That’s right the Eagles faithful are hanging a wing and a prayer on Saquon Rasul Quevis Barkley — the former Penn State running back’s name is seemingly as long as some of his breathtaking and game-changing touchdown runs this season.

Barkley, in his first year in Philadelphia since coming over from the rival New York Giants, is already in the record books thanks to his illustrious debut for the Eagles.

He is just the ninth player in NFL history to eclipse 2,000 rushing yards in a season this year. And yet Barkley has a chance to further his legacy when the Eagles take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, not only with a ring but another all-time achievement among ball carriers.

Firstly, Barkley needs just 30 rushing yards against the Chiefs to hold the single-season record for most rushing yards in a season (playoffs included). He enters Super Bowl LIX with 2,447 through 19 games, including postseason, which is just 29 yards behind the 2,476-yard total produced by Hall of Famer Terrell Davis back in 1998, when the longtime Denver Broncos star won his second career Super Bowl.

AP photo
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) walks off the field with his family following the NFL championship playoff football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in Philadelphia.

While Barkley might etch his name into the Super Bowl record books, perhaps as the most prolific rusher to ever grace the NFL’s biggest stage, here’s a look at what other local forecasters had to say about this year’s Super Bowl as the Chiefs look to three-peat:

Marc Attivo, former Mifflin County football standout: Eagles 34, Chiefs 31. “I look for it to continue to be Saquon’s year, and he will finish it with a title. As a die-hard Steelers fan, there are very few scenarios where I would root for the Eagles. Stopping the Chiefs’ current run and my love for Saquon Barkley has created that scenario.”

Mike Baker, former Lewistown Area High School standout: Eagles 31, Chiefs 27. The Saquanaissance continues with multiple big plays and multiple TDs. Not even Taylor Swift can stop the Tush Push. A Mahommes last-second comeback drive falls short, along with K.C.’s hopes of a Three-Super-Bowl-Chief-Peat. E-A-G-L-E-S!”

Sam Baumgardner, Sentinel photographer: Chiefs 31, Eagles 21. “Because Taylor (Swift) needs a ring.”

Jayden Bilger, former Mifflin County High School and current Juniata College basketball standout: Eagles 27, Chiefs 24. “I’m an Eagles fan, and I think we’re gonna win. But I think it’ll be close.”

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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) reacts to the touchdown run by Saquon Barkley during the NFL championship playoff football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, in Philadelphia.

Connor Boreman, Juniata High School football player: Eagles 38, Chiefs 31. “It’s gonna be in favor of Philadelphia because they have convincingly the best player in the league in Saquon, who can pose their offense. Paired with Jalen Hurts, who always seems to win when he needs to. And definitely because they basically are elite at every position. Defense wins championships!”

Shane Breon, Mifflin County High School head football coach: Eagles 31, Chiefs 21. “I think the Eagles’ offense will be able to control the ball and minimize the Chiefs’ possessions. Brown and Smith are excellent receivers and Barkley’s running wild behind the stout offensive line of the Eagles.”

Wayne Brookhart, former Lewistown Area High School boys basketball coach: Eagles 34, Chiefs 28. “Barkley runs wild with 200-plus yards, and Chiefs turn it over on final possession. Eagles D takes away the Chiefs’ running game and makes them one-dimensional.”

Craig Bubb, Juniata High School and youth softball coach: Chiefs 37, Eagles 34: “I think (Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve) Spagnuolo will devise a game plan around stopping (or attempting to stop) Barkley and force Hurts to be the man. And Mahomes just seems to always find a way to win a shootout in the end.”

Dave Burman, former radio station sports director: Chiefs 31, Eagles 28. “First back-to-back-to-back NFL champs since the Packers in 1965, ’66 and ’67. Reid and Mahomes will be too much.”

Karen Burns, president of Beavertown Historical Society: Eagles 31, Chiefs 21. “Because they lost last time and it is their time to win. Fly Eagles Fly!”

Sherri Burns, Miller Cinemas owner: Eagles 33, Chiefs 30. “My family and I are from Philadelphia and huge Eagles fans! We’ve been to a few games and have a lot of friends who tailgate faithfully at all home games. Go Birds! E-A-G-L-E-S!

