Tyrann Mathieu, New Orleans Saints safety and former Chiefs player: “I won the Super Bowl ring with Kansas City and it’s hard for me to bet against Patrick Mahomes. As long as he’s playing, as long as he’s healthy, he’s tough to stop.”
Jonathan Jones, two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots: “I think it comes down to whoever has the ball at the end of the game. And if it’s Mahomes, it’s hard to see them not winning.”
Michael Vick, former Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback: “Obviously Mahomes is a difference-maker – I think he can take the game over at any minute but we have to be wary of what the 49ers defence can do. They have Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, who can make the game harder than what it’s supposed to be. [Chiefs coach] Andy Reid will try to combat that. The best team will win – and the best teams meet on Sunday.”
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Cleveland Browns linebacker: “Defences matter. Defences win championships. Whoever has the best defence on the night, that’s the team that’s going to come out on top.”
Dion Dawkins, Buffalo Bills offensive lineman: “The difference-makers are going to be the pass rushers. The pass rushers have got to be able to take over the football game and if they do, either side has a chance of winning. Everyone thinks it’s about the quarterbacks but it’s not. It’s about the big guys in the trenches.”
Frank Ragnow, Detroit Lions offensive lineman: “It will come down to the trenches. Maybe I’m biased, but there’s two good offensive lines there so whoever performs the best there gives them the best chance of winning.”
Kobie Turner, Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle: “San Fran has a really solid team top to bottom but I can’t go for them as they are our rivals. I definitely see Kansas City taking it. It’s hard to bet against Mahomes in the play-offs.”
Jason McCourty, Super Bowl 53 winner with the Patriots: “This is going to be a fun one. As much as we’re talking about the quarterbacks, these defences have been stellar all year. If I had to pick one I can’t go against Mahomes. I’ve been beaten by that guy before.”
Antoine Winfield Jr, Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety: “It’s going to be a close game. It’s a toss-up. 50-50. But I’ve got to go with KC – I just can’t bet against Mahomes in the Super Bowl.”
Jermaine Eluemunor, Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman: “I’ll always lean towards the line of scrimmage – whichever offensive line takes that over will win because that’ll open up the run game and they’ll be able to protect the quarterback. I have the 49ers winning – 24-21, with Christian McCaffrey the MVP.”