There will be plenty of star power on display when the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs collide Sunday for Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.

We thought it would be a fun exercise to rank the players from the Chiefs’ and 49ers’ active rosters, generating a list of 106 players. (We also added a few players who are currently on injured reserve with a chance to play at Allegiant Stadium.)

At first, this list was easy to form because there are about a dozen players who are regarded by many as the best player at their respective position. (Yes, Patrick Mahomes is No. 1. That’s not a spoiler.) But the debates quickly picked up with many Pro Bowl-caliber players through the top 30.

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It wasn’t easy deciding between 49ers wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. The same for Chiefs cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and L’Jarius Sneed.

What about Brock Purdy? Again, this will be fun, and yeah, somewhat controversial. Here’s the list, from No. 1 to 106.

1. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs

Mahomes is brilliant, and the single best player in the sport. In six seasons as the starting quarterback, Mahomes has led the Chiefs to the AFC title game each year, winning four of them. If Kansas City wins on Sunday, it will have won its third Super Bowl in five years, cementing this Chiefs team as an all-time dynasty.

2. Nick Bosa, Edge, 49ers

Bosa’s numbers were down in 2023, for his lofty standards, but he single-handedly kept San Francisco’s defense in the NFC title game while the team rallied from a 24–7 deficit. Bosa, who had two sacks vs. the Detroit Lions, remains an elite edge rusher and might be the best at his position. 

3. Christian McCaffrey, RB, 49ers

It’s wild how dynamic McCaffrey has been as a runner and pass-catcher, despite being in his seventh NFL season. Many running backs begin to decline at this stage. But not 27-year-old McCaffrey, who might be named Offensive Player of the Year at NFL Honors this week. 

4. Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs

Kelce is the greatest tight end in NFL history. In the AFC championship game, Kelce surpassed 49ers legend Jerry Rice for the most postseason receptions with 156, nabbing 11 balls on 11 targets against the Baltimore Ravens. Last season, Kelce helped the Chiefs score 44 points against the Niners, totaling six catches for 98 yards.

5. Chris Jones, IDL, Chiefs

Jones began the season holding out for a new contract, but still amassed 10.5 sacks to tie George Karlaftis for the team lead. In the postseason, Jones only has four quarterback hits and a half-sack, but he’s easily the best interior rusher in the game. He’s a matchup nightmare for San Francisco’s guards and center.

6. Fred Warner, LB, 49ers

Warner’s the best in the game at his position, partly because of his vast skill set. He doesn’t have a weakness, giving the 49ers the luxury of a linebacker who can stop the run, rush the passer and cover star pass-catchers. Warner was named to his third consecutive first-team All-Pro this season. 

7. Trent Williams, LT, 49ers

The trend of the best player at their respective position continues with Williams, who has long been regarded as the top left tackle in the sport. The former Commanders star played at an elite level for many years in Washington, and has since provided much of the same the past four seasons in San Francisco. The 35-year-old’s presence allows coach Kyle Shanahan to expand the playbook. 

8. Brandon Aiyuk, WR, 49ers

Aiyuk enjoyed a breakout season as the 49ers’ go-to target, recording 75 receptions for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns. He’s not quite as explosive as his running mate (listed below), but he’s developed into a reliable downfield threat, evident by his game-changing 51-yard reception against the Lions to spark the comeback victory. 

9. L’Jarius Sneed, CB, Chiefs

Sneed might be the biggest All-Pro snub of 2023. Constantly charged with going against the opponent’s top receiver, the fourth-year pro has been dominant. This season, Sneed has only given up a single touchdown pass, coming in the AFC Divisional against the Buffalo Bills. He also travels into the slot from the perimeter, and will blitz from anywhere.

10. Deebo Samuel, WR, 49ers

Samuel hasn’t matched his All-Pro season of 2021, but his versatility and mere presence is what separates the 49ers’ offense from the rest of the pack. His speed strikes fear into opposing defenses and his ability to lineup anywhere on the field, even in the backfield, creates plenty of pre-snap chaos. Samuel recorded 892 receiving yards and 225 rushing yards in the regular season.

11. Trent McDuffie, CB, Chiefs

In only his second season, McDuffie earned first-team All-Pro honors as a slot extraordinaire. He also plays outside on the boundary and is an elite tackler with 60 solo tackles on the year.

12. George Kittle, TE, 49ers

Kittle might not be as good as Kelce when it comes to the passing game, but he’s probably the most complete tight end in the NFL. He’s a menace in the blocking game, and his charismatic personality often provides confidence for his teammates. 

