Ladies and gentlemen…are you ready?
Find your seat and buckle up. We’ve got a lot to cover.
It’s time to delve into the Valley’s Super Bowl Predictions…
Given how long last year’s article ended up being, let’s not waste time with introductions and get right into it!
Starting with the Webb Weekly office:
Jaimie consulted with her oldest son, Alex, to guess because she “isn’t good at football.” Alex thinks the refs will help the Chiefs to a 27-21 victory.
Charlie sees the Eagles flying to victory 33-27.
Wes is also taking the Eagles 26-22. Curt has the Chiefs 29-20. Hope this doesn’t make things awkward in the back office!
Much like me, Kristy’s just in it for the food. I asked for a prediction, and she asked, “Who’s playing?” So, we’ll just leave it at that!
Let’s move to office-adjacent with the Webb family.
JW3 thinks that Saquon is going to run all over the Chiefs and see a 31-28 win.
In what is, quite frankly, a shocking turn of events, Hunter is taking the Chiefs. “31-28 Chiefs. Tough to bet against the Chiefs because they always seem to find a way to win.”
Michelle is siding with Hunter on this one, “I always cheer for the Pennsylvania teams, but think the Chiefs will win in overtime. Kansas City wins 38-35.”
We’ll finish up with Jimmy himself, “The Eagles get a Super Bowl do-over against former Eagles’ coach Andy Reid and Future Hall of Famers Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. The team that has lost the Lombardi Trophy has never won the second meeting when it occurred in a five-year span. Well, I have good news for Eagles fans — none of those teams added Saquon Barkley in the off season. Thank you, New York Giants. Philly will prevent what only Kansas City fans want to see — a historic three-peat. Barkley will continue to build a gold jacket resume by being the game’s most valuable player. Final score — Saquon’s jersey number 26 to Mahomes’ thread’s 15. Fly Eagles Fly.”
A little family rivalry — I like it.
Sticking with the Webb Weekly family, let’s see what our writers have to say.
Sports aficionado Lou Hunsinger has the Chiefs. “I see the Chiefs winning 31-14. The Eagles, though, are stronger this year with Saquon Barkley than the Eagle squad that the Chiefs beat two years ago. There is something magic about the Chiefs, and that magic will be enough for Kanas City to prevail again.”
Larry Stout knows this will be a big game, “This promises to be an epic game if both teams bring everything they’ve got. Both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles are packed with super talent and loads of confidence. KC wants to make history with a three-peat, and Philly is desperate to bring home the Lombardi Trophy again. My heart is for the Eagles, but my head sees victory in many ways from the Chiefs. But if the Eagles get off quickly with a couple of touchdowns (and not just field goals) and the defense keeps doing what has been doing all year, it might be another Washington Commanders’ type of game. But if Philly starts poorly, it might be over for them by the time the rap megastar Kendrick Lamar starts singing at halftime. If I must give a score, I’ll go with my heart — Eagles 31, Kansas City 24.”
For reasons I’ll never understand, Scott Lowery never thinks his opinions are worth more than 2¢, but here we go. “The Eagles are loaded and rolling. They’ve got the best running back, wide receivers, offensive line, and defense in the league, and they have everything they need to win. The Chiefs are going for a historic three-peat, and they have Patrick Mahomes. Until someone beats them, that’s enough for me. Chiefs win another close one, 20-17.”
Tim Hartzell has a Saquon connection that has him rooting for the Birds. “Saquon Barkley and I grew up in the same school district. I graduated in 1982; he graduated in 2015. I don’t think he remembers me, but when he played for the Whitehall Zephyrs, my dad called me several times and encouraged me to make the trip to the Lehigh Valley to watch Saquon run. In my dad’s words, ‘This kid is incredible!’ Did you know that Saquon and South Williamsport’s Dominick Bragalone also have a connection? They were co-winners of the Mr. Pennsylvania Football Award in 2014. Add to that Saquon’s career at Penn State and now his record-setting career at Philly, and my choice for the Super Bowl is the Philadelphia Eagles. I’m calling it ‘the Super Bowl between Mahomes and My Homie’. Fly, Eagles Fly!”
Jon Pries is taking things off the beaten path, “Well, I am old school, and I am proudly holding out for — The Steelers!!!” It’s a choice for sure!
