 9 games (including playoffs).
39. Kyzir White, LB, Philadelphia
Once considered the weak spot in Philadelphia’s defense, White could play an especially integral role in the Super Bowl. The athletic backer will likely draw the Travis Kelce assignment on most downs.
38. Andrew Wylie, T, Kansas City
The weak point of Kansas City’s offensive line, this game could be decided by how Wylie holds up against Philadelphia’s best pass rusher Haason Reddick. If Wylie is a turnstile, the Chiefs are going to find it difficult to establish any sort of offensive rhythm.
37. Kadarius Toney, WR, Kansas City
When healthy, Toney is an electric player. However, he’s rarely healthy and already banged up entering Super Bowl week. It remains to be seen if he’ll suit up or have certain limitations heading into the game.
36. Quez Watkins, WR, Philadelphia
Philly’s No. 3 wideout has plenty of speed. If Kansas City isn’t careful, Watkins has the juice to take the top of this defense.
35. Jaylen Watson, CB, Kansas City
One of three Kansas City defenders who saw a 100-percent snap count in the AFC title game. With L’Jarius Sneed banged up, Watson becomes even more important as the Chiefs try to slow down Philadelphia’s explosive receiver group.
34. Isaac Seumalo, G, Philadelphia
The free agent-to-be has put together a nice season as part of Philadelphia’s elite offensive line. He’s a punisher in the run game, and will look to pave paths forward for Jalen Hurts and Miles Sanders.
33. Avonte Maddox, CB, Philadelphia
Avonte Maddox’ presence on this defense cannot be understated. Operating as the team’s slot corner, Maddox is a connector who allows the other pieces to fit smoothly. He returned for the NFC title game after missing a month, and the Eagles defense looked especially sharp against the 49ers.
32. Orlando Brown Jr., T, Kansas City
Once revered as one of the top tackles in the game, Brown’s play dipped this season. He ranked 17th among tackles by PFF score and finished the season allowing 47 pressures — fourth most in the league. Still, he’s a four-time Pro Bowler and plenty capable. He has a chance to wash away a down season with a strong Super Bowl performance.
31. Trey Smith , G, Kansas City
Smith has missed just one offensive snap since Week 4, and has been an important cog in Kansas City’s evolving run game. Additionally, he’s a mauler on screen passes — an especially important skill to have for an Andy Reid offense.
30. Isiah Pacheco, RB, Kansas City
Unlike past years, the Chiefs can lean into a power-run game in 2023 like they couldn’t before. That’s mostly due to the presence of Isiah Pacheco, a rookie runner who has accrued 936 scrimmage yards over Kansas City’s last 11 games. Pacheco is a tough runner that will pick up yards after contact. His physicality is a nice pairing with third-down back Jerick McKinnon. If the Chiefs take an early lead, Pacheco will be useful in closing out the game.
29. Fletcher Cox, DT, Philadelphia
Fletcher Cox is not the player he once was. The six-time Pro Bowler and former All-Pro was previously one of the most effective defensive lineman in the game. While he is no longer the star player on Philly’s defense, Cox still has the ability to make a few plays. He recorded a sack in the Eagles first playoff game versus the Giants. Cox is also one of just two defensive starters remaining from the Super Bowl LII team (the other being DE Brandon Graham).
28. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR, Kansas City
The former Packer came up big in the Chiefs win over the Bengals in the AFC title game. With three receivers on the mend, and the defense focused on stopping Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes called upon Valdes-Scantling as the No. 1 option. MVS delivered, hauling in six passes for 116 yards and a touchdown. The Eagles defense will have to account for his size (6-foot-4) and speed on the perimeter.
27. Trent McDuffie, CB, Kansas City
Similar to Avonte Maddox’s impact on the Eagles defense, the Chiefs have played considerably better when rookie Trent McDuffie is in the lineup. The first-year corner has exceptional instincts and has done a fair job of slowing down the best receivers in the game this year. In 13 games with McDuffie this season, the Chiefs allowed zero 300-yard passing performances.