13. Joe Thuney, OG, Chiefs

It’s unlikely Thuney plays in the Super Bowl after injuring his pec against the Bills. It’s unfortunate luck, as Thuney was once again named to the All-Pro team.

14. Creed Humphrey, C, Chiefs

Humphrey is one of the league’s best centers, earning Pro Bowl honors for the second straight year. In the Super Bowl, he’ll have a tough test against Arik Armstead and Javon Hargrave. 

15. Arik Armstead, IDL, 49ers

Bosa and the rest of the 49ers’ defensive line desperately missed Armstead while he was sidelined the final five games of the regular season. It’s not a surprise that Bosa racked up nine quarterback hits with Armstead back on the field during the postseason.

16. Dre Greenlaw, LB, 49ers

Greenlaw’s high-motor play style meshes well with Warner. The 49ers have the best linebacker duo in the NFL, and both excel at defending the pass. 

17. Charvarius Ward, CB, 49ers

Ward stepped up this season, with many inexperienced players in San Francisco’s secondary. The former Chiefs’ standout made his first second-team All-Pro due to his career year. Ward recorded five interceptions and a whopping 23 passes defended in the regular season.

18. Rashee Rice, WR, Chiefs

Rice enjoyed the most productive rookie season in Chiefs history at wideout, catching 79 passes for 938 yards and seven touchdowns. In the postseason, Rice has been awesome with 20 receptions for 233 yards and a score.

19. Brock Purdy, QB, 49ers

Not many will like this ranking after Purdy’s heroics in the postseason, but it feels right thanks to his uneven performances throughout the season. Purdy struggles with accuracy at times, rushing throws and occasionally causing turnovers because of it. But his teammates love his confidence and willingness to improve. He’s been clutch this postseason. Purdy threw for 4,280 yards, 31 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in the regular season.

20. Isiah Pacheco, RB, Chiefs

Pacheco runs as though he’s furious with the ground, helping him become one of the league’s best backs. In 2023, Pacheco ran for 4.6 yards per carry while catching 44 passes in the regular season.

21. Nick Bolton, LB, Chiefs

22. Javon Hargrave, IDL, 49ers 

24. Chase Young, Edge, 49ers

25. Justin Reid, S, Chiefs

26. Kyle Juszczyk, FB, 49ers

Juszczyk isn’t your traditional fullback whose sole purpose on the field is to block for the running back and quarterback. He’s a talented pass catcher and made a few acrobatic plays in the NFC title game. The eight-time Pro Bowler was named a first-team All-Pro in 2023.

27. Harrison Butker, K, Chiefs

28. Drue Tranquill, LB, Chiefs

29. Jake Brendel, C, 49ers

30. Tashaun Gipson Sr., S, 49ers

31. Jauan Jennings, WR, 49ers

32. Trey Smith, OG, Chiefs 

33. Deommodore Lenoir, CB, 49ers

Lenoir, a 2021 fifth-round pick, has been a solid No. 2 cornerback behind Ward in the 49ers’ secondary. He has started 30 games the past two seasons, including every game in ’23.

34. Ji’Ayir Brown, S, 49ers

35. Colton McKivitz, RT, 49ers

36. Jawaan Taylor, RT, Chiefs

37. Mike Danna, Edge, Chiefs

38. Willie Gay Jr., LB, Chiefs

Having Gay back in the fold will be huge for Kansas City. One of the league’s most versatile linebackers, Gay posted 58 tackles, three fumble recoveries and four defensed passes this season.

39. Donovan Smith, LT, Chiefs

40. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR, Chiefs

41. Mike Edwards, S, Chiefs

42. Jaylen Watson, CB, Chiefs

43. Oren Burks, LB, 49ers

44. Chamarri Conner, S, Chiefs

After playing sparingly as a rookie reserve safety through Week 12, Conner has taken off. The Virginia product has played at least 40% of Kansas City’s defensive snaps in each of its past eight games.

45. Spencer Burford, OG, 49ers

46. Justin Watson, WR, Chiefs

47. Ray-Ray McCloud III, WR, 49ers

48. Jake Moody, K, 49ers

The 49ers’ third-round selection of Moody was widely viewed as a gamble for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. The rookie kicker has been shaky at times, but he made 21 of his 25 field-goal attempts in the regular season. 

