Because I started this annual Super Bowl column more than 20 years ago, it lives on despite my reluctance to pick a winner.

I rarely have had trouble choosing who I think will win the season’s final game, but I’ve only been right about 50 percent of the time.

I pick the winners of games throughout the season, usually being right 60-65 percent of the time. I opted not to make my picks before the recent AFC and NFC championship games, deciding I’d enjoy the games more if I didn’t have to root for “my team” to win and justify my pick – the same logic I used for the NCAA championship game, just hoping to see a good game. (TCU was in it until the coin flip.)

As much as I’d like to merely watch today’s big game and enjoy it for football’s sake, here are my picks – followed by what the local “experts” have to say:

I’ll have to take Kansas City, even though quarterback Patrick Mahomes was hobbling in the AFC championship win – and got it done.

Plus, KC’s recent playoff experience should be worth something, and if the defense can pressure Eagles QB Jalen Hurts into making a mistake or two, that bodes well.

Final score: Chiefs 31, Eagles 28. MVP: Travis Kelce.

Now, the experts, with their replies to “Who wins and why? Final score? MVP?”:

Nic Trujillo, Cleveland High School player and UNM commit: Eagles, because they’re more complete with less injuries; their offense is hard to stop and Kansas City’s hurt right now. Eagles, 35-24. MVP: Hurts.

Mikey Wood, Rio Rancho High School player: Chiefs, only because of Patrick Mahomes. Chiefs, 28-24. MVP: Mahomes.

Tre Watson, Fresno State player, former Cleveland High standout: Eagles, because of their front seven vs. Mahomes. Eagles, 35-21. MVP: Hurts.

Isaiah Chavez, Lobo football player, former RRHS quarterback: Eagles, because they are a very well-rounded team with good coaching and one that knows how to play together. Eagles, 31-17. MVP: Jason Kelce.

Robert Garza, CHS football coach: Chiefs, because their defense is starting to play really well, and you match that with what (coach) Andy Reid and company are capable of doing. Chiefs, 34-24. MVP: Mahomes.

Nate Pino, RRHS football coach: Eagles, because they’re better in the trenches on both sides of the ball and are coming in healthy. Eagles, 31-17. MVP: Hurts.

Dave Howes, former RRHS football coach, now UNM assistant: Eagles, because they play better defense. They are a complete team and KC’s luck has run out. Eagles, 434-27. MVP: Hurts. (Howes is only “expert” to be right last three years!)

Matt Martinez, Cleveland High athletic director: Chiefs, because they have the experience of playing in the Super Bowl in three of the last four years. Also Mahomes is the more-experienced QB. Chiefs, 27-24. MVP: Mahomes.