Super Bowl 55: Madden simulation, prediction for Chiefs vs. Buccaneers
Super Bowl 55 is upon us with the Kansas City Chiefs facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and we’re simulating the Big Game on Madden NFL 21 to predict who will win.
There’s just one game remaining in the NFL season. For the first time in Super Bowl history, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will play at their home stadium, representing the NFC against the reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV on Sunday, Feb. 7 with kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. ET.
We can make all of the predictions and prognostications that we want for the Big Game but, then again, why not let the work be done for us — at least for our purposes today. We’re setting up the Super Bowl LV matchup between the Chiefs and Buccaneers on Madden NFL 21 and seeing how things play out.
This is your official Madden Super Bowl LV simulation for an obviously infallible prediction for how the game will play out on Sunday night.
Super Bowl 55 Madden Simulation, First Quarter: Chiefs 3, Buccaneers 7
While many people are expecting an outright shootout between these two teams, we’ve seen in the past that doesn’t always happen when it comes to the Super Bowl. Tensions are high and there is a feeling out process. And we certainly see that in this Madden simulation of the game.
Tampa Bay holds a narrow 7-3 lead after the first quarter thanks to a 10-yard touchdown pass from Brady to wide receiver Chris Godwin. Perhaps the bigger story is the Buccaneers defense slowing down the Chiefs offense in the red zone.
Mahomes and Kansas City were able to drive down close but were stonewalled short. That led to a 21-yard field goal from Harrison Butker, which was certainly not the answer they were looking for.
Both Brady and Mahomes started off well with the former going 6-of-8 for 97 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter while the latter put up 113 yards while going 8-of-11. Godwin led the Bucs with three grabs for 44 yards and the score while Rob Gronkowski (2-30) and Antonio Brown (1-23) both came up with some nice plays.
Tyreek Hill’s playmaking against the Bucs continued with two catches for 50 yards but Travis Kelce was held to just two catches and 11 yards. Demarcus Robinson made some unlikely plays, however, with two catches for 40 yards.
As for the rushing attacks, there isn’t much to speak of as Le’Veon Bell led the way with four carries for 19 yards while no one else had more than six yards in the first period. Meanwhile, Jason Pierre-Paul was the only player to notch a sack in the opening frame.