![](https://chiefswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/70/2022/10/USATSI_19289660.jpg?w=1000&h=600&crop=1)
The Kansas City Chiefs fought through significant adversity to earn their chance to defend their 2022 championship in Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers.
As defending Super Bowl champions, Kansas City faced the highest expectations of any team in the NFL entering their 2023 campaign, and while they might not have lived up to their potential in the regular season, the Chiefs proved to be the AFC’s top team in the playoffs.
Wins over the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens in hostile territory cemented Kansas City’s status as the team to beat, and while San Francisco may have achieved a better regular season record, their path to Super Bowl LVIII was paved with a home-field advantage.
Thus, it seems logical that the Chiefs, who hold advantages both in preparation and experience, stand the best chance to win Sunday’s matchup.
Patrick Mahomes should be expected to prove his mettle on the league’s biggest stage, and while Brock Purdy and the 49ers defense will prove to be a worthy adversary for the NFL’s latest dynasty, the most critical edge will belong to Kansas City.
Final score prediction: Chiefs 28, 49ers 13