26. Justin Reid, S, Kansas City
In his first year with the Chiefs, Justin Reid has filled the void of Tyrann Mathieu in Kansas City’s defense. The fifth-year safety lines up all over the field, can guard both slot receivers and tight ends, and is also a willing tackler when given the opportunity. Kansas City’s secondary is built on speed, and Reid is one of the fastest safeties in the league. Even up against a gifted receiving group, the Chiefs’ secondary will not be completely outmatched.
25. Landon Dickerson, G, Philadelphia
Making his first Pro Bowl team this season, Landon Dickerson has proven to be an excellent pick for the Eagles. Selected in the second round in 2021, Dickerson entered the NFL with question marks after sustaining a major knee injury in his final collegiate season. It didn’t take long for Dickerson to establish himself on Philadelphia offensive line, and he’s been a starter since Week 3 of his rookie campaign. While he is nursing an elbow injury, Dickerson is expected to play in the Super Bowl.
24. Miles Sanders, RB, Philadelphia
Miles Sanders, the oft-injured running back for the Philadelphia Eagles, enjoyed the best season of his career this year. Sanders set career-highs across the board on the ground — rushing for 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns on 259 carries. En route to the Super Bowl, Sanders rushed for 90 yards against the Giants and scored two touchdowns against the 49ers. Sanders isn’t a dominant force, but he is a perfect fit for this offense.
23. Juan Thornhill, S, Kansas City
Kansas City’s safety room is deep. Aside from starters Juan Thornhill and Justin Reid, they also have rookie Bryan Cook — who made an enormous play in the AFC title game. Thornhill is the team’s center fielder and rarely ever comes off the field. Over the last month of the regular season, Thornhill graded as the highest safety in the league per Pro Football Focus. He remained excellent in coverage during postseason wins over the Jaguars and Bengals.
22. Josh Sweat, DE, Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s defensive front has the chance to blow this game wide open. If the Eagles can get consistent pressure on Patrick Mahomes, this game could look similar to Super Bowl LV when the Bucs routed the Chiefs. Josh Sweat is an unheralded member of the defensive line, but is coming off his best season as a pro. Sweat has recorded 10.0 sacks (plus an INT) over his last 10 games (including playoffs).
21. Javon Hargrave, DT, Philadelphia
Javon Hargrave is going to get paid this offseason. With his current deal set to expire at the end of the season, Hargrave was fortunate to put up the best year of his career in 2022. The 29-year-old recorded 11.0 sacks, and was an absolute disruptor in the middle of Philadelphia’s defense. The Chiefs should think twice about running any plays towards Hargrave. He has the ability to wreck anything the offense is trying to do.
20. Nick Bolton, LB, Kansas City
As reliable as they come, Nick Bolton is an excellent cover linebacker who can fly from sideline-to-sideline. Bolton led the Chiefs with a whopping 180 tackles in 2022 — and added nine TFL’s, two sacks and two INT’s. With how well the Eagles run the ball, Bolton will be asked to do a lot of cleanup at the second level. His ability to bring down ball-carriers and not allow extra yards will be key to the Chiefs slowing down Philadelphia’s effective attack.
19. C.J. Gardner-Johnson, S, Philadelphia
Traded this offseason from the Saints, C.J. Gardner-Johnson has been a seamless fit on Jonathan Gannon’s defense. The versatile defensive back is capable in coverage and strong enough to hold up in run support. Given his ability as a slot corner, we could see him get some reps against Travis Kelce. Despite giving up plenty of size in that matchup, the scrappy Florida product will not back down against Kansas City’s elite TE.
18. L’Jarius Sneed, CB, Kansas City
L’Jarius Sneed’s health will be one of the biggest stories leading up to the game. Sneed is undoubtedly Kansas City’s best defensive back — and their best bet to matchup against star WR A.J. Brown. The third-year defensive back is long and athletic with exceptional coverage skills. He enters the week with a questionable tag after sustaining a concussion in the AFC title game. If he can pass protocols prior to Sunday, Sneed would be a massive addition for the Chiefs.
