The Super Bowl showdown between the Eagles and Chiefs features some of the sharpest and most experienced minds

This Super Bowl is set to feature some of the smartest — and oldest — minds in the NFL, with Andy Reid and Matt Nagy facing off against Vic Fangio, and Nick Sirianni and Kellen Moore going up against Steve Spagnuolo. Reid and Fangio are both 66 years old, while Spagnuolo is 65.

When the Kansas City Chiefs (17-2) try to win a third consecutive Super Bowl in a rematch with the Eagles (17-3) on Sunday, the game will depend on how stars like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Chris Jones, and their teammates perform against Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, Jalen Carter, and the rest of the talented Philadelphia team. But the battle will begin with the coaches and coordinators and their strategies. They’ll need to come up with the best game plan and play calls.

The Chiefs had a middle-of-the-pack offense this season, ranking 16th in total yards. However, Reid is known as an offensive genius, having been in the game for 30 years, and Mahomes is always a threat to create magic, especially in high-stakes situations.

On the other side, Fangio took over one of the league’s worst defenses and turned it into the No. 1 defense in the NFL in his first year with the Eagles.

The Eagles had the second-best rushing offense, thanks to Barkley’s amazing season, and Hurts has top receivers in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, making their passing game strong despite finishing 29th in the league.

The Eagles will have to go up against Spagnuolo, who made the perfect defensive plan to stop the Patriots’ perfect season 17 years ago. Spagnuolo won his first Super Bowl as a defensive coordinator for the Giants and added three more rings with the Chiefs.

When the Eagles have the ball:
It all starts with Barkley. The NFL Offensive Player of the Year has 2,447 combined yards and 18 touchdowns, including seven runs of over 60 yards. He’s been outstanding this season and can score every time he touches the ball. But the Eagles have plenty of other weapons. Hurts is a running threat, keeping defenses on their toes, and that allows Barkley to shine.

Even with average passing stats, Hurts has been productive. He takes care of the ball, throwing just five interceptions, and only one in his past 15 games. He had a 103.7 passer rating and played a crucial role in big games, such as against the Commanders in the NFC championship game and the Steelers in December.

Brown is an elite receiver, even when he’s resting on the sideline. Smith and tight end Dallas Goedert are also major targets for Hurts.

Philadelphia’s offensive line is one of the best in the NFL, with tackles Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata leading the way.

Spagnuolo knows how to make life difficult for top offenses. The Patriots found that out nearly two decades ago in the Super Bowl, and Buffalo’s Josh Allen saw it firsthand in the AFC championship game, where Spagnuolo sent a corner blitz on a crucial fourth-and-5.

Kansas City’s defense finished ninth overall and allowed the fourth-fewest points. Jones is an All-Pro interior lineman, edge rusher George Karlaftis led the team with eight sacks and defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton had 6 1/2. Cornerback Trent McDuffie was a second-team All-Pro, and the matchup between McDuffie and Brown could be one to watch.

Protecting Hurts will be key for the Eagles, though he has the ability to escape pressure and gain big yards on the ground.

Sirianni handed over the offense to Moore, a first-year Eagles coordinator who is likely coaching his last game with Philadelphia, as he is expected to become the head coach of the Saints.

When the Chiefs have the ball:
The Chiefs had the 14th-best passing offense with Mahomes and the 22nd-ranked rushing attack. The Eagles were the best in total defense, No. 1 against the pass, 10th against the run, and second in scoring defense.

Mahomes is 8-0 against Fangio’s defenses, but teams with the top-ranked defense are 10-2 in the Super Bowl since 1970.

Mahomes is great at making big plays and finding ways to win, especially in close games. He had somewhat average numbers by his standards, with 3,928 yards, 26 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a 93.5 rating.

Kelce, despite a slight dip in the regular season, becomes a standout player in the postseason. Mahomes also has DeAndre Hopkins, Marquise Brown, and first-round pick Xavier Worthy. Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco are solid running backs.

The offensive line, led by All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney, All-Pro center Creed Humphrey, and right guard Trey Smith, will be important in protecting Mahomes. Thuney is filling in at left tackle.

They’ll need to stop Carter and edge rusher Nolan Smith from getting to Mahomes. Brandon Graham, who had a key strip-sack of Tom Brady in the Eagles’ only Super Bowl win seven years ago, could be back to help with the rush.

All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun will play a big role against Mahomes, and rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean could have a tough job against Kelce. Cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Darius Slay will be crucial in defending against the pass.

Reid is known for being creative and isn’t afraid to try new strategies. Fangio, on the other hand, hides his coverage and aims to take away big plays.

Mahomes faced heavy pressure in his only Super Bowl loss to Tampa Bay four years ago. For the Eagles to win, they’ll need to make him uncomfortable in the pocket.

Special teams:
Eagles kicker Jake Elliott has been inconsistent this season. He made 28 of 36 field goals in the regular season but only made 1 of 7 attempts from over 50 yards. He’s been better in the playoffs, making 6 out of 7 field goals, though he has missed three extra points.

Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker made the game-winning field goal against the Eagles in the Super Bowl two years ago, and also made a tying field goal to send the game to overtime last year. He hit 21 of 25 field goals in the regular season and missed two extra points. He’s perfect in the playoffs, going 9 for 9 on kicks.

The Eagles averaged 9.2 yards per punt return and 26.5 yards per kick return.

The Chiefs averaged 9.9 yards per punt return and 27.1 yards per kick return.