This year’s Super Bowl conversation feels different, and honestly, a little forced. Without the Chiefs in the picture, we still care, but it’s more about people than teams now.
West Wilson’s Super Bowl Matchup: Broncos vs. Seahawks (+807)
On the NFC side, West’s pick leans personal. Seattle gets the nod not because of schemes or matchups, but because of a connection to his alma mater. Former Montana State safety Ty Okada has been balling out for the Seahawks, and once you’ve watched someone grind their way from Bozeman to the NFL, that loyalty sticks.
The AFC side is tougher. When you’re a Chiefs fan, most of the remaining options feel wrong. You’ve spent years hating the Broncos, rolling your eyes at the Bills, avoiding the Patriots dynasty discourse, and disregarding just about everyone else. That doesn’t just disappear because Kansas City is out.
Still, West has a soft spot for Denver this time around. Not because of the logo, but because of the people. Alex Singleton, his former college roommate and now the Broncos’ starting linebacker, makes it hard to root against them completely. That being said, he’s rolling with both No. 1 seeds to meet up in Super Bowl LX.
Sophie Cunningham’s Super Bowl Matchup: Broncos vs. 49ers (+3860)
My pick comes from a familiar place as well: relationships over rivalries. With the Chiefs out, I don’t have much interest in the AFC field and honestly hate most of the remaining teams by default. Years of divisional battles and postseason runs make it hard to suddenly flip that switch and cheer for old enemies.
If I’m picking anyone, it’s San Francisco. My reasoning isn’t about strategy or matchups, but people I know around the team. Between friendships with the Kittles and Juszczyks, the 49ers are the easiest team for me to support without feeling conflicted. They’re the lone option that feels natural.
In a Super Bowl that will not feature the Chiefs, that’s as close as I’ll gets to having a side. Give me Broncos vs. 49ers, with San Francisco playing host at Levi’s Stadium.
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