LAS VEGAS — When evaluating Super Bowl teams, I always like to rank the starters, which means a total of 46 players counting both nickel corners. I don't count specialists because by now you know my disdain for kickers and punters.
As we get ready for Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers (here's how to watch on CBS, Nickelodeon and Paramount+), I ranked the starters 1-46 based on who started in the two championship games, which takes into account some injury issues.
It's pretty obvious who the top player is in this game -- and in the league. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is trying to win his third Super Bowl in the past six seasons, including last year, is on his way to being perhaps the best player this league has ever seen. Mahomes has a nice start on trying to take down Tom Brady as the greatest quarterback, but there is work to be done.
Mahomes is a clear No. 1, but what does the rest of the list show? It shows the teams are pretty split when in comes to the best players. The 49ers have six of the top 10 players and 11 of the top 20. But the Chiefs have three of the top 5 in my rankings.
Among other things the rankings show:
- The offensive lines, aside from a a handful of players at the top -- including 49ers left tackle Trent Williams, who is ranked third here -- are ranked low. That could mean a lot of issues for both quarterbacks.
- The Chiefs corners are a strength, with all three being ranked in the top 22 and two in the top 14.
- Mahomes has a big edge at quarterback. But that's not a slight of 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. He checks in at No. 13 in my rankings. He is far more than a game manager, but this game will go a long way in deciding how removed from that title he is truly is as a quarterback.
So take a look at the rankings and go ahead and complain all you want. That's the idea. Maybe this will help you decide who to pick. Maybe it won't.
But this much I know: The guy at the top is clearly the difference in any game. That means his value is far greater than just one spot since he's on his way to being the Michael Jordan of his sport.
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