Kevin Boothe picks Kansas City Chiefs for Super Bowl

Image: Kevin Boothe makes his surprise pick for Super Bowl 51

This weekend marks the NFL's divisional play-off round, and teams are just two wins away from representing their conference in the Super Bowl.

This year's divisional match-ups are one of the most highly anticipated rounds of games, with stellar fixtures spread out across both days.

Saturday begins with one of the NFL's best defences, the Seattle Seahawks, travelling to Atlanta to take on the league's most potent offence. That game is followed Jadeveon Clowney's Houston Texans trying to cause a huge upset by beating Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, on the road.

On Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs host the Pittsburgh Steelers, before the Green Bay Packers take on the Dallas Cowboys for the final Championship round spot. Join Dara, Neil, Jeff and Shaun for every moment live on Sky Sports 2.

Former New York Giant, and two-time Super Bowl winner, Kevin Boothe knows what it takes to make it all the way. The offensive lineman was part of both Giants teams that were victorious in 2007 and then again in 2011. 

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Asked about his tip for the Vince Lombardi trophy, Boothe gave an outsider as his pick. 

"If I had to pick a team to hoist the trophy, I'll go out on a limb and say the Kansas City Chiefs," Boothe said.

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"I didn't think they had enough offensive fire power early in the season, but the way Tyreek Hill has been playing - he opens a lot of things up.

"He could almost play the decoy role for them, and now you have Travis Kelce who has been a game-changer for them at tight end."

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill returned a punt 78 yards for a touchdown. Video from NFL.com

Hill was voted to the Pro Bowl this year, and picked as a First Team All-Pro for his role as a punt returner. The fifth round rookie has scored 12 touchdowns altogether, having lined up as a runner, wide receiver, kick and punt returner. 

Meanwhile, Kelce has been one of quarterback Alex Smith's favourite weapons as a pass-catcher. The fourth year veteran has gone over 1,000 yards for the first time in his NFL career, while also securing a First Team All-Pro selection.

It is on defence where many would be concerned for Kansas City's chances. However, Boothe believes that if Justin Houston can return to full fitness, the Chiefs have a chance. 

"The big key is whether Houston is able to come back healthy for this play-off run. If they can get a pass-rush, they have all the other pieces, and hopefully (head coach) Andy Reid lets Smith throw the ball downfield a little bit.

"I think they're the only team that can beat the Patriots in New England, but first they have to overcome Pittsburgh, and that will be tough."

Image: Outside linebacker Justin Houston is one of the most disruptive defenders in the NFL, but has been battling with a knee injury

Despite missing 11 games this season, Houston was back in practice yesterday. His fellow linebacker Tamba Hali also trained and, if both linebackers are fully active on Sunday, could give the Chiefs the pass-rush required. 

Sky Sports is your home of the NFL. Watch every moment of the divisional rounds on Sky Sports 2 live, from 9pm on Saturday, and 5:30pm on Sunday. 

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