Despite not being the matchup that many people had predicted, or hoped for, the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers will play in the 2024 Super Bowl. Super Bowl 58 will be a rematch of Super Bowl 54. The two teams will meet for the first time since the Chiefs defeated the 49ers 31-20 four years ago. Over the past four years, both teams have had major changes, with key losses, but also new stars. This year, the big game will showcase these two incredible teams in Las Vegas, Nevada at Allegiant Stadium.
“By looking at the teams, the 49ers are favored and the Chiefs are the underdogs but it could be a very close game. Who knows what the NFL has in store for this game. I think that the NFL was very happy about the result of the game because of how much they love Taylor Swift,” said junior Kirin Doshi.
The Chiefs had a surprising path to get all the way to the Super Bowl. They started the season a little shaky this year, going 5-5 in their first ten games. Then, they started heating up and went on a six game winning streak which propelled them into the playoffs as the number three seed with an 11-6 record, and winners of their division, the AFC West.
They faced off against the six-seeded Miami Dolphins in the first round in Kansas City, where wind chill temperatures dropped into the negatives. Despite the weather, the Chiefs had a commanding win with a final score of 26-7.
Rookie wide receiver Rashee Rice had an amazing game with 130 yards and a touchdown on eight receptions. The defense also played to the point where they held an explosive Miami offense with former Chiefs receiver Tyreek Hill to only six points.
Then, the Chiefs moved on to a strong Buffalo Bills team, to Buffalo to play in another frosty game. The game was very close, but the Chiefs came out ahead with a 27-24 victory. Travis Kelce, the star tight end, had two touchdowns and 75 receiving yards. Chiefs’ running back Isiah Pacheco ran for almost 100 yards and was a key factor to the game. Certainly, quarterback Patrick Mahomes played a big role with 215 yards and two touchdowns.
As underdogs on the road again in Baltimore, the Chiefs took care of Lamar Jackson and the number one seeded Baltimore Ravens. Mahomes and Kelce connected eleven times for over 100 yards and a touchdown.
The biggest key to the win was the Chiefs’ defense holding the Ravens offense, which had been one of the best in the league, to only ten points. They also forced three crucial turnovers, two of which occurred inside the redzone, and one that happened on the goal-line to deny a touchdown from Ravens’ rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers.
“I was really surprised to see the Chiefs beat the Ravens, who have been very good this season. I thought for sure the Super Bowl logo curse would be real and the Ravens would face the 49ers in the Super Bowl,” said junior Mac Bailey.
You can’t mention Travis Kelce and the Chiefs without talking about Taylor Swift. The famous singer has become an internet sensation this year as she has started dating Kelce. She has attended many of the Chiefs’ games this year, including the playoff games. She often is shown in the Chiefs’ box celebrating, especially after a touchdown from Kelce. Swift is anticipated to be cheering on the Chiefs once again at the Super Bowl this year.
Some could say that the 49ers have gotten lucky this year in the playoffs, but they have many top players both on offense and defense. The 49ers had a great year during the regular season, going 12-5 and earning the number one seed in the NFC. They had a six-game win streak early on in the season and ended the regular season with five straight wins.
With the number one seed, the Niners were given a first round bye and an extra week of rest. The rest may have helped with injuries, but the team looked quite rusty in their matchup against the Green Bay Packers.
Their defense gave up a lot of points, and the Packers looked really dominant in the first three quarters. Towards the end of the game though, the 49ers stepped up and were able to secure the win. Packers kicker Anders Carlson missed a key field goal with about six minutes left in the game.
The Niners took advantage and quarterback Brock “Mr. Irrelevant” Purdy led a great drive that was capped off with a touchdown by superstar running back, and probable Offensive Player of the Year, Christian McCaffrey to give them the lead.
Once again, the Niners started the game off poorly against the Detroit Lions. They went into halftime down 24-7, but turned it around in the second half. They were able to erase the 17 point deficit and outscore the Lions 27-7 in the second half, marking one of the biggest comebacks in an NFC Championship Game. They went on to win the game 34-31 and look to keep that momentum in the Super Bowl.
“If the 49ers played like they did in the second half against the Lions, they would have had a really good chance of becoming champions, but they did not, so they became the runners up to Patrick Mahomes’ Chiefs,” said junior Ryan Choe.
Both teams have had ups and downs throughout the season and playoffs but, at the end of the day, they made it. Defeating the 49ers required great execution from the Chiefs and Mahomes. One can only be impressed by the modern day dynasty that the Chiefs have become, especially with them being the first team since the Patriots to go back to back.