Super Bowl 2023 odds: 3 reasons to bet on the Eagles to beat the Chiefs

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Eagles
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 21: Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) hands off to Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during the NFC Divisional playoff game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants on January 21, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire)

The Philadelphia Eagles & Kansas City Chiefs are just days away from their Super Bowl LVII clash, but which team holds the advantage? A quick look at some pivotal points gives us the answer, and it’s one draped in green.

Super Bowl LVII betting info:

Spread: Eagles -2 | Chiefs +2
Moneyline: Eagles -130 | Chiefs +110
Total: Over/Under 50

The Chiefs are banged up in key areas going into Super Bowl LVII

The Kansas City Chiefs might not be ‘properly’ banged up, but their receiving corps is being hindered by minor injuries and even Patrick Mahomes may be less than 100% on the day.

Mecole Hardman recently hit injred reserve, JuJu Smith-Schuster was dealing with knee swelling last week and Kadarius Toney had a minor ankle issue. The only wideout without any kind of lingering issue is Marquez Valdes-Scantling, potentially playing right into the hands of an Eagles secondary that has 17 picks on the year.

It’s not the biggest factor in the world, but with the stakes as high as this, every yard matters. The fact that the Chiefs might even be at a slight disadvantage matchup wise is huge for the Eagles.

If Mahomes is less-than 100%, the Super Bowl is wide open

If Patrick Mahomes is struggling with that ankle problem, you know the Eagles will snuff it out quick. The team hit 70 sacks this year and while Mahomes is traditionally ice-cold under pressure, there’s a difference to throwing off your back foot and scambling away from a rampant pass-rush, throwing into nothingness.

What makes this even more important is that Kansas City ranked 21st in rushing offense this year. Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s return to the backfield will probably be a non-factor behind Isiah Pacheco, and the Eagles were able to suffocate the most dynamic back in the game last week, despite Christian McCaffrey touching the ball what felt like 40 times.

The Chiefs cannot afford to let this game become a shootout, but if they are throwing from behind, you’d have to assume that plays into the hands of Philadelphia.

The Eagles can apply the pressure

If this game is going to be won and lost in the trenches, then again, Philly has the advantage. The Eagles were able to pressure opposing passers 60% of the time when rushing four or fewer players in their opening two playoff games, and we all know how dominant their offensive front is.

Mahomes had a 78.7 QB Rating under pressure this year and was pretty good in those scenarios, but if Jonathan Gannon can really take advantage of the fact that the key wideouts may well be a step slower than usual, then Mahomes could be under pressure more than he expects.

All Super Bowl signs point to Philadelphia

The other thing to bare in mind is that Jalen Hurts has been extremely safe with the ball in his hands this season. With a TD/INT ratio of 22/6 and a 66.5% completion percentage, Hurts has been surgical when making passes. If the Eagles want to play keepaway from the Chiefs offense, they have all the tools to do exactly that. If they want to be aggressive, they have the star-power on the outside to take the lid off that defense. A defense whose two-high structure looks vulnerable to DeVonta Smith, who, per Warren Sharp, has averaged 102 yards against that setup in 4 games played.

If you’re looking for an edge as a sports bettor, it’s the Philadelphia Eagles who hold the keys going into Super Bowl LVII.

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Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire