Super Bowl recap: Highlights of Chiefs’ OT win for back-to-back titles

Hail to the Chiefs, dynasty.

The Kansas City Chiefs have cemented themselves as the next dynasty in the NFL, defeating the San Francisco 49ers, 25-22, in overtime of Super Bowl 58 for back-to-back championships and their third title in five seasons. 

It’s the first time since the New England Patriots during the 2003-04 seasons that an NFL team has won back-to-back Super Bowls, and it’s the ninth time in history it’s been achieved.

“This is awesome. This is legendary,” game MVP Patrick Mahomes said after the win.

And if anyone needed any confirmation this is the start of a dynasty, look no further than Mahomes himself. 

SUPER BOWL CENTRAL: Latest Super Bowl 58 news, stats, odds, matchups and more.

“It’s the start of one. We aren’t done,” the now three-time Super Bowl champion quarterback said.

Kansas City was able to send the game into overtime in the final seconds of regulation thanks to a Harrison Butker field goal. The 49ers got the ball to start the extra period and got a field goal, but with the new overtime rules, the Chiefs were allowed to get the ball. Then, Mahomes engineered the drive of the season, capped off by a three-yard touchdown pass from Mahomes to Mecole Hardman to win it all.

Meanwhile, it’s déjà vu for the 49ers, once again blowing a 10-point lead against Kansas City in the title game after doing it in Super Bowl 54. — Jordan Mendoza

CHIEFS FANS: Here’s where you can buy the Super Bowl 58 commemorative cover

We knew what was coming from Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs. How did 49ers not?

We knew what was going to happen because we’ve seen it before. Several times. So how in the world did the 49ers not know what was coming?

It might as well be in the Chiefs’ playbook for Super Bowls: Play poorly, fall behind by double digits and, almost always, come back and win. It happened the first time the Chiefs and the Niners played. It happened last year against the Philadelphia Eagles.

And it happened again Sunday night. — Nancy Armour

How Patrick Mahomes led Chiefs on Super Bowl-winning drive

A Super Bowl winning drive that took 13 plays with Taylor Swift in attendance?

Baby just say yes.

The Kansas City Chiefs secured their second consecutive Super Bowl title on Sunday after scoring a touchdown in overtime that was the drive of the season for Patrick Mahomes and company. It took 13 plays, seven minutes and 19 seconds for the Chiefs to get into the end zone, their longest drive of the day, and it was capped off by Mecole Hardman’s touchdown. — Jordan Mendoza

Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs now an all-time NFL dynasty

LAS VEGAS — It was hardly a smooth coronation Sunday evening, but after nearly four hours, numerous momentum swings and only the second overtime in Super Bowl history, the Kansas City Chiefs were finally anointed as the NFL’s newest dynasty.

And Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Co. more than earned the crown.

Dynasty? No doubt. — Nate Davis

Super Bowl 58 highlights

Patrick Mahomes threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman in overtime, and the Chiefs rallied to beat the 49ers in overtime, becoming the NFL’s ninth repeat Super Bowl champs.

Patrick Mahomes on Chiefs’ dynasty: ‘We’re not done’

CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson interviewed Patrick Mahomes on the field right after the final whistle.

‘The guys never faltered,’ Mahomes said to CBS’ Tracy Wolfson on the sideline. ‘This is awesome. It’s legendary.’ Wolfson then asked the Super Bowl 58 MVP if the Chiefs are now a dynasty. ‘Yeah. It’s the start of one,’ he replied. ‘We’re not done. We’ve got a young team we’re going to keep this thing going.’

During the postgame Lombardi Trophy presentation on the podium, Mahomes said the Super Bowl was a reflection of the Chiefs’ whole season. ‘It was the defense just keeping us in there and then the offense making plays when it counted,’ he said. ‘And then, of course, Harrison Butker hitting it from about 70. So it was a microcosm of our whole season. I’m just proud of the guys, they kept believing. And I’m proud of the coaches for calling up those plays that got us some touchdowns there at the end.

‘Just know that the Kansas City Chiefs are never underdogs. Just know that.’

What Travis Kelce said after winning Super Bowl 58

Travis Kelce opened his comments during the postgame trophy presentation by shouting “Chiefs Kingdom!’ before leading the call-and-response cheer of “Viva Las Vegas” with the crowd.

Kelce then looked ahead to what’s next, saying the Chiefs have their sights on a third-straight Super Bowl victory. “Well, you know, the goal’s always been to get three, but we couldn’t here without getting to two and having that target on our back all year — and I love these guys right here, the men that we just won this thing with, family forever, baby,’ he said. ‘I couldn’t be more proud of you guys, and how about it? We get a chance to do it three times in a row. How do you get excited for that, baby? You party in Las Vegas and then you get back to it.”

He then led the crowd in a “You gotta fight for your right to party” cheer.

Super Bowl 2024 Gatorade color

The Chiefs showered coach Andy Reid with purple Gatorade after their Super Bowl 58 victory. Here’s a complete history of Super Bowl Gatorade baths. 

Kyle Shanahan relives his Super Bowl nightmare

LAS VEGAS — Kyle Shanahan with a 10-point lead in a Super Bowl?

Given the history, this is not what the casinos on The Strip would call playing with house money.

Uh-oh. It happened again.

The San Francisco 49ers not only fell 25-22 to the Kansas City Chiefs in an overtime thriller in Super Bowl 58, but they did it the hard way, blowing a double-digit lead.

Yes, history has repeated itself. — Jarrett Bell

Patrick Mahomes wins Super Bowl MVP for third time

Patrick Mahomes won Super Bowl 58 MVP as the quarterback led the Kansas City Chiefs to their third title in five years by beating the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in overtime Sunday.

Mahomes won the award for the third time in his career. He now is tied with Hall of Famer Joe Montana for the second-most Super Bowl MVPs in NFL history, trailing only Tom Brady, who won five. — Victoria Hernandez

Harrison Butker sets one Super Bowl record, ties another

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker broke a record set by San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody earlier in the game, making a 57-yard field goal attempt in the third quarter. Moody had briefly held the record, which had been held by the Buffalo Bills’ Steve Christie (Super Bowl XXVIII), making a 55-yard field goal in the second quarter.

Super Bowl 58 bets gone wrong

The bets were pouring in across the country for Super Bowl 58. And while there were some big boons for bettors during the big game, there were also several moments that spoiled some popular wagers made with BetMGM.

Here are five bad beats that irked a significant number of bettors Sunday night. — Richard Morin

Winners and losers of overtime

WINNERS

Legendary Mahomes

If he wasn’t already established as an all-time great, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes erased any doubt whatsoever that he is among the best to have ever done it. His uncanny feel for the game and pocket presence, taking stock of where the open spaces on the field are, using his arm or his legs, this is what has allowed the Chiefs to be the first team to win consecutive Super Bowls. The scary part, for the rest of the NFL, at least, Mahomes is only 28 and entering his prime.

Chiefs O-line

Though they had been controlled for the majority of the game, Kansas City’s offensive line parried away the 49ers pass rushers in second half. Mahomes’ increased mobility certainly helped neutralize the bite of some of the San Francisco pressure, but Kansas City’s front protected Mahomes plenty on Kansas City’s 13-play, 75-yard game-winning drive. Chiefs gained 208 of their 455 yards — or 45.7% of their offensive output — in the fourth quarter and overtime. It’s no coincidence that this is the time when the Chiefs’ offensive line took over.

LOSERS

49ers defense simply ran out of gas

Chiefs 25, 49ers 22: Kansas City wins Super Bowl 58 in overtime

The Mahomes magic knows no bounds, and now the Chiefs have their third Super Bowl title in five years.

On third-and-1, Isiah Pacheco was stopped for no gain, which forced KC to go for it. Then, on a designed run, Patrick Mahomes ran for 8 yards and a first down to keep the Chiefs alive.

After a busted play lost 3 yards, Mahomes found Marques Valdes-Scantling for 7 yards and Rashee Rice for 13 yards and a first down into 49ers territory.

49ers 22, Chiefs 19: Jake Moody puts San Francisco head in overtime

The 49ers’ opening drive in overtime initially didn’t go well. Brock Purdy’s first pass was almost intercepted. Then, on second down, there was a false start. Later in the drive, on third down, a Purdy pass fell incomplete.

But San Francisco got a huge break with a holding call on Kansas City.

Purdy took advantage of the penalty and started to slowly move the ball down the field. They did so with tight end George Kittle going into the locker room with what CBS said was a shoulder injury. He returned just several minutes later.

George Kittle injury update

The 49ers are in overtime of the Super Bowl and experiencing another injury scare.

Tight end George Kittle was seen jogging to the locker room during the extra session. CBS sideline reporter Evan Washburn said Kittle was dealing with a right shoulder injury. 

Super Bowl overtime rules

The NFL’s overtime rules for the Super Bowl and postseason have evolved over the years, with the most recent tweak coming in 2022.

The Super Bowl overtime format is quite similar to what fans are accustomed to in the regular season, with two significant exceptions: Both teams will have the chance to possess the ball and games cannot end in ties. — Lorenzo Reyes

There’s only been one other Super Bowl to go into overtime

The New England Patriots’ epic win over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI was the only previous Super Bowl to go into overtime.

All-time Super Bowl results

Fourth quarter winners and losers

WINNERS

Offensive execution

This Super Bowl was something of a late bloomer. It took until the fourth quarter, but both teams easily recorded their best offensive quarters of the game. Each of the four possessions both teams combined to play ended up scores. Both teams combined for 248 yards of offense. Most importantly for fans: the alternating scores ended up with the game tied, giving us an intriguing conclusion to a game that had started slowly

That Steve Spagnuolo blitz

Coming out of the two-minute warning, Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo dialed up a perfect blitz that had slot corner Trent McDuffie firing off the edge. Brock Purdy, feeling the heat of the Kansas City rush, fired a quick pass to Jauan Jennings, but McDuffie threw up his hands and deflected the ball. That set up rookie kicker Jake Moody’s 53-yard go-ahead kick, but it gave the Chiefs plenty of time to tie or win the game.

LOSERS

The second down that preceded it

49ers 19, Chiefs 19: Harrison Butker ties it with three seconds left

It looks like the Super Bowl is going to overtime for only the second time ever after Harrison Butker made a 29-yard field goal with 3 seconds remaining.

The drive started when Patrick Mahomes hit Travis Kelce on a 9-yard pass before scrambling for a first down. Then Mahomes found Justin Watson for 8 yards and, on third-and-2, got a pass to Jerick McKinnon for 7 yards to the 49ers 43-yard line with 40 seconds to play.

49ers 19, Chiefs 16: Jake Moody gives San Francisco late lead

Jake Moody missed an extra point on a previous 49ers touchdown but he was ice on what could be the game-deciding  kick.

49ers 16, Chiefs 16: Harrison Butker ties it up

Less than six minutes left in Super Bowl 58, and it’s all knotted up at 16 after Harrison Butker hit his third field goal of the day.

Travis Kelce has been relatively quiet most of Sunday, but came up big with two catches for 29 yards, including on a third-and-10 play to keep the chains moving. Another big play was when Patrick Mahomes found Justin Watson for a 25-yard gain to get them near the red zone.

Kansas City was able to get inside the 10-yard line, but wasn’t able to punch it in and had to settle for a 24-yard field goal for the tie. — Jordan Mendoza

Travis Kelce receiving yards today

After having just one catch for 1 yard in the first half, Travis Kelce’s production picked up in the second half.

Kelce had nine receptions for 93 yards, with his final catch setting up the Chiefs’ game-winning touchdown in overtime.

49ers 16, Chiefs 13: Jauan Jennings scores, but Jake Moody’s extra point blocked

On fourth down, Shanahan decided to go for it and it paid off with a pass to tight end George Kittle, who got the first. Then Jauan Jennings later scored and it looked like the 49ers were going to lead Kansas City, 17-13.

But kicker Jake Moody missed the extra point and it was instead 16-13. CBS noted that Moody was previously 68 for 68.

Winners and losers from third quarter

WINNERS

Mahomes mobility activated

With San Francisco dictating the line of scrimmage, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes made a slight tweak to his game to generate some more momentum for Kansas City: he used his legs more. In the first half, he ran the ball just twice for seven yards. In the third quarter alone, he rushed three times for 26 yards, including a 22-yarder on a third down that set up Harrison Butker’s record-setting 57-yard field goal.

Steve Wilks

San Francisco defensive coordinator Steve Wilks has his defense completely stifling Patrick Mahomes. The Niner defense is pressuring Mahomes and speeding up his entire operation. They’ve sacked Mahomes twice and have shut down Kansas City in two red zone trips. Mahomes’ third quarter interception was the result of controlled pressure complementing tight coverage down the field. The special teams gaffe close to the end of the third quarter put his defense in a tough spot, and while there was a breakdown in coverage, it’s difficult to fault Wilks’ unit for giving up the score on the short field.

LOSERS

San Francisco offense stalling in second half

The 49ers recorded three complete drives in the third quarter. They ran nine plays, gained three yards and posted three three-and-outs. Surprisingly, coach Kyle Shanahan went away from San Francisco’s big strength and primary playmaker; in those three series, running back Christian McCaffrey carried the ball just once for no gain. The good news for the 49ers is that their current drive, which started at the end of the third and is heading into the fourth, appears to be a course correction.

And their special teams imploded even worse

Chiefs 13, 49ers 10: Muffed punt results in Marquez Valdes-Scantling TD

Another big mistake for the San Francisco 49ers leads to the Chiefs taking their first lead of the game.

After forcing a three-and-out and a punt, one of the 49ers players appeared to touch Darrell Luter Jr.  the ball on the punt, returner Ray-Ray McCloud III tried to pick it up, but he couldn’t get his hands fully on it and the Chiefs recovered it at the 16-yard line.

On the next play, Patrick Mahomes found Marquez Valdes-Scantling wide open in the end zone for Kansas City’s first touchdown of the day, and gave the Chiefs a 13-0 lead late in the third quarter. — Jordan Mendoza

Streakers run onto field during Chiefs play

LAS VEGAS — Two individuals rushed the field during the third quarter of Super Bowl 58 and nearly interrupted a third down play for the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense. One of the disruptors made it all the way to the San Francisco 49ers’ sideline, where he was subdued, while his partner in crime — literally, this is trespassing — was tackled by a team of security staffers near the 10-yard line by the Chiefs’ end zone. 

Both shirtless, they must have felt inspired by Usher’s halftime show. — Chris Bumbaca

49ers’ Deebo Samuel returns

The good news for San Francisco: Deebo Samuel returned after injuring his hamstring.

The bad news for the 49ers: the offense had its third consecutive three-and-out.

49ers 10, Chiefs 6: Chiefs add another field goal with history

Earlier in the game, Jake Moody made the longest field goal in Super Bowl history at 55 yards.

The record lasted one quarter.

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker knocked in a 57-yard field goal in the third quarter to break the record of longest field goal in Super Bowl history, and making it a 10-6 49ers lead with 20 minutes left in Super Bowl 58. Butker kicked a 28-yard field goal in the final seconds of the first half for Kansas City’s first points of the game. 

Deebo Samuel hamstring injury update

After seeing Dre Greenlaw go down with an Achilles injury, the San Francisco 49ers are holding their breath again after Deebo Samuel appeared to suffer an injury in the third quarter. The wide receiver was initially listed as questionable to return, but returned to the game.

Samuel appeared to grab his hamstring area late on his route on the 49ers’ unsuccessful third down play, and he went to the grass at Allegiant Stadium with 9:15 remaining in the quarter.

Chiefs once again go three-and-out, burn timeout

It’s been a struggle for Kansas City to move the ball, and it doesn’t seem to be getting any better after another three-and-out, this time inside its own 10-yard line.

49ers unable to take advantage of Patrick Mahomes INT

San Francisco missed a gigantic opportunity to take a commanding lead after the 49ers intercepted Patrick Mahomes. That didn’t happen as San Francisco was stopped and punted. However, the 49ers were able to bury Kansas City on its own 2-yard line on that kick.

By the way, Prince was previously the best Super Bowl halftime show, but Usher’s was better. Will not be taking any questions at this time. — Mike Freeman

Patrick Mahomes picked off by 49ers on opening drive of second half

The Chiefs had a chance to tie the game out of halftime.

Instead, the 49ers will be getting great field position.

Safety Ji’Ayir Brown picked off Patrick Mahomes on the opening drive of the third quarter, setting up San Francisco at the Kansas City 44-yard line.

Super Bowl 58 halftime score is 13! Are Taylor Swift conspiracy theories real?

LAS VEGAS — Super Bowl 58 might have started unlucky because neither team scored in the first quarter and each team committed a turnover.

But when the Kansas City Chiefs scored a field goal late in the second quarter, making them trail the San Francisco 49ers 10-3, conspiracy theories surrounding Taylor Swift and her lucky No. 13 seemed all too real. — Victoria Hernandez

Taylor Swift’s fans track down her suite

LAS VEGAS – Word spread through the 200 club level on the east side of Allegiant Stadium as kickoff for Super Bowl 58 neared. More than two-dozen people congregated along a corridor and in the area near Suite E2020, which they’d heard had an exclusive guest.

Taylor Swift.

The clock ticked. No Taylor. The crowd dispersed, but those who snuck past security to get to the front side of the suite confirmed the rumors. — Josh Peter

Shaq, Ye and Elon stroll by Taylor Swift’s Super Bowl suite. Who gets in?

Winners and losers of Super Bowl 58 second quarter: 49ers 10, Chiefs 3

WINNERS

Trick play, perfectly timed

Credit 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan for the timing of the double pass touchdown to Christian McCaffrey — via the arm of receiver Jauan Jennings — to compromise Kansas City’s defense. With San Francisco just outside of the red zone, Shanahan must’ve known that Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo would be particularly aggressive. When Brock Purdy threw the first pass to Jennings, almost all of Kansas City’s defense rushed to the left side of the field, leaving McCaffrey and a roster of blockers — four of them — to easily pave a lane for McCaffrey to run unimpeded into the end zone.

LOSERS

Isiah Pacheco

The Chiefs running back absolutely wasted a chance at getting points when the ball squirted out of his hands on a first-and-goal carry from the 9, the play immediately following Patrick Mahomes’ 52-yard strike to Mecole Hardman. The 49ers recovered, meaning both teams have given the ball away deep in opposing territory. Pacheco, otherwise, has been a nonfactor, carrying the ball seven times for 27 yards in the first half.

Awful injury luck for the Niners

49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw is something of a tone-setting enforcer for the San Francisco defense. He had already recorded three tackles in the game before his freak Achilles injury, when he crumpled to the turf simply trying to run on the field for the game’s next play. Greenlaw, who has been ruled out, is a massive loss for San Francisco’s defense, leaving a void of speed and physicality needed to defend against the Chiefs.