Brian Carson, Sentinel reporter and County Observer editor: Chiefs 27, Eagles 23. “Patrick Mahomes is doing things even Tom Brady didn’t do. Kansas City is experienced and has Andy Reid. Enough said.”

Scott Clark, former Juniata High School athlete and coach: Eagles 27, Chiefs 24. “To doubt Mahomes seems far-fetched as he just seems to win. My thought is the Eagles running game and defense will be effective enough to slow down the Chiefs and get the win unlike Super Bowl 57. But No. 15 is a magician!

Tim Clark, Mifflin County School District teacher and sports podcaster and columnist: Chiefs 27, Eagles 21. “Andy Reid will be playing chess while Nick Sirianni is finger painting.”

Kurt Condo, Juniata High School head football coach: Eagles 26, Chiefs 22. “I’ve got to stick with Pennsylvania and the lesser of two evils.”

Mark Conner, former Lewistown football coach: “Eagles 28, Chiefs 24. “The Eagles’ defense, and, of course, Saquon Barkley!”

Mark Coulter, former Lewistown Area High School basketball standout: Eagles 35, Chiefs 28. “The Eagles’ defense will make a last-drive stand against the Chiefs to seal the game. Dallas Goedert will be the difference-maker on some key third-down plays.”

Kevin Cunningham, musician and former Juniata High School band director: Eagles 31, Chiefs 24. “Philadelphia’s well-balanced team can win in a number of ways and especially if a few key players can bounce back from injuries, the team has very few weaknesses. Fly Eagles Fly!”

Wade Curry, Mifflin County High School boys basketball coach: Eagles 27, Chiefs 24. “Barkley rushes for over 100 yards again, but Hurts steals the show with two touchdowns.”

Adam Dimm, former East Juniata High School wrestler: Eagles 49, Chiefs 28. “Eagles win big!”

Brad Eargle, Juniata County band director: Eagles 31, Chiefs 18. “Kansas City has scraped by on good luck all year, but the Eagles’ defense will be the best they’ve seen. Outside of a few big plays, Philly keeps the Kansas City offense in check for much of the game.”

Garth Espigh, Mifflin County native and lifelong Eagles fan: Eagles 33, Chiefs 30. “The last time these two met in the Super Bowl, I predicted an Eagles win. I was obviously wrong. But now the Eagles have Saquon on board. It’s payback time. As long as the refs don’t get flag happy and give Mahomes free plays. He’ll have his moments, but gritty defense by the Eagles will limit the damage. Saquon raises the Super Bowl trophy on his birthday. Go Birds!”

Eric Ettinger, Mifflin County Regional Police Department patrol and school resource officer: Eagles 31, Chiefs 28. “I think Barkley deserves a Super Bowl ring.”

Stacey Falkner, Belleville Mennonite School athletic director: Eagles 42, Chiefs 34. “Barkley is on fire and unstoppable at the moment.”

Anthony Fiuza, Sentinel Sports editor: Chiefs 30, Eagles 27. “The Chiefs have the better play caller in Andy Reid and the better quarterback in Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes will take advantage of the Philly secondary.”

Mike Goss, local rock band musician: Eagles 27, Chiefs 20. “Redemption.”

Mike Goss, Sentinel photographer: Chiefs 37, Eagles 30. “Chiefs will win because of Mahomes. I hope the Eagles win though.”

Brian Gumberg, of LG Realty Advisors in Pittsburgh which owns Mifflin County Commons in Burnham: Eagles 42, Chiefs 35. “Tush push takes it!”

Jessica Eaton Guyer, Tuscarora Academy Museum curator: Chiefs 38, Eagles 31. “The Chiefs are a stacked team with more ways to score.”

Kim Klingensmith Hart, former Juniata High School track coach: Chiefs 38, Eagles 34. “The Chiefs are on a mission to set records and Mahomes is always clutch.”

Colette Hartzler, United Way of Mifflin-Juniata executive director: Eagles 38, Chiefs 35. “A victorious reversal of the score the last time these two teams met. Saquon and Jalen will power their team across the finish line, putting a ‘Hurt-ing’on Mahomes’ dream of a third-consecutive Super Bowl win.”

