Getty Gallery: 5/5
Super Bowl 2019 Pick: Saints Over Chiefs
Not entirely a bold pick, but things shape up nicely for the two No. 1 seeds to face off in the playoffs. It is no coincidence that both teams happen to have two of the biggest home-field advantages in the NFL. The two most likely MVP candidates will face off in Atlanta for Super Bowl LIII.
To win a Super Bowl, it takes having a great team combined with a bit of good fortune. The Saints securing the No. 1 seed was a massive deal because it means New Orleans will host both their playoff games, assuming they can get past the Divisional Round. Historically, the Saints offense with Drew Brees under center has performed better at home. The Superdome provides a real home field advantage for the Saints.
From there, the Super Bowl is also indoors. Not only is it indoors, but Atlanta is a short drive from the NOLA fan base. It also helps that the Saints are very familiar with Mercedes-Benz Stadium where they play the Falcons each season. Heading into the playoffs, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes spoke about how excited the team is to begin their postseason run.
“I think we feel that [expectations]," Mahomes noted per Chiefs.com. "You feel that in the locker room. You feel that from the leaders of this team. We know it’s going to take full effort the whole entire way. You can’t be satisfied with just being here, we want to capitalize on the opportunity to be here and having the number one seed, so we are excited for the opportunity. We really are. Everyone is pumped up and we are ready to go.”
The explosive Chiefs offense combined with Arrowhead Stadium gives Kansas City the best chance to come out of the AFC. The Chiefs have been the most dominant of any team in their conference.
The Chiefs defense is the team's weakest link, and Kansas City is going to find it difficult to slow down the Saints. They would be in good company as few teams have had success against the Saints this season. Not only is the Saints offense as explosive as ever, but the New Orleans defense has been solid especially against the run.
According to OddsShark, the Chiefs-Saints matchup is the most likely scenario with +425 odds. An argument could be made that the Chiefs have the path of least resistance given the top of the NFC looks a bit stronger this year than the AFC. However, the reasons outlined above is why I believe Brees will be hoisting his second Lombardi Trophy.