Chiefs poised for huge Super Bowl break as Eagles star faces a race against the clock to play….see more

It is often said that luck plays a vital role in a team’s championship success, no matter which sport or competition.

In the NFL though, luck seems to smile upon the Kansas City Chiefs more than most of the league’s other 31 teams.

The Chiefs this season racked up a 15-2 regular season record on their way to a ninth successive AFC West division title.

Kansas City’s perfect record in close games — 12-0 in games decided by eight points or fewer — helped power the Chiefs to the AFC’s #1 seed and a vital bye week that afforded rest to Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes.

But entering Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans on Sunday, Kelce, Mahomes, and company could receive yet another stroke of good fortune as they pursue NFL history.

Jalen Carter is doubtful for the Super Bowl
The Philadelphia Eagles’ stout run defense could be bracing for a significant setback just 72 hours before kickoff from the Caesars Superdome.

Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has revealed that Jalen Carter, his star defensive tackle, is battling an ill-timed illness that is coursing through Philadelphia’s locker room.

Though Fangio, a veteran coordinator, hopes Carter will be good to go for Super Bowl LIX, the second-year defensive lineman’s status is uncertain amid his limited participation in Philly’s most recent practice sessions.

If Carter were to miss out or be otherwise limited in Super Bowl LIX, the Chiefs’ offense will secure a major — potentially game-changing — advantage as they seek to win the Super Bowl for the third consecutive season.

Carter was named to his first Pro Bowl this season after recording 4.5 sacks and forcing two fumbles while notching six pass deflections.

The former Georgia Bulldog accrued 16 quarterback hits and 12 tackles for loss during the regular season, and he has added five quarterback hits and two sacks to his total during the playoffs.

If Mahomes does not have to scramble to avoid pressure from Carter and the Eagles’ defensive line, the Chiefs will be considered stronger favorites to win the game, because the running game and the play-action pass will prove more effective in Carter’s absence.

In addition to Carter, standout linebacker Zack Baun is working his way through a groin injury, and wide receiver DeVonta Smith has been limited in practice this week due to a hamstring issue.

The Eagles will likely need contributions from each of these players in order to stand a chance of taking down the Chiefs, ending — or at least pausing — their NFL dynasty.