It should be obvious that the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Christian McCaffrey are the 2024 Super Bowl players to watch. But we know from experience that sometimes the players who make the biggest impact and produce the greatest Super Bowls ever are forgotten or overlooked. Just remember the goals Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore scored in last year's Super Bowl.
Super Bowl LVIII X-Factors
So who are the 2024 Super Bowl players to keep an eye on that aren't so obvious? Well, both the Chiefs and 49ers have deep and talented rosters, so there are plenty of options.
As part of our Super Bowl LVIII preview, here are five players who may not immediately come to mind but could become difference-makers in Super Bowl LVIII.
Marquez Valdes Scantling
Unfortunately for Marquez Valdes-Scantling, he has been criticized as much as any of Kansas City's wide receivers this season. At times, this unit has been so inept that it has led some to question whether the Chiefs can actually win a Super Bowl. However, his impressive form in the AFC Championship game helped erase some of the criticism Valdes-Scantling has faced this season.
Just as importantly, it could boost some of Mahomes' self-confidence and confidence in him as a receiver, which could lead to a better Super Bowl performance. MVS is certainly better than he showed for most of the regular season and gives the Chiefs a deep threat who can stretch the field, making him someone who can hurt the 49ers.
Dre Greenlaw
San Francisco's defense is absolutely loaded with four Pro Bowl selections this season, including three starters. Somehow Dre Greenlaw wasn't among them, likely because he was easily overshadowed by Fred Warner. While Warner still makes headlines as the leader of San Francisco's defense, Greenlaw has been almost as good this year.
He compiled 15 tackles over two playoff games and had two interceptions in the win over the Packers. Against the Chiefs, Greenlaw may have to cover Kelce at times and help rally against Isiah Pacheco. That makes him a starter for the 49ers, though he seems up for the challenge.
Noah Gray
Kelce gets so much praise and attention that many people forget that Noah Gray is Kansas City's other tight end. Gray ranked fifth on the leaders in receiving yards this season.
He was more important than any other receiver on the team outside of Kelce and Rushie Rice. The 49ers obviously won't game plan to stop Gray with Kelce on the field. Of course, that's what would make Gray a potential X-factor in the Super Bowl, especially with the Chiefs more than willing to run plays from two close sets.
Kyle Juszczyk
Not every team in the NFL uses a fullback, but the 49ers do because they have Kyle Goscheck, the best in the league. Juszczyk has made eight straight Pro Bowls, proving time and time again that he is a great lead blocker, a capable runner, and a surprisingly useful pass catcher.
He had two crucial points in the NFC Championship Game and continues to open up holes for McCaffrey. Although he's not as dangerous as some of San Francisco's other playmakers, the 49ers will guarantee Juszczyk will play a role in Super Bowl LVIII, so the Chiefs better be ready to meet him.
Larios Snead
L'Jarius Sneed has been an overlooked member of Kansas City's elite defense this season. He actually played a pivotal role in last year's Super Bowl win with two passes defensed and seven tackles. It was also Snead who kicked the ball inches free before Zay Flowers scored in the AFC Championship game.
With playmakers like Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk out there, Sneed will have a tough task in the Super Bowl to keep those players under the cap. Therefore, his performance can go a long way towards determining the outcome of the match.