17. Dallas Goedert, TE, Philadelphia
The Eagles finally parting ways with Zach Ertz last year allowed for former second-round pick Dallas Goedert to shine. Had it not been for injuries keeping him off the field for five games, Goedert would have likely set career highs across the board. Goedert finished the 2022 campaign averaging 58.5 YPG — second-highest among tight ends. In most matchups, Goedert would be considered the best TE on the field. He still has a chance to make a major impact as a big target across the middle of the field.
16. T.J. Edwards, LB, Philadelphia
In just four years, T.J. Edwards went from special teamer to unquestioned starter at MLB. The undrafted backer out of Wisconsin started all 17 games for the Eagles this season and recorded a team-high 159 tackles. Edwards allowed the second-lowest completion percentage in coverage among off-ball backers this season (55.9-percent) — San Francisco’s All-Pro Fred Warner was first. He will be part of the brigade trying to slow down Chiefs TE Travis Kelce.
15. Frank Clark, DE, Kansas City
Frank Clark has been in big games his whole career. The former Seahawks has appeared in 16 postseason matchups since entering the league in 2015. And, he’s been awfully productive in that span. Clark ranks third all-time in career postseason sacks with 13.5. Yes, only two players in the history of the league have accrued more playoff sacks than Kansas City’s Clark. He already has 2.5 this year, and needs just one more to tie Hall of Famer Bruce Smith for second all-time. Clark will be ready to go on Sunday.
14. James Bradberry, CB, Philadelphia
Bradberry’s value to Philadelphia’s defense shouldn’t be overlooked. After signing a one-year contract with the Eagles last offseason, Bradberry massively improved the secondary. The former Giant intercepted three passes and finished the year with 17 passes defended — just one off his career-high. Alongside Darius Slay, Bradberry comprises a top-end cornerback duo.
13. Jordan Mailata, T, Philadelphia
Protecting a quarterback’s blindside is one of the most important jobs in football. Luckily for Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles, Jordan Mailata is a very good left tackle. A former rugby player, Mailata has come a long way since being drafted in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft. At 6-foot-8, Mailata has great quickness and is a truly dominant force in the run game. Adding to his importance, Mailata has steadily improved in pass protection since joining the league.
12. DeVonta Smith, WR, Philadelphia
The former Heisman Trophy winner had a huge sophomore season in the NFL. DeVonta Smith set a franchise record with 95 catches — 31 more than he had as a rookie. Smith also finished with 1,196 yards and seven touchdowns. In the postseason, Smith has had more success than A.J. Brown — hauling in eight catches for 97 yards and one touchdown. If the Chiefs focus on shutting down Brown, Smith may end up having a big day.
11. Joe Thuney, G, Kansas City
A two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots, Joe Thuney is currently playing the best football of his career. In 2022, Thuney earned his first Pro Bowl nod and was named a Second-Team All-Pro for the second time (2019). Thuney is incredibly important to Kansas City’s offense, as he is good in both run blocking and pass protection.
10. Darius Slay, CB, Philadelphia
There is a reason why Philadelphia’s star corner is nicknamed “Big Play” Slay. A five-time Pro Bowler and former All-Pro, Slay has been a stalwart for Philadelphia’s defense the past three seasons. A Pro Bowler two years running, Slay has picked off three passes in each season. Slay is a big reason why the Eagles allowed 18.8 PPG in the regular season, and he is certainly a player to watch come Sunday.
9. Lane Johnson, T, Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s offensive line is a huge reason as to why it is playing in the Super Bowl. The Eagles trot out two linemen who are often considered the best at their respective positions. Lane Johnson is regarded as the league’s top right tackle. A two-time First-Team All-Pro, Johnson is a truly dominant player on the edge of the line. It is important to note that Johnson is currently playing with a significant groin injury. He was able to play against both the Giants and 49ers, but there is no guarantee that he will make it through the Super Bowl. If he can’t play the entire game, the entire dynamic of the contest changes.
