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With Super Bowl LIX fast approaching, all eyes are on the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles as they prepare to clash in New Orleans. Amidst the wave of predictions flooding the NFL landscape, two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning has weighed in with his bold pick-and it's not the team you might expect, given his connections.
Manning, who recently partnered with Knob Creek to announce his "Bold 2025 Pick," itted that choosing a side wasn't easy. The former New York Giants quarterback has strong ties to Eaglesrunning back Saquon Barkley, having shared a locker room with him during Barkley's rookie season. Despite his iration for his former teammate, Manning couldn't bring himself to back Philadelphia.
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Manning backs the Chiefs, even with Barkley on the field
"This is a tough one for me. It's tough for me to root for Philadelphia, having played against them so many times," Manning confessed. "I'm obviously rooting for Saquon Barkley-he's an amazing story, and I'm unbelievably happy for him. But when it comes to winning, it's hard not to pick Kansas City. They've been here before. They've won here before. And they have the best player in Patrick Mahomes. He shows up at game time. I think Kansas City has the edge. They will win the big game."
The Chiefs' quest for NFL history
Manning's prediction aligns with the narrative that the Chiefs are on the verge of cementing their status as an NFL dynasty. Under Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City has made the AFC Championship Game in all seven seasons since he became the starter, reaching the Super Bowl five times in the past six years.
If they secure a victory against the Eagles, the Chiefs will become the first team in NFL history to win three consecutive Super Bowls. Mahomes would also claim his fourth ring, adding fuel to the debate about where this Chiefs team ranks among the greatest dynasties in football history.
While Manning's heart might lean toward ing Barkley, his head, and football instincts, are firmly with Kansas City.