Brian Heckert, Mifflin County High School assistant football coach: Eagles 31, Chiefs 17. “Saquon will have an MVP game.”

Kris Hendricks, Reedsville resident: Eagles 27, Chiefs 24. “I don’t want to see K.C. win again and want to see Barkley win a Super Bowl. The Eagles are more complete on offense and defense than the Chiefs.”

Kaye-Raye Hepler, Armagh Township resident: Eagles 28, Chiefs 24. “I want to go with the Chiefs only because I am not a big Eagles fan, but I am a huge Saquon Barkley fan, so for this year I am picking the Eagles for the upset.”

Mark Hidlay, former Lewistown Area High School football coach: Eagles 37, Chiefs 13. “Offensive line will create running lanes for Barkley with minimal need for the passing game. Hurts will have a couple backbreaking runs as well. Suffocating defense (contain scrambling and artistry of Mahomes) and powerful ground game for the Eagles. The way the game was meant to be played.”

Ray Hoppel, Mifflin County High School baseball coach: Eagles 27, Chiefs 24. “Philly has the most complete offense that K.C. has seen all season, and I feel they’ll make enough plays, keeping K.C. off the field just enough to get the win.”

Chris Johnston, owner of Two Brothers Bicycle Co.: Eagles 27, Chiefs 24. “Maybe not realistic, but I can hope.”

Maggie Johnston, former Lewistown Area High School girls basketball standout and two-time state champion: Eagles 35, Chiefs 27. “Hurts makes some key throws to go along with another big game from Barkley.”

Nick Johnston, owner of Two Brothers Bicycle Co.: Eagles 24, Chiefs 17. “Saquon Barkley will be unstoppable.”

Bev Kauffman, Sentinel Cuisine contributor: Eagles 32, Chiefs 27. “Both good teams but I’m a Pennsylvania girl, so I’ll be cheering for the Eagles!”

Chad Kauffman, local avid birdwatcher and wrestling dad: Eagles 27, Chiefs 20. “Saquon will lead the way.”

Noah Kauffman, Juniata High School wrestler: Chiefs 24, Eagles 21. “Because they cheat.”

Rhonda Kelley, Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce executive director: Eagles 27, Chiefs 24. “I choose the Philadelphia Eagles because I believe they have the talent, determination and the heart to take it all the way. ‘Hit ’em low, hit ’em high and watch our Eagles fly! Fly Eagles Fly! On the road to victory!'”

Leon King, Juniata County contractor: Eagles 32, Chiefs 28. “Travis Kelce scores a touchdown, and the cameras pan to Taylor Swift.”

Zachary Knepp, Penn State fan: “Eagles 34, Chiefs 31. “I’ve been an Eagles fan my entire life, so I’m hoping for the best. Fly Eagles Fly!”

Kevin Kodish, Mifflin County commissioner: Eagles 34, Chiefs 31. “Barkley wins it late for Philly! Mahomes is picked on the game’s final play.”

Daniel Love, LoveTwoEat Farm owner: Eagles 34, Chiefs 24. “The Eagles’ running game will slow K.C. down this time.”

Margaret McCann, school of dance owner: Eagles 32, Chiefs 24. “I will always choose a Pennsylvania team.”

Gary Mitton, former Chief Logan High School standout: Eagles 42, Chiefs 28. “No misses by Jake Elliott indoors!”

Terra Noerr, Lewistown resident: Eagles 38, Chiefs 32. “I believe it’s their time to shine, and I think Barkley will be their superstar.”

Dawn Osborne, wrestling mom: Eagles 35, Chiefs 27. “Barkley is on a mission, and it will be his birthday on Super Bowl Sunday.”

Stacey Osborne, Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital chief nursing officer: Eagles 31, Chiefs 28. “The Eagles will pull off the close three-point victory with Saquon scoring three touchdowns.”

Rocco Pallotto, radio personality: Eagles 28, Chiefs 24. “The Eagles’ O line and Saquon Barkley are playing at another level. And I give the edge to the Philly defense in this one, too.”

Aleiha Rapp, president of Helping Hands of Juniata County: Eagles 34, Chiefs 31. “Because Saquon Barkley will make sure those touchdowns get made.”

