Ranking All 44 Starters in Super Bowl LVII

The great thing about the Super Bowl is that anybody can be the hero. In a one-game, winner-take-all scenario, every active player has a chance to make the difference in the outcome. We are going to count down the top 44 players between the two Super Bowl participants:

44. Carlos Dunlap, DE, Kansas City
The two-time Pro Bowler is now just a rotational piece along Kansas City’s defense line. Still, if there was a game in which Dunlap might turn back the clock and produce at a high level…it’s this one.
43. Skyy Moore, WR, Kansas City
With several injuries across the receiving corps, rookie Skyy Moore was charged with a larger role in the AFC Championship game. The second-round pick delivered with a crucial late-game punt return. Can he make another game-changing play on special teams?
42. Marcus Epps, S, Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s secondary was sensational this season. Epps, one of the team’s starting safeties, played in all 17 regular season games and collected 94 tackles — third most on the team.
41. Willie Gay Jr., LB, Kansas City
After sustaining a second-half injury in the AFC title game, Gay enters the Super Bowl with a questionable tag. The Chiefs could surely use the third-year linebacker. His speed and coverage ability helps to fortify the middle of Kansas City’s defense.
40. George Karlaftis, DE, Kansas City
The rookie out of Purdue started all 17 regular season and both playoff games for the Chiefs. He’s been especially productive in recent weeks. Karlaftis has recorded 6.5 sacks over his last 9 games (including playoffs).
39. Kyzir White, LB, Philadelphia
Once considered the weak spot in Philadelphia’s defense, White could play an especially integral role in the Super Bowl. The athletic backer will likely draw the Travis Kelce assignment on most downs.
38. Andrew Wylie, T, Kansas City
The weak point of Kansas City’s offensive line, this game could be decided by how Wylie holds up against Philadelphia’s best pass rusher Haason Reddick. If Wylie is a turnstile, the Chiefs are going to find it difficult to establish any sort of offensive rhythm.
37. Kadarius Toney, WR, Kansas City
When healthy, Toney is an electric player. However, he’s rarely healthy and already banged up entering Super Bowl week. It remains to be seen if he’ll suit up or have certain limitations heading into the game.
36. Quez Watkins, WR, Philadelphia
Philly’s No. 3 wideout has plenty of speed. If Kansas City isn’t careful, Watkins has the juice to take the top of this defense.
35. Jaylen Watson, CB, Kansas City
One of three Kansas City defenders who saw a 100-percent snap count in the AFC title game. With L’Jarius Sneed banged up, Watson becomes even more important as the Chiefs try to slow down Philadelphia’s explosive receiver group.
34. Isaac Seumalo, G, Philadelphia
The free agent-to-be has put together a nice season as part of Philadelphia’s elite offensive line. He’s a punisher in the run game, and will look to pave paths forward for Jalen Hurts and Miles Sanders.
33. Avonte Maddox, CB, Philadelphia
Avonte Maddox’ presence on this defense cannot be understated. Operating as the team’s slot corner, Maddox is a connector who allows the other pieces to fit smoothly. He returned for the NFC title game after missing a month, and the Eagles defense looked especially sharp against the 49ers.
32. Orlando Brown Jr., T, Kansas City
Once revered as one of the top tackles in the game, Brown’s play dipped this season. He ranked 17th among tackles by PFF score and finished the season allowing 47 pressures — fourth most in the league. Still, he’s a four-time Pro Bowler and plenty capable. He has a chance to wash away a down season with a strong Super Bowl performance.
31. Trey Smith, G, Kansas City
Smith has missed just one offensive snap since Week 4, and has been an important cog in Kansas City’s evolving run game. Additionally, he’s a mauler on screen passes — an especially important skill to have for an Andy Reid offense.

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30. Isiah Pacheco, RB, Kansas City

Unlike past years, the Chiefs can lean into a power-run game in 2023 like they couldn’t before. That’s mostly due to the presence of Isiah Pacheco, a rookie runner who has accrued 936 scrimmage yards over Kansas City’s last 11 games. Pacheco is a tough runner that will pick up yards after contact. His physicality is a nice pairing with third-down back Jerick McKinnon. If the Chiefs take an early lead, Pacheco will be useful in closing out the game.

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29. Fletcher Cox, DT, Philadelphia

Fletcher Cox is not the player he once was. The six-time Pro Bowler and former All-Pro was previously one of the most effective defensive lineman in the game. While he is no longer the star player on Philly’s defense, Cox still has the ability to make a few plays. He recorded a sack in the Eagles first playoff game versus the Giants. Cox is also one of just two defensive starters remaining from the Super Bowl LII team (the other being DE Brandon Graham).

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