Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs high-fives Marquez Valdes-Scantling #11 prior to the game New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 01, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. PHOTO: DUSTIN SATLOFF/GETTY

Superbowl 58 is officially upon us following the conclusion of the NFC and AFC championships. The 49ers and Chiefs have already met back in 2020, with the Chiefs coming out on top. That said, things are different this time around, and from a roster standpoint, I believe the 49ers have the edge. That said, let’s dive into each major position group to see which team should come out on top in Super Bowl 57.

Quarterback

49ers: Brock Purdy

Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes

Advantage - Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes

Although Brock Purdy doesn’t give the 49ers an advantage in this game, he’s way too overhated. After seeing Purdy turn things around and lead the 49ers to a second-half comeback, I’m more than convinced that he can get it done on Superbowl Sunday. Although Purdy is a good quarterback, he’s not Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes has been amazing throughout the playoffs, proving to everyone why he’s the best quarterback in the NFL.

Running Back

49ers: Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell

Chiefs: Isiah Pacheco , Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Advantage - 49ers: Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell

The running back advantage clearly goes to the 49ers and Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey is touted as the best running back in the NFL, and he’s proven it in the 49ers playoff run. The 49ers run game has been lethal all season, and that won’t stop in the Superbowl. Although Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire are solid, McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell have the edge.

Wide Receiver

49ers: Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings

Chiefs: Rashee Rice, Justin Watson, Marquez Valdes-Scantling

Advantage - 49ers: Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings

Unlike 2020, the Chiefs don’t have a receiver as good as Tyreek Hill, and their overall wide receiver room is much worse. Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk are both better than Rashee Rice and the duo will be a nightmare to defend on Sunday. Assuming Samuel is cleared to play in the Super Bowl, the 49ers have a clear advantage here.

Tight End

49ers: George Kittle

Chiefs: Travis Kelce

Advantage - Chiefs: Travis Kelce

Travis Kelce isn’t the same threat he’s been in years past, but the Chiefs still have an advantage here. Kelce has shown he still has some juice left and has been playing his best football of the year recently. That said, George Kittle is a great receiver and blocker who helps out the 49ers a ton. The two impact their team in different ways, but Kelce has the slight edge based on his recent performance.

Offensive Line

49ers: Trent Williams, Aaron Banks, Jake Brendel, Spencer Burford, Colton McKivitz

Chiefs: Donovan Smith, Nick Allegretti, Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, Jawaan Taylor

Advantage - 49ers: Trent Williams, Aaron Banks, Jake Brendel, Spencer Burford, Colton McKivitz

At first glance, the two teams have very comparable offensive lines. According to PFF, during the regular season, the Chiefs finished as the 16th-best offensive line, and the 49ers were the 21st-best. Both lines have looked good during the playoffs, but Joe Thuney’s injury gives the 49ers a slight edge. While we’re not sure if Thuney will be able to play, he missed the AFC Championship, which is never a good sign.

Defensive Tackle

49ers: Arik Armstead, Javon Hargrave

Chiefs: Neil Farrell, Chris Jones

Advantage - Even

At the defensive tackle position, there’s no clear winner. Chris Jones is the best player in the group, but the 49ers have a more well-rounded unit. It’s also worth noting that Jones only had 1 QB hit against the Ravens. Jones is obviously still a great player, but he hasn’t been wrecking games. Arik Armstead and Javon Hargrave are both fantastic players who play key roles in this elite 49ers defense.

Defensive End

49ers: Nick Bosa, Chase Young

Chiefs: Mike Danna, George Karlaftis

Advantage: 49ers - Nick Bosa, Chase Young

George Karlaftis has played well, but he’s no match for Nick Bosa. Bosa is one of the best edge rushers in the NFL, and the Chiefs will have to slow him down if they want to stand a chance. Chase Young has been disappointing, and there are rumors that he may even be benched in the Superbowl. That said, Bosa is dominant enough that he gives the 49ers an edge here.

Linebackers

49ers: Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, Oren Burks

Chiefs: Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, Cole Christiansen

Advantage - 49ers: Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, Oren Burks

With Willie Gay sidelined the 49ers have a clear advantage here. Fred Warner is proving why he’s one of the best linebackers in the NFL, recording 13 tackles against the Lions. Dre Greenlaw has been great during the Chiefs' playoff run as well, recording seven tackles last game. If Gay plays on Sunday, there’s a discussion to be had, but right now, the 49ers clearly have the advantage.

Cornerback

49ers: Charvarius Ward, Deommodore Lenoir, Isaiah Oliver, Ambry Thomas

Chiefs: L'Jarius Sneed, Trent McDuffie, Joshua Williams, Jaylen Watson

Advantage - Chiefs: L'Jarius Sneed, Trent McDuffie, Joshua Williams, Jaylen Watson

L’Jarius Sneed and Trent McDuffie have been unbelievable during the playoffs and will give the 49ers a tough time. Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir have both been playing very well, but Sneed has been even better. The cornerback matchup won’t be a massive swing, but the Chiefs have a slight edge.

Safety

49ers: Ji'Ayir Brown, Tashaun Gipson Sr

Chiefs: Mike Edwards, Justin Reid

Advantage - 49ers: Ji'Ayir Brown, Tashaun Gipson Sr

Mike Edwards and Justin Reid are good players, but they haven’t been anything special in the postseason. Ji'Ayir Brown and Tashaun Gipson have been flying all over the place as of late. With their backs up against the wall, Brown and Gipson helped stonewall a tough Lions offense in the second half.

Special Teams

49ers: Jake Moody, Mitch Wishnowsky

Chiefs: Harrison Butker, Tommy Townsend

Advantage - Chiefs Harrison Butker, Tommy Townsend

Having a clutch kicker is crucial in big games, and I believe both players are up for the challenge. That said, it’s hard to pick against Harrison Butker. Butker has proven his worth to the Chiefs time and time again, and he’s looked great so far this year.

Coaching

49ers: Kyle Shanahan

Chiefs: Andy Reid