8. Haason Reddick, DE, Philadelphia
Reddick has been a good player for the past few years, but he really took a leap on the field in 2022. Playing for his third team in as many years (previously spent time in Arizona and Carolina), Reddick proved to be one of the best pickups of the offseason. The outside linebacker set career-highs with 16.0 sacks, five forced fumbles (led the league), three fumble recoveries, and 26 QB hits. In the NFC Championship, Reddick had 2.0 sacks and one forced fumble — this came after notching 1.5 sacks in the Divisional Round.
7. Creed Humphrey, C, Kansas City
Despite being the second-best center playing in the Super Bowl, Creed Humphrey has quickly proved himself as one of the elite centers in the NFL. At 23 years old, the second-year pro earned Second-Team All-Pro honors this season. Like his counterpart on the Eagles — more on him shortly — Humphrey’s performance in the Super Bowl will be key to his team’s success. If he can help slow down Philadelphia’s pass rush, Kansas City will be in a good place.
6. Jason Kelce, C, Philadelphia
The Kelce family will enjoy a Super Bowl triumph no matter which team comes out on top on Super Bowl Sunday. Kansas City’s Travis Kelce understandably garners a ton of attention, but Philadelphia’s Jason Kelce cannot be dismissed. Kelce is the best center in the NFL, and his immense skill and knowledge of the position is a huge advantage for the Eagles. If Kelce and the rest of the offensive line can limit Chris Jones, Philadelphia may be lifting the Lombardi.
5. AJ Brown, WR, Philadelphia
Year 1 of A.J. Brown in Philadelphia has been a great success for both parties. After three seasons with the Tennessee Titans, Brown was traded to the Eagles and produced the best season of his young career. The stud wideout hauled in 88 passes for 1,496 yards and 11 TDs. Despite being held in-check in Philly’s two wins to reach the Super Bowl (7 catches for 50 yards), Brown is easily the biggest threat to Kansas City’s defense. We expect the star to have a big game.
4. Chris Jones, DT, Kansas City
Chris Jones is an absolute beast. A game-wrecker in every sense of the word, Jones is arguably the biggest reason why the Chiefs were able to knock off Cincinnati in the AFC Championship. The All-Pro destroyed Cincinnati’s offensive line in the contest — finishing with 2.0 sacks, five QB hits and three TFLs. Jones’ ability to get after Jalen Hurts will be paramount to Kansas City’s chances of winning its second Super Bowl in four years.
3. Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia
If not for a shoulder sprain which kept him out of two games, Jalen Hurts may very well have won the MVP this season. Philadelphia’s dual-threat quarterback was sensational this year. In leading the Eagles to a 14-1 record in his 15 starts, Hurts accounted for over 4,400 yards and 35 TDs (22 pass, 13 rush). Hurts has looked a bit hesitant to run in the postseason, but he will likely put it all on the line against the Chiefs. If Hurts is on-target with his passes and willing to utilize his legs frequently, the Eagles will be in a good position to win.
2. Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City
While the Chiefs lack a game-changing wideout, they have a superstar at the tight end position. Travis Kelce is a dominant player. It doesn’t matter what coverage he faces, Kelce will find a way to make an impact on the game. Kelce has finished with 1,000-plus receiving yards seven years in a row, and just completed arguably his best season yet — 110 receptions, 1,338 yards, 12 TDs. If the Eagles want to win, they must slow down No. 87.
1. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City
Was there ever a doubt? The best quarterback in the league and soon-to-be two-time MVP is an easy No. 1 on our list. Even with a less than 100-percent ankle, Patrick Mahomes is an elite quarterback. The future Hall of Famer is a winner — plain and simple. In 80 regular season starts, Mahomes is 64-16. Only 27 years old, this is Mahomes’ third time playing in the Super Bowl. While he hasn’t been great in the big game (2 TD, 4 INT), Mahomes is unquestionably the best player in the NFL. Even if Kansas City looks down and out, you cannot count the AFC champ out due to Mahomes’ greatness.