49. Noah Gray, TE, Chiefs

50. Aaron Banks, OG, 49ers

51. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Chiefs

52. Jerick McKinnon, RB, Chiefs (Currently on IR)

53. Elijah Mitchell, RB, 49ers

54. Sam Darnold, QB, 49ers

55. Joshua Williams, CB, Chiefs 

56. Randy Gregory, Edge, 49ers

Gregory is no longer playing at the level he did for many seasons with the Cowboys, but he’s a quality backup edge rusher who can help on obvious passing downs. 

57. Tershawn Wharton, IDL, Chiefs

58. Mecole Hardman Jr., WR, Chiefs

Hardman has seen a minuscule role since being traded back to the Chiefs from the New York Jets in October. However, his speed could factor in. Last year against the 49ers, Hardman totaled 60 yards and three touchdowns.

59. Javon Kinlaw, IDL, 49ers

60. Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, LB, 49ers

61. Jon Feliciano, OG, 49ers

62. Tommy Townsend, P, Chiefs

63. Richie James, WR, Chiefs

64. Leo Chenal, LB, Chiefs

Chenal is a nice piece for a deep Chiefs linebacking corps. In his second year, Chenal posted three sacks and 65 total tackles, including eight for loss.

65. Blaine Gabbert, QB, Chiefs

66. Kadarius Toney, WR, Chiefs

67. Isaiah Oliver, CB, 49ers

68. Sebastian Joseph-Day, IDL, 49ers

Joseph-Day quickly landed with the 49ers after surprisingly being cut by the Chargers late in the regular season. He hasn’t played much in San Francisco, but he provides depth as an experienced defender. 

69. Logan Ryan, CB, 49ers

70. Mitch Wishnowsky, P, 49ers

71. Nick Allegretti, OG, Chiefs

After sitting on the bench throughout the season, Allegretti replaced the injured Joe Thuney for the AFC title game and played well. A five-year veteran, Allegretti is a capable guard.

72. Jaylon Moore, OT, 49ers

73. Wanya Morris, OT, Chiefs

74. Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Edge, Chiefs

75. Matt Pryor, OT, 49ers

76. Lucas Niang, OT, Chiefs

77. Bryan Cook, S, Chiefs (Currently on IR)

78. George Odum, S, 49ers

Odum contributes on the 49ers’ special teams and provides help as a backup safety. That depth is needed after the season-ending injury to safety Talanoa Hufanga. 

79. Blake Bell, TE, Chiefs

80. Dee Winters, LB, 49ers

81. Neil Farrell, IDL, Chiefs

82. Cole Christiansen, LB, Chiefs

83. Ronnie Bell, WR, 49ers

84. Charlie Woerner, TE, 49ers

85. Chris Conley, WR, 49ers

Conley provides depth as a wide receiver and special-teams contributor. He played in eight games this season and recorded three catches for 69 yards. Conley spent his first four seasons with the Chiefs.

86. Ben Bartch, OL, 49ers

87. Ambry Thomas, CB, 49ers

88. Samuel Womack III, CB, 49ers

89. Deon Bush, S, Chiefs

Bush had only played 93 defensive snaps entering the AFC championship game, and then made one of Kansas City’s biggest plays of the year with a key interception in the fourth quarter against Baltimore.

90. Jack Cochrane, LB, Chiefs

91. Brandon Allen, QB, 49rs

92. Darrell Luter Jr., CB, 49ers

The rookie fifth-round pick only played in 64 defensive snaps in the regular season. But he recorded none in the postseason, only playing on special teams during the wins vs. the Packers and Lions. 

93. BJ Thompson, LB, Chiefs

94. Malik Herring, Edge, Chiefs

95. Jordan Mason, RB, 49ers

96. La’Mical Perine, RB, Chiefs

97. Robert Beal Jr., Edge, 49ers

98. Justyn Ross, WR, Chiefs

Many believed Ross was going to be an impactful receiver for Mahomes after he enjoyed a good preseason, but he caught just six passes for 53 yards this year.

99. Skyy Moore, WR, Chiefs (Currently on IR)

100. Ian Book, QB, Chiefs

101. Kevin Givens, IDL, 49ers

Givens has spent his five NFL seasons as a backup interior defensive lineman for the 49ers. But he does have starting experience after starting in 11 games in 2022. 

102. Jalen Graham, LB, 49ers

103. Darius Harris, LB, Chiefs

104. Nic Jones, CB, Chiefs

A seventh-round pick, Jones has carved out a niche as a special teamer. In the postseason, he has totaled 32 such snaps for Dave Toub’s unit.

105. Brayden Willis, TE, 49ers

106. Ekow Boye-Doe, CB, Chiefs

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