NFL Power Rankings: Who are the most important players in Super Bowl LIX?

The Chiefs and Eagles will face off once again for a chance to lift the Lombardi Trophy and claim supremacy in the NFL. This is a game between two rosters stacked with great players, but which are the most important? Let's take a look!

Pro-Bowl right guard Trey Smith will have the inevitable task of blocking Jalen Carter. Carter has been a destructive force for the Eagles this season and could wreck the game for the Chiefs if he isn’t handled by Smith. The Chiefs rely on their efficient run game to keep the chains moving. If Smith loses his one on ones with Carter, it could be a huge swing.

Rookie defensive back Cooper DeJean has been the picture of consistency for the Eagles since taking over the starting slot-corner role from Avonte Maddox. DeJean will, at times, be matched up across from Travis Kelce. It’s a tough assignment, but one that could swing the game in Philly’s favor.

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Nick Bolton made a huge play the last time these teams met in the Super Bowl, scooping and scoring from a Jalen Hurts fumble. We aren’t expecting a repeat of that, but Bolton’s presence will be if the Chiefs hope to stop the Eagles’ run game.

Goedert, when healthy, is among the most effective tight ends in the league. 2024 hasn’t been his best year, but he has turned it on in the playoffs, accounting for 188 passing yards in three games. Not huge numbers, but considering the Eagles struggled to move the ball in the air in two of those, it’s great output.

Darius ‘Big Play’ Slay is 34 but playing like a cornerback still in his prime. He will need to continue that trend in NOLA given the Chiefs’ passing game. Per The Athletic, Xavier Worthy caught six catches for 85 yards, and one touchdown against the Bills, while JuJu Smith-Schuster gained 60 yards on just two catches. Slay will be targeted at times, whether he steps up or not will be huge.

Despite being the fastest player ever at the NFL combine, Xavier Worthy has been a reliable underneath target during his rookie year. Per ESPN, he averages just 10.8 YPC, but given his speed, we know he can change a game with one catch, or run if the Chiefs dial up a designed run.

Nolan Smith was viewed by many as a bust after a disappointing rookie season last year. Now, he’s become the number one edge rusher for a team in the Super Bowl. He has accounted for 16 tackles, 4 sacks and a forced fumble so far this offseason, per ESPN. His incredible athleticism could be a matchup nightmare for KC, who have Joe Thuney at LT. A great player, but more used to playing as a guard.

George Karlaftis has emerged as a very solid pass rusher this season, accounting for eight sacks during the regular season. However, it has been his performances in the post-season that have really caught the eye. Against the Texans, he was nearly un-blockable, recording three sacks himself. He can be a game-wrecker.

It feels a bit crazy to have Travis Kelce this low given his importance to the Chiefs. However, we saw on Sunday, KC can win even when he doesn’t have a huge impact in the box score. He only caught two passes for 19 yards himself, but his presence creates opportunities for others.

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A.J. Brown had two quiet weeks in a row in the wild card and divisional rounds before exploding for 6 catches for 96 yards and a score against Washington. Those stats are the exact same as his performance two years ago in Super Bowl LVII. If he can recreate that sort of performance, the Eagles have a great chance to win the game.

Who would’ve thought Zack Baun would be among the most important players on a Super Bowl team this time last year? Truthfully, probably not even he would’ve expected it. In one season as an inside linebacker, he has helped transform Philly’s defense and earned himself both All-Pro and Pro-Bowl nods. He’s been too good not to have an impact.

This game could come down to a battle between the two best defensive tackles in football. On the Eagles side, they have Jalen Carter, whose been destroying opposition defensive lines all year. He’s so good, opponents have been forced to double team him on almost every play, and just ask Matthew Stafford what happens when you don’t!

Saquon Barkley has been one of the best players in the NFL this season, rushing for over 2,000 yards in the regular season and continuing his incredible performances into the postseason. If he is able to break one or two big runs, that alone could be the difference between the two teams.

The Eagles have youth at the DT position, the Chiefs have experience. Jones, like Carter, may not always have the most impressive stats themselves, but they force the opposition to account for them, opening up opportunities for others. Jones will have his work cut out against a great Eagles offensive line, but don’t count him out.

Hurts played maybe the best game of his career the last time he reached the Super Bowl, putting up 304 yards and a score through the air, and adding 70 yards and three scores on the ground, per ESPN. His NFC Championship performance was flawless, and he may need a repeat to beat the Chiefs.

On paper, it’s hard to argue that the Chiefs have a more talented roster. What they do have, though, is perhaps the greatest quarterback to ever play the game in Patrick Mahomes. As we’ve seen time and time again, given the opportunity, he will make the play that wins the Chiefs the game. This game is going to be close, and Mahomes may just be the difference.

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