Sports

Pitch Picks: Super Bowl LVIII Predictions

Lily Tapparo, Joshua Singer, Audrey Ring, Mateus Bouquet, Mackenzie Norris, Anna Zucconi and Elizabeth Finn • Feb 2, 2024

Your current and former Pitch sports editors make their predictions for Super Bowl LVIII.

Josh Singer -- Print Editor-in-Chief 2023/24, Print Sports Editor 2022/23

While Patrick Mahomes is still the NFL’s best player, the 49ers will triumph in Super Bowl LVIII due to an outstanding performance from MVP candidate Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey has excelled in big games during both college and the NFL. At the same time, the Chiefs run defense ranked 18th during the regular season; a huge step down from Detroit who ranked second. Against the Lions, McCaffrey entered the endzone twice while accumulating 90 yards rushing. While Mahomes and Travis Kelce are certainly going to be in for a big game, especially with the whole world seeming to be against them, Brock Purdy and McCaffrey are still too much for a significantly improved Chiefs defense.

Mackenzie Norris -- Print Sports Editor 2023/24

Regardless of Brock Purdy’s outstanding performance thus far as the last pick in the 2022 NFL draft, the Chiefs will assert their dominance in Super Bowl LVIII. With huge players like Isiah Pacheco, who has the ability to plow through any defender, Chris Jones, with 10.5 sacks this season and counting and MVP candidate Travis Kelce, the Chiefs have a good chance at winning the Super Bowl. Kelce surpassed Jerry Rice for the most postseason receptions in league history against the Ravens, and with a quarterback like Patrick Mahomes, it is unlikely that his receptions will stagnate any time soon. The 49ers passing defense is ranked 14th compared to the Ravens, which is ranked sixth; thus, it is no match for Kelce and Mahomes.

Elizabeth Finn -- Print Managing Editor 2023/24, Print Sports Editor 2022/23

Despite struggling a little in the regular season, the Chiefs have shown once again that they are a postseason team. They have been unstoppable in the playoffs, even with a harder path to the Super Bowl than the 49ers. By beating the Dolphins in extremely cold temperatures, the Bills in Buffalo and the Ravens in Baltimore, they have a lot of momentum in their favor. With the help of the best quarterback in the league and Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes the Chiefs will win it all.

Anna Zucconi -- Online Sports Editor 2023/24

I pick the Chiefs to win the super bowl with a score prediction of 35-32. The Chiefs have done well in tough situations. Patrick Mahomes has had a lot of success on the field and has led the Chiefs to many wins. That skill combined with Travis Kelce’s amount of yards and touchdowns, will lead the Chiefs to their final win. The Super Bowl MVP will be Patrick Mahomes as he has had the most successes of the two teams.

Audrey Ring -- Online Editor-in-Chief 2023/24, Sports Editor 2022/23

I pick the Chiefs to take the win against the 49ers. Although the Chiefs are the underdogs, we have seen the Chief’s defense and offense flourish under pressure. I believe that defensive lineman Chris Jones along with the offensive duo Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes will lead the Chiefs to the win. My MVP for Super Bowl LVII is Patrick Mahomes which is no surprise to any football fan. Mahomes has proven himself time after time again, even winning the Super Bowl MVP and league MVP in the 2022 season.

Mateus Bouquet -- Print Sports Editor 2023/24

With the most awaited and most important pick out of all participants, I will be taking the Chiefs to down the 49ers 28-25. Personally, I have picked against Patrick Mahomes way too many times to doubt this future Hall of Famer again. I think the Andy Reid and Mahomes tandem (especially in these high-pressure games) just will not let down. Everyone also tends to forget about how good this Chiefs defense is and how fantastic their play has been all season, led by stars Trent Mcduffie, L’Jarius Sneed, Chris Jones and Nick Bolton. I do have my doubts because the 49ers team is easily the most well-rounded in the league, but in this highly anticipated Super Bowl 56 rematch, the Chiefs will be way too much to handle for the 49ers, and Patrick Mahomes will walk away with yet another Super Bowl win and another Super Bowl MVP.

Lily Tapparo -- Senior Sports Editor 2023/24

Regardless of Patrick Mahomes being an NFL superstar and having two career Super Bowls, I will be taking the 49ers to beat the Chiefs in the Super Bowl LVIII. I believe Brock Purdy is going to dominate this year and take his opportunity to crush Mahomes. In addition, not only will Christian McCaffrey be titled as MVP, but he will also take the lead in this game after totalling 14 touchdowns and 1,459 yards during his 2023 season. By beating the Lions 34-31 in a hard fought win, I know the 49ers have enough confidence, skill and momentum to take down the Chiefs.

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About the Contributors

Lily Tapparo, Senior Sports Editor

Senior Lily Tapparo is excited to participate in her first year with the Pitch as a Senior Sports Editor. In addition to writing for the Pitch, Lily plays soccer, is an officer for Best Buddies, and enjoys hanging with her friends.

Joshua Singer, Print Editor-in-Chief

Senior Joshua Singer is elated to be returning as Print Editor-in-Chief in his fourth year on The Pitch. Josh began his career with The Pitch during the second semester of his freshman year as a staff writer before becoming Print Sports Editor his sophomore year and Print Editor-in-Chief his junior year. Josh generally writes for the sports and news sections and has covered topics ranging from WJ's gender distribution in AP classes to school safety issues to profiles on athletes and coaches. As a junior, Josh co-created The Pitch Radio Network, which broadcasts WJ sports live at wjpitch.mixlr.com. This past summer, Josh attended the Medill-Northwestern Journalism Institute where he enhanced his journalistic skills with the goals of making his senior year his best yet and furthering his career aspirations in journalism. During his free time, Josh enjoys running, playing guitar and announcing sports.

Audrey Ring, Online Editor-in-Chief

Senior Audrey Ring is so excited to be an Editor in Chief for the Pitch! In her free time she enjoys having out with friends and attending sporting events.

Mateus Bouquet, Online Managing Editor

Senior Mateus Bouquet is thrilled to be part of The Pitch Editorial Board in his second year with The Pitch as a Online Multimedia Managing Editor. Mateus loves playing and watching sports along with hanging out with his friends.

Mackenzie Norris, Print Sports Editor

Senior Mackenzie Norris is excited to particpate in her first year with the Pitch as Print Sports Editor and Business Manager. In addition to writing for the Pitch, Mackenzie enjoys representing WJ on the softball field with some of her best friends and teammates.

Anna Zucconi, Online Sports Editor

Senior Anna Zucconi is excited to participate in her first year with the pitch as an Online Sports Editor. In addition to writing for the Pitch, Anna enjoys going to the beach and playing lacrosse.

Elizabeth Finn, Print Managing Editor

Elizabeth is excited for her fourth year on The Pitch. Outside of school, she runs cross country and track.

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