Patrick Mahomes aims to secure his fourth Super Bowl title at just 29, putting him three wins behind Tom Brady.
While television season finales often have surprising twists, there’s a chance the NFL season’s last game could see the Kansas City Chiefs missing out on becoming the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls.
They are one of nine teams to have retained the Vince Lombardi Trophy, and the first to return to the NFL showpiece the following year.
The Los Angeles Lakers were the last team to win three straight championships in American sports (2000-2002), while the New York Yankees dominated baseball’s World Series from 1998 to 2000.
Similarly, Manchester City won the Premier League four times in a row.
Coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes have set the stage to lead the Chiefs into the record books on Sunday, February 9, in New Orleans against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Kansas City, favorites since September, earned the top seed despite a less-than-stellar season. However, they returned to form in the AFC Championship game, defeating the Buffalo Bills 32-29.
Mahomes threw for 245 yards and a touchdown and ran in two more scores, while wide receiver Xavier Worthy outperformed tight-end Travis Kelce.
The Eagles, having routed the Washington Commanders 55-23 to win the NFC title, hope to celebrate in Bourbon Street.
Running back Saquon Barkley, who scored three touchdowns, has been crucial since joining as a free agent.
Taylor Swift celebrated with Travis Kelce after Kansas City reached Super Bowl 59, but the real celebration begins with a victory over the Eagles in New Orleans.
Barkley, an MVP contender, has generated excitement in Philadelphia as they seek their second Super Bowl win and revenge for their loss to Kansas City two years ago.
However, the Commanders’ eight costly penalties and four turnovers were converted into 28 points by the Eagles.
Chiefs assistant coach Steve Spagnuolo and his disciplined defense are unlikely to be as generous.
