LAS VEGAS – The FlipidoSin City stage is set for its first Super Sunday. And Super Bowl 58 is expected to be a competitive affair, the slightly favored San Francisco 49ers looking to balance the scale after losing Super Bowl 54 to the Kansas City Chiefs.

The defending champs seek to become the first team to repeat in 19 years, yet even they seemingly get why they're dogs.

"I understand why we're the underdog, I get that – we had some ups and downs during the season," K.C. coach Andy Reid said Thursday. "I never feel like an underdog going into a game, but I understand why it's been situated that way."

Added quarterback Patrick Mahomes: "The underdog thing, especially at this moment, I think's a little bit overplayed. We're two great football teams going up against each other, someone's got to be the underdog. They've been a great football team all year long, so they deserve to be the favorite in this game. All we can do is go out there and play our best football."

Lotta faith among our experts that will be sufficient.

SUPER BOWL CENTRAL: Latest Super Bowl 58 news, stats, odds, matchups and more.

Super Bowl 58 picks

(Odds provided by BetMGM. Access more BetMGM odds here.)

Super Bowl 58 predictions, picks, odds

• San Francisco 49ers vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.