Bucs or Chiefs? Saipan fans take their pick

The sentimental favorite or the oddsmakers’ choice?

As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs meet in Super Bowl LV this Sunday (Monday on Saipan), the island’s gridiron fans chose which side they are on or were simply forced to pick between Tom Brady’s team and Patrick Mahomes’ squad as their real favorites, unfortunately, were out of contention for the Vince Lombardi trophy.

The deciding factor was either the numbers from this season, giving the defending champions Chiefs the advantage, or the Tom Brady legacy that the Bucs hope will hand them their first Super Bowl since 2003.

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“The 2020-21 season was an exciting ride for this football fan. My Buffalo Bills had one heck of a run but they couldn’t get past the defending champs in the AFC title game. The Kansas City Chiefs are a complete team and they should get a couple of their skill players back as Le’Veon Bell and Sammy Watkins are expected to be ready for Super Bowl LV. It’s not like superstar Patrick Mahomes needs any additional weapons but he’ll gladly take them. On the other side of the ball, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a star-studded offense, savage defense, and a sage under center. I think Tommy Terrific gets his seventh ring this year in a close game thanks in no small part to the Tampa D. Tampa Bay 28, Kansas City 27.”
Brad Ruszala, Joint Region Marianas public affairs specialist

“I’m going for the Bucs. I personally want to see a team win a Super Bowl in their home stadium especially with Tom Brady leading it. Everyone hates him because he’s successful. I love it. Also, I have to throw my lot in with team man’amko, not with Mahomes.”
Edward Dela Cruz, Jr., Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting firefighter

“I don’t have an opinion this year as the Niners aren’t in, LOL. Kelvin (Fitial) was sitting beside me telling me to write ‘Chiefs’ and we started arguing at the table, LOL. But, I lean toward Tom Brady as he originally wanted to be a Niner. Go Bucs!
Ed Arriola, former CNMI Sharks player

“Chiefs, because I know Patrick Mahomes will beat Tom Brady.”
Kelvin Fitial, MMA fighter

“I think Brady Experience will win.”
Charles Cepeda, Marianas Racing Association president

“I’m a Raider fan so I wanted the Raiders to win, and I don’t like either team that’s in the Super Bowl. But, if I had to choose, I’d pick the Bucs because they’re not the Chiefs and I like their defense.”
Larry Maurin, Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality program manager

“I think the Chiefs will win this year’s Super Bowl! They have a solid offense with their QB Pat Mahomes, speedster WR Tyreek Hill, and TE Travis Kelce. The Bucs’ defense are having problems covering these guys. It’s going to be exciting…I’m just sad that my 49ers didn’t make it this year, hopefully next year…34-26, Chiefs!
Carl James Hocog, Department of Public Safety officer