Chiefs open as narrow favorites over 49ers in Super Bowl LIV

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes scrambles out of the pocket during a game against the Indianapolis Colts. (Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire)

Following a convincing, 35-24 victory over the Titans in the AFC Championship game, the Kansas City Chiefs opened as a one-point favorite over the San Francisco 49ers, who led from start to finish in a 37-20 triumph in the NFC Championship Game over the Packers.

For a few cents more on the dollar, Chiefs backers can forgo the point and take Kansas City at moneyline odds of -125 to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. The Niners are +105 on the moneyline to win Super Bowl LIV. These odds are not all that surprising, considering the Chiefs assumed the role of Super Bowl favorite following the Ravens’ early departure, but a high Over/Under does raise an eyebrow.

Odds to win Super Bowl LIV

Mahomes will face his toughest test yet

The total for Super Bowl LIV opened at 52.5 at most shops but quickly moved to 53, where it currently stands. While it is true that Kansas City brings in one of the league’s most dynamic offenses, San Francisco’s defense is quite stout and should give Andy Reid’s crew a hard time.

Patrick Mahomes has been amazing in these playoffs (65.7% completion rate, 8.8 yards per attempt, eight touchdowns, and no interceptions in two games), but he piled on yardage against the lackluster defenses of Houston and Tennessee.

patrick mahomes to sammy watkins for the wrap up touchdown... #tenvskc pic.twitter.com/jA5nsKCksj
— Saquon. (@NotSaquon) January 19, 2020

San Francisco defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s stoppers squashed any upset chance the Vikings had two weeks ago when they held Kirk Cousins to 147 yards of offense. Then the Niners pitched a first-half shutout against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, only let up 20 points during garbage time, and forced three turnovers. San Francisco was second only to the Patriots in total defense during the regular season and was fifth in sacks (48).

Mostert was a revelation against the Packers

The Chiefs’ defense seldom makes headlines, but it got stronger as the season went on and finished seventh in scoring. San Francisco running back Raheem Mostert earned every compliment he received, after a 220-yard performance against Green Bay, but it is unlikely he’ll replicate that in Miami.

Raheem Mostert in the #49ers’ NFC Championship win: -29 carries -220 yards -7.6 yards/carry -4 TDs -Franchise record for rushing yards in a game -2nd most rushing yards in postseason history -Postseason record with 200+ rushing yards, four TDs (?: @NFL) pic.twitter.com/KzgwNL7EYg
— Rob Lowder (@Rob_Lowder) January 20, 2020

This game shouldn’t be a snooze-fest, like last year’s 13-3 Patriots victory over the Rams, but the 53-point total seems too high for a tilt involving two competent defenses.

We're still two weeks away from the Super Bowl, so there's plenty of time to check out BetAmerica's prop bets!

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