A Super Bowl without the Patriots?

It had to happen sometime.  Actually, it happened back in 2016, when the Broncos beat the Panthers.  Still, this is going to be the first Super Bowl since Donald Trump became president that will not feature Tom Brady out on the field.

Instead, it will be the Chiefs vs. the 49ers, two strong teams that have earned their right to play in the biggest game of the year.  It will be Kyle Shanahan vs. Andy Reid, Jimmy Garoppolo vs. Patrick Mahomes.  Everyone will be watching the game.  I remember that, in one of the old editions of Madden, Al Michaels used to describe the Super Bowl as being “an unofficial holiday” and he is right.  With the commercials and the half-time show, even people who hate football will be watching the game.

As far as the game goes, I don’t really have a dog in this hunt.  If the Ravens or the Patriots were appearing in the Super Bowl, I would be excited for the game but the Chiefs and the 49ers are two teams that I don’t really follow.

From what I have seen, I think it’s going to be a close Super Bowl.  It wouldn’t surprise me to see the 49ers jump out to an early lead just to have the Chiefs fight their way back into the game.  But anything could happen.  Both teams seem to be evenly matched.  I’m looking forward to watching Mahomes throw the ball for the Chiefs, just like I’m looking forward to seeing what Richard Sherman does on defense for the 49ers.

My final prediction:

Kansas City Chiefs — 28

San Francisco 49ers — 27

It’s going to be the type of game that we’ll end up telling our children about.