Every football fan’s favorite Sunday is just around the corner. This year all eyes will be on Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL’s Super Bowl LVIII on February 11. This game will be a rematch of Super Bowl LIV, something that has happened only seven other times in the Super Bowl era. The last time the Niners and Chiefs played, the Chiefs came out on top, winning 31-20. This Super Bowl will create more history as well, no matter the winner. A 49ers victory would tie them with the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers, for the most Lombardi trophy wins at six. On the other hand, a Chiefs win would make them the first back to back Super Bowl winner since the 2003-04 Patriots. The Niners return to the Super Bowl after a comeback win in the NFC Championship game against the Detroit Lions, while the Chiefs made their way back to the Super Bowl after a victory in Baltimore against the Ravens. 

Back in 2020, when the 49ers made their last appearance in the Super Bowl, they were led by quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Brock Purdy, who will be leading the Niners this year as starting QB, started his rookie season as a third-string quarterback but was bumped to first after injuries to both starter Trey Lance, and second-string Garoppolo. Purdy went 7-1 in his first season, with the only loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC championship game, where he suffered a shoulder injury in the first quarter. Purdy returned this season and has proven that 49ers Head Coach, Kyle Shanahan, made the right decision. The 49ers are returning to the Super-Bowl with offensive and defensive weapons that they didn’t have last time. Most notably, Christian McCaffrey acquired by San Francison in 2022 is one of the most dominant running backs in the NFL. McCaffrey has brought the 49ers run game to life adding another layer of efficiency to their offense. On the defensive side, the 49ers have added defensive end Chase Young who has only improved the dominant defense of the 49ers that already included end Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner.

The Chiefs return to the Super Bowl not only for the second year in a row, but as the defending champs.  This marks the fourth time in five years that Kansas City has made it to the Super Bowl, cementing themselves as the next dynasty to the Patriots. The majority of the Chiefs roster stays consistent with past years with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback leading the offense alongside running back Isiah Pacheco and tight end Travis Kelce. The defense has held strong led by Chris Jones, and George Karlaftis, but newcomers have helped build up the defense as well. Linebacker Drue Tranquill, a Notre Dame graduate, has become an important part of the Chiefs defense after signing with the team this year. Coach Andy Reid has found a fit for Tranquill, who has only added to the success of the Chiefs defense this year. 

While many fans are excited about the game, others tune in just to watch the halftime show (and commercials). This year Usher will headline the performance at the half, hopefully entertaining the non-football viewers. As for pregame festivities, it has been announced that country singer Reba McEntire will perform the National Anthem, a tough task following Chris Staplelton’s rendition from last year. Along with Reba, Post Malone will provide his rendition of “America the Beautiful” before the game kicks off. 

It seems that many fans are rooting for the 49ers, hoping that Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs do not go home with yet another Lombardi trophy.  There is also a large following this year rooting for the one and only “Taylor’s Boyfriend” and star of the Chiefs, Travis Kelce. After the Chiefs made the Super Bowl, there was much debate as to whether Taylor Swift would be able to make it to the game, as she is scheduled to close out her Eras Tour in Tokyo, Japan the night before. With the time difference, loyal Swifties believed that it was possible for Taylor to make it on time. The debates linger. Will Swift make it? Will the Chiefs go back to back? Will Brock Purdy crush the dreams of Kansas City and Swifties alike? There is only one way to find out. You better be ready for it!