Super Bowl LV is set to kick off in three days, and injuries just seem to be getting better.  All that energy should do the trick unless there is something seriously wrong, which does happen in NFL.  This Big Game is one of the hottest contests to be seen in recent years.

Kansas City Ready For Battle

The Kansas City Chiefs seem to be practically injury-free, with only left tackle Eric Fisher out and unable to walk with a ruptured Achilles.  Linebacker Willie Gay Jr., with a badly sprained ankle, was unable to practice this week, according to Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, but could be in the game.

There are a few guys, like Sammy Watkins, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and a couple of others, who, although they did practice with the team this week, may not be able to go a full four quarters against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but at least they are going to try.  Watkins says that he is around 85% now.  The Super Bowl brings out that sort of attitude in players who do not want to miss an opportunity to play in the biggest sporting event of the year.

Mahomes Looks Ready

Even the Chiefs’ young quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, got his bell rung not so long ago and had to go through concussion protocol.  Now, Mahomes has a toe issue, so, we will see how he plays.  He does have Chad Henne as an experienced backup, if needed.

Other guys on the Chiefs’ injury list, but who did participate in practice, include running back Le’Veon Bell with a banged up knee and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, also still under observation with concussion protocol.  Then there is cornerback Rashad Fenton nursing a hurt foot and offensive linemen Andrew Wylie with an ankle injury and Mike Remmers nursing a strained groin.

The Bucs Are Getting There

Over on the home team side at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, there are the surprising Buccaneers team led by veteran quarterback Tom Brady.  No one much expected the Buccaneers to be in this position right now.  But those folks simply underestimated Tom Brady and what he is capable of.  That’s something lots of teams have done that down through the years, always to their own peril.

But here they are.  For the first time in Super Bowl history, one of the participating teams gets to play the Super Bowl in their home stadium.  With the weather the way it is up north right now, most everyone is glad to be down in Tampa in the Florida sunshine for Super Bowl LV.

Bucs Injuries Could Be Costly

Tom Brady, at 43 years old, seems healthy, but the Bucs do have a few injuries that could affect the team.  The number-one concern right now has to be wide receiver Antonio Brown.  He has a banged-up knee, but did participate in practice drills this week.  As it stands now, he’s expected to play in the big game, just how much remains to be seen.

Outside linebacker Jason Pierre Paul is also nursing a knee injury while inside linebacker Lavonte David has a hamstring injury he is trying to play with.  Safety Jordan Whitehead has managed to hurt both his knee and his shoulder and the other safety, Antoine Winfield, has a twisted ankle.  Tight end Cameron Brate has strained something in his back, which could prove costly for the Bucs, and defensive tackle Steve McLendon is out for the Super Bowl.

The two other big ones for Tampa Bay are their star wide receivers, Chris Godwin, with hip and quad maladies, and Mike Evans, who is still nursing that banged-up knee.  If they’re not in the game, it could spell trouble for the Bucs, regardless of how good Brady is.

Take The Over And The Spread

The latest spread from Unibet remains the same as it has been all week, with the Chiefs as 3-point favorites and the Over/under set at 56.  Moneyline wagering has the Chiefs at -159 and the Buccaneers at +140.  With all due respect to Brady and the Bucs, I would have to go with the Chiefs and the Over for Super Bowl LV.  But still, it’s hard to bet against a guy that already has six Super Bowl rings and four Super Bowl MVP Awards.