George Kittle Player Prop Odds & Pick for Super Bowl 58

One of the most eccentric personalities featured in this year’s Super Bowl, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has been as fun to watch on the field as he is to listen to during media week. When he’s not making highlight-reel catches or throwing pancake blocks to pave the way for the running game, Kittle is sorting his teammates into Hogwarts’ houses, discussing his predictions for the Wrestlemania and just generally having the time of his life. Unless you’re a Dallas Cowboys fan, it’s nearly impossible to dislike George Kittle.

Since arriving in San Francisco in 2017, Kittle has posted three 1,000-yard seasons including 1,020 receiving yards in 16 games this year. Kittle popped off for over 100 yards in three games this season and pulled in six touchdown catches, including a three-score game against the Dallas Cowboys on October 8. He was used heavily in the 49ers’ NFC Divisional round win over the Green Bay Packers, pulling in four of his seven targets for 81 yards and a touchdown, but saw his usage decline with just two catches on three targets for 27 yards in the NFC Championship win over the Detroit Lions.

In 11 career playoff games, Kittle stayed under 47.5 receiving yards in eight of them, including in Super Bowl 54 against the Kansas City Chiefs when he was held to four receptions for 36 yards. Last time out, Kittle was targeted just three times while running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk were the focal points of the offense. He managed just 27 receiving yards in that game against the Detroit Lions, and was targeted just three times, running a route on a season-low 75.8% of offensive snaps.

San Francisco has demonstrated all season that the offense flows through Christian McCaffrey and will likely continue to do so against the Chiefs. The 49ers pounded the rock last week against the Lions with 33 rushing attempts, and would be wise to do the same this week in order to keep Patrick Mahomes on the sideline and control time of possession. That kind of game script could leave Kittle with a more limited opportunity to produce.

Kansas City Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has been lauded for reaching his fifth-career Super Bowl as a defensive coordinator. He’ll be tasked with the job of stopping one of the most talented group of skill position players that the NFL has ever seen. Of all the prolific playmakers on the 49ers’ side of the ball, Kittle faces the worst matchup. In 2023, the Chiefs ranked third in the NFL allowing just 42.6 receiving yards per game to opposing tight ends.

Though it pains me to root against one of the most colorful personalities in the entire NFL, I’ll be betting on Kittle to go under 47.5 receiving yards on Super Bowl Sunday. Who knows, maybe betting the under will even inspire me to put out a veggie tray at my Super Bowl party. It’s not sexy or fun, but it’s good for you!