Super Bowl excitement continues to build as American Football fans count down the sleeps until Sunday’s showpiece event between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles.
After last year’s entertaining Super Bowl LVI, in which the Los Angeles Rams made the most of their home advantage to best the Cincinnati Bengals, in their first Super Bowl since 1981, there is plenty of anticipation ahead of this year’s event in Arizona. Despite being underdogs, the Bengals ran the Rams close 20-23, just faltering in the last quarter, but while the Super Bowl odds favour the Chiefs this year, but that doesn’t mean the Eagles can be ruled out.
Their first and only title came in 2018 where they caused a massive upset against the New England Patriots, whilst the Chiefs are appearing in their third Super Bowl in four years. They’ll look to win a third title and right the wrongs of their 2021 defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Both teams will be hoping their key players turn up on the day, and there are a few individual battles that could go a long way to deciding who wins the MVP award as well as lifting the Vince Lombardi trophy. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the favourites for the Super Bowl LVII MVP award and what role each player has in their team’s potential triumph. Read on to find out more.
Jalen Hurts
A lot of the Eagles dominance throughout their season and ultimately their NFC Championship win was Jalen Hurts. The quarterback is only 24 years old, yet has all the makings of an NFL legend, joining in the 2020 Draft after a glistening college career with Oklahoma. Fans will be tracking his battle with Patrick Mahomes throughout. Both are aware of the significant roles they play for their sides.
Patrick Mahomes
Mahomes is one of the best quarterbacks in the history of the NFL, but after putting pen to paper on one of the league’s most expensive contracts, now is the time for him to justify his wages and bring the Super Bowl back to Kansas. Despite any off-field controversy, when at his best Mahomes is a force to be reckoned with, leading the field in passing stats. He’ll be relishing the opportunity to face Hurts on Sunday, saying he is excited to get out there on Sunday.
“The guys that came before me and Jalen set the stage for this and now I’m just glad we can set the stage for kids that are coming up now,” he said. “It’ll be a great game against two great teams and against another great quarterback. I’m excited to go out there and do what we can against a great team.”
Travis Kelce
One of the key cogs in Andy Reid’s Chiefs machine is Travis Kelce. The tight end is approaching the twilight of his career and while many believe he can go beyond 33, this could be the last chance for Kelce to strut his stuff on the biggest stage. A mainstay in the team for the last few years, he was part of the side that won Super Bowl LIV as the Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers, but this time could end up playing against his brother, Jason, a centre for the Eagles. Much like A.J. Brown and Willie Gay, off-field friendships will need to be put to one side for all four quarters, with Kelce looking to add an MVP award to his trophy cabinet as well as a second ring.