Wordsmith, Joe Smith, is still a little distraught after the AFC Championship, but he did send me this, “As a die-hard Bills fan, I’m watching only in hopes that Saquon Barkley runs all over the Chiefs — maybe to the tune of 335 yards. (OK, OK — I’ll settle for 150!) Does anyone but Missouri really want KC to three-peat? Eagles 31-Chiefs 24 — but the Chiefs will take it with an extra 12 points provided by the refs.”
Wrapping up the writers, Andrea McElroy thinks this is the end for the Chief’s streak. “My super bowl prediction is that the Eagles are going to end the Chief’s super bowl winning streak baby!! I have a feeling it’s going to be a close game, so hold on to your seats! Fly Eagles Fly!!”
We can’t talk about the Super Bowl without talking to some local experts, so let’s get the coaches’ takes.
At the college level, Lycoming College AD and head football coach Mike Clark thinks the Birds have it in hand. “As a Philly area guy, I am going with the Birds! I expect it to be a high-scoring game, but I think that the Eagles can limit the Chiefs a little bit. Eagles 31-27.”
Down to Muncy we go with Sean Tetreault, “I’m going with the Eagles to win 35-25 over the Chiefs. This season with the added running game of Saquon Barkley the Eagles have enough offensive weapons to come out on top in the Super Bowl.”
From STA Stadium, Williamsport AD Sean McCann has an Eagles win, “Philadelphia-28, Kansas City-24. The Eagles defense will pressure Mahomes, while Philly’s offense will control the ball with their line play.”
Staying on the Hill in Williamsport, Mike Pearson, head football coach, added, “The Chiefs are fantastic, but if anyone is going to upset them, it will take Philly Toughness! Eagles 28-21.”
I’m glad these two are seeing eye to eye on this!
He may teach at Williamsport, but he’s a Bulldog all the way. Jersey Shore’s football coach Tom Gravish, thinks Mahomes will come in clutch, “Kansas City – 27, Philadelphia – 23. Barkley runs wild, but Mahomes wins in the last minute.”
From turf to hardwood, Loyalsock’s Ron ‘CI’ Insinger is taking Philly. “Philadelphia – 34, Chiefs – 28. Kansas City has no answer for Barkley.”
While we are in Loyalsock, “31-21 Eagles. Go Birds. The Eagles stick with the ground game and deep play action to pull off the win,” Loyalsock’s head football coach, Justin VanFleet.
Uh-oh folks. Looks like we have a Battle of the Bridge of sorts. Montoursville’s Joe Hanna thinks the Chiefs are in it to win it. “Chiefs – 31, Eagles – 28. As long as Mahomes and Andy Reid are in a playoff game I’m not picking against them. Both teams have good defenses, and the Eagles probably have a better roster, but the Chiefs have one of the best playoff quarterbacks of all time. I’m picking the Chiefs in an historic three-peat.”
Over the river and up Percy St., South’s Chris Eiswerth is also leaning toward Philly, “Eagles – 31, Chiefs – 27. The Eagles’ run game will prevail!”
I don’t know what we should call this next batch. Sports-adjacent? They know A LOT about sports but aren’t necessarily coaching or playing…you get what I mean — let’s go!
Since we were just talking South Williamsport, former SW coach and current broadcaster Rich Zalonis dropped his thoughts, “Philadelphia – 27, Kansas City – 17. Running game and defense usually equal success.”
Speaking of Rich — where you find Rich, you will likely find Paul Bo — who is also taking the Birds. “Eagles – 24, KC – 21. The Eagles’ defense will stop the game-winning Mahomes drive with a pick.”
Speaking of play-by-play, Gary Chrisman is also picking the Eagles. “Eagles 38-34. Too much Barkley! Barkley goes off for 150 plus yards, opening up Hurts in the passing game, and Philly finally forces a big turnover late to win.”
Gabe Sinicropi has a different opinion. “Chiefs 31-24. Can’t stop the 3-peat.”
FastMaz has a fast pick. “Eagles 24-21. Eagles are more motivated by this opportunity and won’t be complacent.”
I don’t like to get political, but let’s see how our local representatives vote on the game.
Head of the Lycoming County Commissioners, Scott Metzger, is voting for the Eagles. “Eagles – 31, Chiefs – 27. The difference this year is Saquon for the Eagles. He will have two touchdowns and will be the MVP of the game.
