Super Bowl Tips: Paddy’s NFL Quick Picks Guide for Kansas City Chiefs v San Francisco 49ers

America - f**k yeah!

Super Bowl 58 is here – that’s Super Bowl LVIII if you’re a 100 BC Roman or an NFL decision-maker – and the Kansas City Chiefs are hoping to defend their crown as the greatest 53-man maulers on the planet against the treasure-hunting San Francisco 49ers.

The AFC and NFC champions are set to go head-to-head in Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 11 at 11:30pm UK and Ireland time and Paddy’s got a pot of blackest coffee and few caffeine pills ready to watch some random guys in skin-tight polyester mash themselves against each other into the wee small hours of Monday morning.

And we’re sure you might have been talked into doing the same – a big bag of cans will turn even the most sceptical gridiron-watcher into a bonafide Xs-and-Os aficionado by approximately 1am – and then there’s the Half-Time Show to enjoy!

Though a beverage or two can’t guarantee total knowledge of the intricacies of America’s most popular game, so our handy quick picks guide to some of the biggest betting questions might help fill in any remaining gaps in your newfound expertise.

We’ve brought together our team of NFL tipsters to give their hottest takes on the biggest sporting event the planet has seen (at least according to the yanks).

Here’s your essential guide to the burning questions ahead of the game – and the best bets of course…

Andrew Cunneen

Sam Farley

Ben Steele

Mark Kirwan

Sean Holland

Andrew Cunneen

The Chiefs will win – primarily because they’ve already shown a capability to just about outscore mean defenses to this point. San Francisco couldn’t limit a limp Packers unit and were 17 points down to Detroit.

Sam Farley

As much as you can never rule out Patrick Mahomes it’s impossible for me to pick anybody but the 49ers who have been the best team in the NFL this season.

Ben Steele

The 49ers are rightly favourites but the Chiefs have Patrick Mahomes. It’s hard to bet against one of the best quarterbacks of all time. I’m picking Kansas City.

Mark Kirwan

Seven or eight weeks ago there’s no way I’d have gone for the Chiefs over the Niners, but San Francisco have been fortunate to make it past both Green Bay and Detroit. Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid and Steve Spagnuolo won’t be nearly as generous as the Lions were.

Sean Holland

The Kansas City Chiefs. Having the situational experience will be key for the Chiefs. Their defence is one of the very best in the league and there’s no doubting the quality of Patrick Mahomes with the game on the line.

Andrew Cunneen

Under 47.5 Points. These offenses seem to headline, but the shootout many are expecting simply won’t come to pass. Kansas City are finding a way to convert third downs at a rapid rate, while SF will lean on CMC. This one will be slow. 23-20 to the Chiefs.

Sam Farley

I’d lean to taking the Over here, but I love the 49ers team total of 24.5. I’m very confident in their ability to score heavily and I’m less sure on the Chiefs managing to keep their side of the bargain if betting the overall team total.

Ben Steele

Both teams have offensive stars on show and that should make for an entertaining game I’m backing Over on the total. I think it will be a little closer than last time these sides met in the Super Bowl – Chiefs 31 49ers 27

Mark Kirwan

I don’t love backing great defence over offence in the NFL generally, but the way the Chiefs have closed down opponents over the last few weeks makes me think the Under has to be the play here. It certainly makes most sense if KC are going to win. Chiefs 20, Niners 13.

Sean Holland

Score prediction, I’ll go Chiefs 27-20 49ers. Unders backers to win by the slimmest of margins.

Andrew Cunneen

Both Head Coaches are creative geniuses will look to maximise the under-utilised elements of their offenses on the biggest stage. Both will defer so no edge there – let’s go with Justin Watson.

Sam Farley

I’m taking a Niner and that’s Christian McCaffrey. He’s the 49ers’ danger man and against a poor Chiefs rushing defense he should be able to take advantage.

Ben Steele

The Niners will need to get off to a fast start if they are to have any chance. Deebo Samuel’s versatility makes him a great option to open the scoring.

Mark Kirwan

Patrick Mahomes at a generous price of about 17/1 is very tempting – he hasn’t had a rushing score all season, but this would be just the spot to break one out – however, Rashee Rice stands out to me as undervalued given his likely usage.

