Super Bowl 57: 10 likeliest players to win MVP

8. Likeliest Super Bowl MVPs – Philadelphia Eagles TE Dallas Goedert

The success of Philadelphia’s running game will make it the focus of Kansas City’s defensive game plan. If the Chiefs are able to slow down the Eagles’ rushing attack, intermediate passes may be the key to opening things up for Jalen Hurts through the air.

This matchup looks promising for Goedert, who has 10 receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown in the postseason if the Chiefs are worried about preventing big plays in the passing game. The middle of the field should be wide open for Goedert, who can rack up receptions and yards in a bid to become the first tight end to win Super Bowl MVP.

7. Likeliest Super Bowl MVPs – Kansas City Chiefs RB Isaiah Pacheco

The key to the game on offense for the Chiefs will be to find a way to slow down the vaunted Eagles’ pass rush in an effort to protect Mahomes’ ankle. One effective way to neutralize a good pass rush is to run right at it, which can create just enough hesitation to allow the offensive line to create more blocks.

Rookie Isaiah Pacheco established himself as the Chiefs’ top rusher in the middle of the season and has played a complementary role thus far in the playoffs. A run-heavy game plan would allow Pacheco the opportunity to compile some big numbers and become the first running back to win MVP honors since Terrell Davis in Super Bowl XXXII.