Commissioner Mark Mussina also takes the Birds, “Philly 27-24. I think Philly’s offense has better offensive weapons spread all over the field.”
Can we go 3-for-3?
Marc Sortman and his son Preston are indeed taking the Eagles. “34-21 Eagles. We think that will be the score because the Eagles have a team that is able to drive downfield and get in range for field goals and touchdowns. While the Chiefs rely on the passing game and will fall short.”
And they say politicians can’t agree on anything!
What’s happening on the state level? Well, Jamie Flick is going Eagles. “Eagles – 31, Chiefs – 30. This one has all the elements to be an instant classic. Going to be a high-scoring affair with the Eagles coming out on top!”
I fear they may have lost their bids for reelection if they chose differently, but luckily, Joe Hamm is also rooting for the hometown team. “Eagles – 31, Chiefs – 29. Saquon Barkley has a huge game, rushing for over 150 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Eagles to their 2nd Super Bowl win. Saquon Barkley, AJ Brown, and Jalen Hurts are too much for the Chiefs’ defense to stop.”
On the city level, Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter sees a high-scoring Philly win. “42-38 Eagles. It’s going to be an offensive battle between two explosive teams. In the end, I think Saquon continues his dominance and leads Philadelphia to the win, capturing his first Super Bowl.”
Goodness gracious. I don’t think I have ever seen so many politicians agree on something so solidly before! Nice job, gentlemen!
Not a politician but a vital asset to the county, Chamber of Commerce President Jason Fink agrees that Philly is where it’s at. “Eagles – 31, Chiefs – 14. The Eagles have shown they are multi-dimensional on offense. The strong run game led by Barkley and a solid O-line with the ability to pass because of a quality quarterback and skilled wide receiver corps. The defense has shown the ability over the season to shut down mobile quarterbacks. Secondary and LBs are disciplined and don’t give up a lot of big pass plays. Line and LBs have shut down the run all season and have done that to better run games than they will be facing. The key will be to have an LB or safety mirroring Mahomes and have someone on Kelce. Eagles do that, they will be partying in South Philly on the night of the 9th and for the next week.”
Oooooh boy…imagine that party!
Speaking of parties, do you know what every good Super Bowl party needs? Food! Let’s see what the local foodies are serving up!
From out at Pier 87, Frank Morrone is trying to redeem himself from his last prediction. “Philly vs. the refs. I would never bet against the Chiefs, but I’ll be rooting for the Eagles. Mainly because I want to see another team win the Lombardi trophy. I’m not a fan of the Patriots, but I have mad respect for Belichick, Brady, Gronk, and that whole team, but it got boring watching that team after a couple. I never get tired of the Steelers winning championships, though. I also have much respect for the Chiefs, Andy Reid, and his team, but I would just like to see some new blood take home the trophy. I’ll go Eagles 34-28.”
From out at Antler’s on the Water, Tesha says, “35-21 Eagles. Eagles are a dual threat. If the Chiefs stop the run, Hurts will hit AJ Brown or Smith for 100+ yards.”
Scott Robinson, owner of Park Pizza, thinks the Birds are going to swoop in with the win. “Philadelphia will knock the Chiefs off the mountain with a score of 31-24.”
A Williamsport staple, Tony’s Deli is serving up more than just the best mac & cheese in town. Carl DiParlo says, “My pick is Kansas City ‘cause I don’t think you can beat Mahomes.”
Looks like things will be calm in the DiParlo house as Lorraine agrees with a KC win. “Kansas City Chiefs!! 36-24!”
Heading over to the Villa, Coley Crouse thinks the Eagles are gonna cook. “Eagles – 27, Chiefs – 24. It should be a great Super Bowl. I believe Saquon Barkley will get loose for some big plays and scores to lead the Eagles to the victory.”
Heading down to Muncy and Haywood’s Bar & Grille, Kim Walker’s got the Birds, too. “31-17 Birds. Barkley is the reason.”
Going back to Montoursville, and Rupert’s Specialty Meats, Mike Rupert is predicting a 33-27 Eagles win.
Getting a little less specific, but no less important, several of our advertisers wanted to get involved in the Super Bowl fun, and we welcome one and all!
