There’s more at stake in the upcoming Super Bowl LVIII showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers than just the Vince Lombardi Trophy. This highly anticipated game marks a rematch from their battle three years ago in Super Bowl LIV, where the Chiefs emerged victorious, marking their first Super Bowl title in over five decades. That game witnessed the rise of Patrick Mahomes as a generational talent and saw him clinch his first of two Most Valuable Player Awards.
Now, as the teams gear up for another clash on the grand stage, the spotlight shifts towards the coveted Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Award. With both rosters boasting a plethora of talent, it’s clear that numerous players have the potential to etch their names into Super Bowl history. In anticipation of this, we’ve identified nine players who we believe could be contenders for this year’s Super Bowl MVP honor.
Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes
Leading the charge for the Kansas City Chiefs is none other than their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. With two Super Bowl MVP trophies already under his belt, Mahomes is no stranger to performing at his best on the biggest stage. As a former first-round pick, he has already solidified himself as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks. Should Mahomes lead the Chiefs to another Super Bowl title, he would further cement his legacy and place himself in an even more exclusive category among NFL greats. With his exceptional talent and track record of clutch performances, it would be no surprise if Mahomes added a third Super Bowl MVP trophy to his collection.
Travis Kelce
Travis Kelce, the formidable tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, is Patrick Mahomes’ primary target in the passing game. Their partnership has elevated them to the echelons of football’s greatest passing tandems. Kelce’s postseason prowess is undeniable, boasting an impressive 156 receptions and ranking second all-time with 1,810 postseason receiving yards.
During the divisional round clash against the Buffalo Bills, Kelce and Mahomes surpassed the legendary duo of Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski for the most playoff touchdowns by a quarterback-receiver combination in NFL history, highlighting Kelce’s ability to shine in pivotal moments. As Super Bowl LVIII approaches, Kelce’s knack for delivering in crucial situations is expected to remain unchanged. With each game, Kelce solidifies his path toward becoming the greatest tight end in NFL history, and his impact on the field against the San Francisco 49ers is poised to be significant.
Chris Jones
Without question, Chris Jones is the best defensive tackle in the National Football League right now. He’s the anchor of a Chiefs defense that has been their best unit in the Mahomes era. Jones was tied with teammate George Karlafitis during the regular season with 10.5 sacks.
Isiah Pacheco
Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco tends to get overlooked due to the popularity of players such as Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Pacheco has led the Chiefs in rushing yards and touchdowns for the second straight year. On Sunday, the former late-round selection can play a huge role in a potential Chiefs win against the 49ers. Whenever his number is called, he produces at the most crucial time.
49ers
Brock Purdy
Is Brock Purdy on the verge of becoming another great San Francisco 49ers quarterback? We tend to get that indication on the game’s biggest stage, the Super Bowl. During their time under center, 49er greats Joe Montana and Steve Young combined for four Super Bowl MVP awards. For Purdy to even be mentioned in the same sentence as Montana and Young, he must pick apart a Chiefs defense that has looked elite for an entire season.
Chrisitan McCaffrey
Chrisitan McCaffrey is not just an all-purpose asset; he’s the best running back in the league right now, regardless of his skill set. Since being traded to the 49ers last season, McCaffrey has undergone a career resurgence under the guidance of head coach Kyle Shanahan. In 2023, the former Panthers running back won his first-ever league rushing title when he ran for 1,459 yards and 14 touchdowns. He caught 67 passes for 564 yards and seven touchdowns through the air. If the 49ers prevent the emergence of a Chiefs dynasty this season, there’s a 99.9 percent chance that Mr. McCaffrey will play a huge part.
Deebo Samuel
Christian McCaffrey is not the only game-changer on offense within the 49ers’ arsenal. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel can do as much damage to an opposing defense as McCaffrey. Samuel is a threat liable to come out of the backfield as a runner, or he can impact the game as a conventional receiver. He’s one of the many playmakers the Chiefs defense must account for this Sunday.
George Kittle
George Kittle, the San Francisco 49ers’ dynamic tight end, presents a formidable combination of physicality and big-play receiver ability, poised to impact Sunday’s Super Bowl showdown significantly. Throughout the season, Kittle showcased his exceptional skills, recording his third 1,000-yard season and reaffirming his status as one of the league’s premier tight ends. His rapport with quarterback Brock Purdy and his knack for making clutch plays have been instrumental in the 49ers’ success. Notably, Kittle and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk formed the 49ers’ first 1,000-yard receiving duo in a season since the legendary pairing of Terrell Owens and Jerry Rice in 1998, underscoring Kittle’s importance to the team’s offensive firepower. As Super Bowl LVIII approaches, Kittle’s blend of athleticism, tenacity, and playmaking ability positions him as a critical factor in the 49ers’ quest for championship glory.
Brandon Aiyuk
Brandon Aiyuk has emerged as a top deep threat for the San Francisco 49ers’ passing attack, showcasing his explosiveness and playmaking ability throughout the season. Coming off another productive campaign, Aiyuk recorded a career-high 1,342 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, solidifying his status as a dynamic weapon in the 49ers’ offensive arsenal. His ability to stretch the field and make contested catches has added a new dimension to the team’s aerial assault, providing quarterback Brock Purdy with a reliable target downfield.
Aiyuk’s knack for creating separation and turning short receptions into significant gains has been a cornerstone of the 49ers’ offensive strategy, making him a key contributor to their success. As Super Bowl LVIII looms, Aiyuk’s emergence as a premier deep threat underscores his importance to the 49ers’ championship aspirations.
Honorable Mention: Nick Bosa