Rob Reeder, Lewistown Intermediate School and East Derry Elementary School principal: Eagles 26, Chiefs 19. “Saquon, you have to love the Nittany Lion connection.”

Joe Rocco, retired director at Comcast: Eagles 27, Chiefs 24. “Saquon! I’ve always been a huge fan of his, and he deserves it after being disrespected by the Giants’ front office.”

Brian Rodgers, Mifflin County Tomahawks head coach: “Chiefs 42, Eagles 34. “I’m picking the Chiefs to three-peat. I think it will be high scoring – despite two solid defenses – but right now you just can’t bet against Mahomes.”

Ben Rothrock, Mifflin County native and minor league baseball executive: “Eagles 34, Chiefs 31. “I think that the Eagles are a complete team and history will be denied.”

Brian Rothrock, Lewistown resident and a huge Penn State fan: Eagles 23, Chiefs 20. “I want to see Saquon get a ring.”

Neil Rudel, Penn State football columnist: Chiefs 27, Eagles 26. “Should be a great game and could go either way. But Kansas City has an advantage at the most two important positions — quarterback and coach — so until proven otherwise, I’m going with the Chiefs.”

Karrie (Macknair) Scheider, powerlifter and Mifflin County native: Eagles 35, Chiefs 27. “Go Birds!”

Victoria Searer, Juniata Valley YMCA executive director: Eagles 28, Chiefs 24. “My reasoning for picking the Eagles to win comes down to one word “Saquon.” Barkley was not on the roster the last time these teams met in the Super Bowl, but he is a total beast and is playing at an MVP level for the Eagles.”

Jennifer (Henry) Sheaffer, local Steelers fan: Chiefs 31, Eagles 20. “As much as I would like to say Eagles because my husband is a big Eagles fan and they are a PA team … but the Chiefs have been my No. 2 team since the ’90s.”

Dave Sheetz, former Mifflin County basketball standout and coach: Eagles 30, Chiefs 27. “Excited for Barkley to get his chance in the big game.

Jasper Shepps, Juniata High School all-state football player: Eagles 24, Chiefs 20. “Reason: Saquon Barkley.”

Carter Smith, Mifflin County High School cross country and track state champion: Chiefs 34, Eagles 30. “Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are more experienced in the Super Bowl, and they seem very confident. Also, Patrick Mahomes is the best QB in the world and has been.”

Ed Stewart, former Lewistown Area High School basketball coach: Chiefs 32, Eagles 28. “My reasoning is K.C. has the best QB in football and the better overall team. However, I’m a Saquon fan and I hope the Eagles win.”

Eli Sutton, Mifflin County Middle School student and son of Mifflin County High School art teacher Sara Sutton: Chiefs 34, Eagles 31. “On a game-winning field goal in overtime … because I like the Chiefs, and they’re just better.”

Todd Tabb, Hometown Potters’ Studio owner: Eagles 28, Chiefs 21. “My wife likes their colors better than the Chiefs.”

Jason Ufema, Shy Bear Brewing owner: Eagles 30, Chiefs 27. “It will be a back-and-forth battle, but I believe Philly’s offensive and defensive lines are better and would always give a nod to the team with the superior running game, which Saquon certainly provides.”

Kenny Varner, Sentinel Sports correspondent: Eagles 35, Chiefs 32. “The Eagles will spoil the Chiefs’ chance at history and foil Kansas City’s bid for the three-peat.”

Vance Varner, Mifflin County School District superintendent of schools: Eagles 44, Chiefs 37. “Saquon Barkley has a breakout performance and leads the Eagles to the Super Bowl win.”

Craig Weston, magisterial district court judge and former Lewistown Area High School standout: “Eagles 31, Chiefs 28. “Eagles’ defense and Saquon Barkley’s legs get the job done.”

My prediction? Well, if the score matches the forecasters’ predictions, it’s a 57-16 cakewalk for Barkley and the Eagles. That’s not likely to happen with Mahomes and Co. with a three-peat on the line, and whether Taylor Swift is in the house or not. I believe Hurts and Barkley will continue to keep the Eagles’ offense firing on all cylinders for a 38-31 Super Bowl victory.