I am absolutely shocked that it took this long (almost 2,000 words) to get a Taylor Swift reference, but Brian Peace from Murray Motors has broken the ice. “My Super Bowl pick is Philly winning 31 to 27. Saquon will rush for over 100 yards, and Jalen Hurts will throw for 300 yards. And Taylor Swift will have a sore throat.”
STEP’s new President & CEO, Rachelle Abbott, is actually a Bill’s fan…well, I’ll let her explain. “As a lifelong Buffalo Bills fan, I am now an honorary Philadelphia Eagles Fan! I predict the Eagles will beat the Kansas City Chiefs 32 to 27! Go Bills!”
Staying in her boss’s good graces, Dana Cain from STEP is also hoping for an Eagles win, “I’m hoping the Eagles win but I think it’ll be close so I’m going to go with Eagles – 24, Chiefs – 21.”
Blaise Alexander is predicting a pretty epic game. “This will be one of the classic Super Bowls of all time. While Philadelphia has a stronger running game — thank you, Saquon Barkley/Jalen Hurts, and a better receiver squad — AJ Brown, I think the decisive factor in the game will be the strength of the Philadelphia defense. They are formidable and they should be able to handle Kansas City easily on the running game, a little tougher on the passing game — thank you, Travis Kelce. ‘This is Philadelphia’s game to lose.’ Now, having said that, Kansas City, Andy Reid, and Patrick Mahomes, always come up with the secret sauce. I’m taking the upset here, Kansas City Chiefs do it again. 42-35.”
Ken DiRocco from Impact Advertising is another Bills fan. “As a long-time Buffalo Bills fan, I really don’t care about this Super Bowl. Obviously! But the better team is definitely the Eagles. Their O-line is probably one of the best, if not the best offensive units in the NFL. And with the addition of Saquon Barkley at RB, their offense is scary. It was good before with Hurts and A.J. Brown, but now with Barkley — WOW! Philly’s D is solid, too. The Chief are no slouches. But their secret weapon for the last few years had been the referee calls that always favor the Chiefs. It’s actually so obvious it’s embarrassing for the league. Everyone knows Andy Reid is an offensive mastermind. Even when he does the ‘fumbleROOOOSKI.’ Like him or not, his plays are always creative and effective. But I think the unsung hero of the Chiefs is Steve Spagnuolo, the defensive coordinator. He creates brilliant schemes for each opponent, trying to attach their strengths. If the refs are neutral and neither team has too many turnovers, I think this is Philly’s year.”
Chris Plocinski from Lycoming Barber hopes he is wrong but doesn’t have a lot of faith in the refs…or Taylor Swift. “Chiefs will win. The refs will make sure of that. Hope I’m wrong. The last game I watched was horrible refereeing. All for the Chiefs. Rooting for the Eagles. Tired of seeing Taylor Swift. Lol. Both teams’ defenses are good. Not sure of the score. I don’t think it will be a high score for either team.”
Cami Rooney of Re/Max West Branch thinks the strong leadership from Andy Reid will lead to a 28-14 Kansas City win.
Jen Kolk from Corter’s Carpet is keeping things simple. “Go Birds!”
Mike Roan, from Michael T. Roan Real Estate happened to stop in the office while I was putting this article together, so I had to snag him for his thoughts. He said he doesn’t follow much football, but thinks the Chiefs are going to take it 32-24.
George Lepley is choosing Philly. “35 to 33 Eagles. Besides, I don’t like Mahomes. It’s the Eagles time.”
Adding the Philly hype is Mike Gaetano from the Hartman Agency, “27-24, Eagles. They have momentum, and I’m a huge fan, even more so now that PSU’s Saquon Barkley is leading them.”
Rennie Rodarmel, from Allstate, is keeping his choice quick but giving the credit to Barkley. “Eagles 31-24.”
When Robin from Tebbs was asked for her prediction, she — like last year — enlisted her grandson for help! We love that! “I am going to forward my 10-year-old grandson’s prediction! An Eagles fan all the way! Brecken says Eagles – 35, Chiefs – 24. Eagles are his favorite team, plus they have Saquon Barkley, AJ Brown, and a good defense.”
Steve Kaiser Sr. from Kaiser Brothers didn’t give an exact score but has the Birds winning. “I think the Eagles by 3! Because they are more determined than ever!”