Sean Holland

Isaiah Pacheco. The Kansas running back is their go to man in the redzone and is a danger both in the pass and the run. He’s scored in each of the Chiefs playoff games this season and I’d expect him to see the endzone again on Sunday.

Andrew Cunneen

The winning quarterback, as dull as that sounds. It’s one of the surest-fire bets you can have all year: Patrick Mahomes.

Sam Farley

Normally you’re looking at the QB for the team you think will win but with the debate around just how good Brock Purdy actually is, and the incredible Christian McCaffrey, I think there’s good value on backing CMC.

Ben Steele

If the Chiefs win it will be tough to look past Mahomes but Isiah Pacheco offers huge value at around 30/1. He’s scored eight touchdowns in his last seven games and will likely lead the Chiefs in total touches.

Mark Kirwan

If the Chiefs win it will most likely be Mahomes, but only because Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is ineligible. If the voters give it to a defensive player in his place, Chris Jones is a massive price and potential game-winner if it’s a tight, low-scoring affair.

Sean Holland

Patrick Mahomes. In the two Superbowls the Chiefs have won, 15 has gotten the honour. Typically the Quarterback gets the plaudits and if KC get over the line Sunday it should be no different.

Andrew Cunneen

George Karlaftis to have more tackles and assists combined than Nick Bosa. The Niners will run to his side, while Karlaftis will see a lot of Christian McCaffrey – plus Purdy is an easier sack than Mahomes.

Sam Farley

It’s a long shot but I like Patrick Mahomes scoring the last touchdown of the game. It’s a big price and with the game on the line I could see him putting the team on his back and trying to score himself.

Ben Steele

There has been a defensive touchdown in 46% of all Super Bowls, including last year by the Chiefs, both defences are around 7/1 to score a touchdown anytime.

Mark Kirwan

So many to choose from but Christian McCaffrey to have the most yards after catch from a single reception is probably my favourite given the way he’s been playing. Jake Moody, the Niners kicker, to be the first player to score comes a close second.

Sean Holland

#WhatOddsPaddy – Each team to score 1+ FG and 1+ Touchdown in each half. At odds of 22/1 this is definitely worth a punt. Both offences have the fire power to go down the field quickly and points will be taken at every opportunity.

Andrew Cunneen

Clear/Water – Every year, I always want to pick this because teams can have any colour of Gatorade on the sideline, but water is the constant. There’s been four occasions this century where it’s been a winner, so why not hedge your bets.

Sam Farley

No real strongs lean but orange seems like a choice that could suit either team, plus it tastes great.

Ben Steele

The Swift Super Bowl can only really be celebrated with one colour of Gatorade. Red (Taylor’s Version)

Mark Kirwan

I know the pointy-headed analytics crowd will bamboozle  you with stats about other colours winning, but in my mind I can only ever see orange. Even when it’s not been orange, it’s still orange.

Sean Holland

I’ll go with blue for the Gatorade – is it even possible to know this?!

Andrew Cunneen

After a quick glance at the setlists from his most recent tour – My Way is the fav for a reason.

Sam Farley

I reckon Yeah! has to be in with a shout. It’s a banger to get the set off to a fast start.

Ben Steele

OMG has probably the most recognisable opening of the Usher songs, and is one of his biggest hits. Seems a solid pick.

Mark Kirwan

If it’s not Yeah! what are we doing here? Seriously.

Sean Holland

OMG. Banger. Usher’s hit is a huge throwback for any 90s/00s kids. Music wouldn’t be my strong point but this feels like it would be the perfect entrance song to come out to.

Andrew Cunneen

Too many. But if you need a numeric value – I’ll say five.

Sam Farley

The only correct answer is too much.

Ben Steele

Last Sunday she dominated the Grammys, this Sunday she’ll dominate the Super Bowl coverage. There is a decent chance Taylor Swift gets more screen time than Usher.

Mark Kirwan

If they could get away with calling this the Taylor Swift Livestream Featuring Super Bowl LVIII they probably would. I’d set an over/under line at 15.5 – assuming Travis Kelce has seven or eight catches you can bank about half that in cutaways following those plays.

Sean Holland

Five times. There’s no question the NFL will use it’s biggest stage to enhance it’s brand to new audiences. If Kelce and the Chiefs have a big game then it’s no question she’ll see a lot of screen time. I’m going for five.

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