The Kansas City Chiefs go into their 4th Super Bowl in the last 5 years. Of the last 3 they have played in they have won 2 – and both times they were underdogs – to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022, and in 2020 against their same opponents as this year, the San Francisco 49ers.

Kansas City Chiefs Not Backed By The Sportsbooks Once Again

San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy. Credit: COOPER NEILL/GETTY
Despite receiving an overwhelming amount of the money and bets in the world of gambling, the Chiefs are still 2 point ‘dogs to the favored 49ers. Some argue that this is absurd, given the unbelievably high level of play from quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, over the course of the 2023 post-season.

And the Kansas City Chief’s job just got a little harder against a fierce 8th ranked 49ers defense that has one of the most explosive pass rushes in the National Football League, as a key Chiefs starter will not be on the field come Sunday, per Underdog NFL.

Joe Thuney Not Suiting Up For Super Bowl LVIII

After earning First Team All Pro for the first time in his career, Thuney will not be able to play on Sunday afternoon. However, he has already played in 4 Super Bowls prior to this: so whilst it always gutting for a player to miss out on playing in the Big Game, at least Thuney has had a shot before.

What Does Joe Thuney Mean For The Chiefs Offense?

Mahomes runs off the field against the Las Vegas Raiders last week. Credit: Chris Unger/Getty Images North America/Getty Images
Thuney is the Kansas City Chiefs best guard on what is one of the top 5 offensive lines in the NFL. To put it into context, despite going against impressive, playoff caliber defensive lines in the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills, Kansas City’s O line has given up just 2 sacks in the 2023 post season.

Whilst backup Nick Allegretti is certainly a competent fill-in, he does not replicate the premier play that Thuney brings to the Chiefs’ offense. The one Super Bowl that Patrick Mahomes lost – against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021, was the sole one where Mahomes was under constant duress – where KC were missing both of their starting, Pro Bowl tackles.

With the rest of their line intact the Chiefs will hope that they are able to fend off the 49ers D line, headed by former Defensive Player of the Year, Nick Bosa. They should still have 2 x Pro Bowler Creed Humphrey and decent bookend tackles, Jawaan Taylor and Donovan Smith.

Let’s see how Kansas City’s offensive line holds up without their star man, and if KC and Patrick Mahomes are able to overcome the odds for the third time in the Super Bowl.