Rick Quigley from Fairfield Auto Group also has a 3-point win — but in the other direction. “Kansas City by 3. 27-24. Mahomes is tough to beat. He always squeaks it out.”
Dan Klingerman, founder and CEO of the Liberty Group, gave us his take on the game, “I believe it will be a high-scoring game even though Philadelphia has the number one ranked defense in the league. Although statistically, Kansas City doesn’t have one of the top-ranking offenses in the league, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are quite capable of making big plays. Even with Philadelphia’s strong defense, Kansas City will put over 30 points on the board as they did on their prior matchup two years ago. Between Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia’s going to have an aggressive attack offensively. I believe both teams are well coached, but Kansas City will defeat Philadelphia 32-30.
Now, to one of my favorite predictions of the year. Kyle Hetner from Steinbacher, Goodall, and Yurchak, “When they first met two years ago, I picked Philadelphia Cheesesteaks over Kansas City BBQ. That didn’t work out too good on the field; however, my stomach was satisfied. So, last year, I joined Chiefs Kingdom and was rewarded. This year, in honor of Williamsport finally getting a Wawa, I have to go back with the Birds, as they will achieve redemption and finally put an end to the Chief-peat discussion! Fly Eagles Fly: 33-31.”
From the book of Faces, Matt Godfrey is calling the Eagles 27-20.
Janice Hiller of Linden predicts Eagles – 27, Chiefs – 24. “I think the Hurts/Barkley matchup is going to prove to be a formidable pair against the Chiefs.”
Leslie Funk of Linden predicts Eagles – 32, Chiefs – 28.
Could I have put the Van Campen predictions with our fabulous advertisers? Yes. Am I going to? No. Why? Cause they are going with my friends and family. It’s my article; I’ll do what I want.
Anyone who knows the Van Camps knows they are DIE-HARD Eagles fans. “Go Birds” is basically a term of endearment in their home.
Josh offered up two predictions. One of hopes, one of realities, but the Birds come out on top either way — obviously. “34-2. Eagles. Or my honest one. 36-31 Eagles.”
Fun fact: there have only been nine safeties recorded in Super Bowl history. Could you imagine if the Eagles managed to hold the Chiefs to a single safety? The poles in Philly wouldn’t stand a chance.
To the surprise of less than no one, Tricia also takes Philly for the W. “I’m going 37-34 Eagles. It’ll be close and probably come down to the wire, which will torment the heck out of us, but I think we can pull it out.”
As for me and mine? Steve has some really high expectations for the Eagles, and I don’t even know what he thinks will happen with KC, but he says that the Birds will win, 1,000 to -7. Yes, apparently, the Chiefs will do something so heinous they end up with negative points, and honestly, I’m here for it.
Talking to teenagers is fun. Fun they say! I asked Kiddo for his prediction. Hours later I got the response, “Eagles.” I asked for a score and got “IDK.” So, I guess he thinks the Eagles are going to win?
Last, and certainly least, since what I know about football could fill about three thimbles, I’m taking the Eagles. I think this is the Eagles’ year, and Saquon Barkley will be all the difference. I’m calling it Birds – 35, Chiefs – 24.
I may not be a football connoisseur, but I am a fan of the Super Bowl. Even if your team doesn’t make it, it’s hard not to get caught up in the excitement of the game. Plus, good food, getting to be judgy about commercials, and hanging out with friends just makes my heart happy.
Please be safe on Super Bowl Sunday. Don’t get so caught up in the excitement that you do something stupid: no drinking and driving. Get home safe so others can get home safe.
Also. Remember. The Super Bowl is on a SUNDAY. You have to get up on Monday and go to WORK. And if you are reading this, chances are, you don’t recover like you did when you were 25, so take it easy. No one wants to go to work with a hangover.
One final thing. Have no fear, Jimmy will return next week. I’m not sure if he went to Punxsutawney, or maybe to Ohio, but one way or another he’s tracking down Phil.
That’s only half true — Jimmy will be back next week. I made up the part about Punxsutawney. As far as I know, Jimmy was just kind enough to give me his space because we want to make sure we include as many people as we can in this story. I’m pretty sure he didn’t actually go track down a groundhog for an exclusive interview. Mostly sure. Like 50% sure. Has anyone seen Jimmy?!
