Participants,

This is it.  It all comes down to this game to determine who will win the Super Bowl.  And, more importantly, who will win the coveted Hewes Super Bowl Trophy (HSBT) competition for 2023!  The Commish will be out of town the next 2 weeks, and in preparation for that travel schedule, I have asked the analytics team at NFL Headquarters to work extra time to accommodate not only my schedule, but also to provide the HSBT participants with the best insights as they prepare to make their picks for the Super Bowl LVII tussle between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles.

So, as you begin to finalize your thoughts and your picks for SB57, here is the official league analysis of the BIG game:

When the Eagles are on Offense
The Eagles boast a solid O line, with 3 change-of-pace RB’s, a clutch TE, 2 terrific WR’s and a QB that is in line for a big game (with his arm and legs)!  They surgically dissected the #1 rated 49ers D last weekend, with 31 points.  The Chiefs D is not as staunch as the SF defense.

The Chiefs D is just a little above average this season, but DT Chris Jones could be a game-wrecker if he is not controlled.  Look for double teams all game long, opening the door for some blitzes.  What the Eagles do when the Chiefs blitz will most likely determine the outcome.

Edge – Eagles

When the Chiefs are on Offense
The Chiefs have a little less than solid O line, a few hard running RB’s (when healthy), the best TE in the business, and a mediocre set of WR’s (even when they are healthy.)  However, they also have QB Mahomes, who can quickly make up for any previously noted deficiencies.

The Eagles D is #2 overall in the NFL and are solid at every position.  Their defensive balance makes it very tough to find any weaknesses to exploit.  Their strength, however, is the speed of the D line, which will force Mahomes out of the pocket.  So, it may come down to that high ankle sprain.

Edge – Even

Special Note on Special Teams
The Chiefs have been here before and have a solid K who usually comes thru in the clutch.  The Eagles are unproven.

Edge – Chiefs

Game Prediction
When the clock strikes 00:00 in the 4^th quarter, we will know the winner, right?  Not!!  This one is going into OT and will be decided by a short FG and the end of a 75-yard drive.  To borrow some lyrics from John Mellencamp, “…you know it Hurts so good.”

Eagles 27, Chiefs 24 (OT)

HSBT Predictions
As mentioned in last week’s communication, it is a veritable logjam in the race for the trophy!  Everyone still has a legitimate shot!  57 points separates the top 4 participants.  History tells us that you can go from last to first in a heartbeat in the SB.  Plus, one participant (Comeback Kid, sitting currently in the #2 position) has picked the Chiefs and has a shot at the 100 bonus points.  Whoa!

To ease any pressure and help the participants relax during this stressful time, I have endorsed that predictions of the leagues analytics team to inform you – in advance – of the official final results of the HSBT competition:

• Greg the Great – he has the longest way to go, and should climb up in the standings, but trophy #7 will have to wait until next year
• JTB – he comes into the SB with an impressive 9-3 record, but has 162 points to make up. It can be done, but he will need to be spot on with his pick
• Buffalo Bill – was performing very well earlier in the playoffs, but has recently tailed off. He will most likely need to improve on his best-ever 400 points in the SB to capture the trophy for the 1^st time since 2003.  His 10-2 record is impressive
• Pete the Terp – he finds himself only 57 points out of the lead, so his 3^rd trophy is certainly within reach. He has had some interesting picks so far this season, so look out for another dandy.  Let’s hope he doesn’t pick his beloved Ravens.
• HenricoFiveOh – only 31 points out of the lead, and he is gearing up for a record 9^th trophy!  Unfortunately, that will need to wait another year.  That OT FG in the SB will ruin his day by 24 points.  Arghh!
• Comeback Kid – the comeback to win his 3^rd consecutive trophy is within reach. However, the Eagle victory dashes any hopes of getting the SB Bonus Points and the silver medal is his this year.
• Who does that leave?

Please be sure to get your picks in prior to the 6:30pm EST kickoff on Super Bowl Sunday.  The Commish will have real-time scoring updates as the game progresses.  Good luck to everyone!

Until then, I remain,
The Commish