Kansas City (uncharacteristically) losing its composure

In the second quarter alone, the Chiefs saw star tight end Travis Kelce bump head coach Andy Reid because he was apparently upset over not being on the field when Pacheco fumbled and star cornerback L’Jarius Sneed called for an unnecessary roughness penalty. Two plays after Sneed’s penalty, San Francisco scored the game’s first touchdown. The Chiefs appeared to settle — defensive tackle Chris Jones called a huddle on the sideline to have a meeting of the entire defense — but this is rather uncharted territory for the more experienced team on this stage. — Lorenzo Reyes

Super Bowl 58 halftime score is 13! Are Taylor Swift conspiracy theories real?

LAS VEGAS — Super Bowl 58 might have started unlucky because neither team scored in the first quarter and each team committed a turnover.

But when the Kansas City Chiefs scored a field goal late in the second quarter, making them trail the San Francisco 49ers 10-3, conspiracy theories surrounding Taylor Swift and her lucky No. 13 seemed all too real.

The pop superstar, who is dating Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, made it to Allegiant Stadium after flying her private jet 13 hours to Los Angeles from Tokyo and then flying into Las Vegas for the game. The Super Bowl is the 13th Chiefs game she has attended this season to cheer on her man. The numbers of 5 and 8 in the Super Bowl edition, the date — Feb. 11 (2+11) — and the 49ers digits all add up to 13. — Victoria Hernandez

Biggest comebacks in Super Bowl history

25 points — Patriots against Falcons in Super Bowl 51

10 points — Chiefs against 49ers in Super Bowl 54

10 points — Patriots against Seahawks in Super Bowl 49

10 points — Saints against Colts in Super Bowl 44

10 points — Washington against Broncos in Super Bowl 22

Chiefs vs. 49ers halftime stats

49ers passing — Brock Purdy 10-15 for 123 yards; Jauan Jennings 1-1 for 21 yards, TD

49ers rushing — Christian McCaffrey 9 carries, 33 yards

49ers receiving — Christian McCaffrey 5 receptions, 47 yards, TD; Deebo Samuel 2 catches, 24 yards

49ers defense — Fred Warner 6 tackles, Arik Armstead 1 sack, Chase Young 1 sack

Chiefs passing — Patrick Mahomes 11-13 for 123 yards

Chiefs rushing — Isiah Pacheco 7 carries, 27 yards

Chiefs receiving — Mecole Hardman 1 catch, 52 yards; Justin Watson 1 catch, 21 yards

Chiefs defense — Nick Bolton 8 tackles, Justin Reid 0.5 sacks, George Karlaftis 0.5 sacks

Travis Kelce stats at halftime

Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce has just one catch for 1 yard as Super Bowl 58 rolls into halftime.

Kelce had shined this postseason, making 23 catches for 262 yards and three touchdowns in the Chiefs’ three victories. Kelce’s 157 playoff catches (including today) are a record and he’s never had fewer than three in a playoff game.

USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis had the foresight to include this in his bold predictions. — Casey Moore

49ers 10, Chiefs 3: KC finally gets on board in Super Bowl 58

After falling down two possessions, the Chiefs were able to score just before halftime with a field goal to make it a 10-3 49ers lead.

It was the longest drive of the day for Kansas City at 12 plays, 65 yards. It was just its second red zone trip of the evening. The Chiefs were able to get to the 9-yard line on third down, but Patrick Mahomes took a big hit from Arik Armstead that resulted in a 1-yard sack. Harrison Butker, who kicked the game-winning field goal in last season’s Super Bowl, then knocked in the 28-yard field goal for Kansas City’s first points.

While still trailing, Kansas City will have a chance to tie it up out of the break, as it will get the ball to start the second half. — Jordan Mendoza

Super Bowl score: Beautiful trick play gives 49ers 10-0 lead

The play was slow developing and a little awkward, but it worked. It may end up being the play of the game.

49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings threw a pass to Christian McCaffrey that hung in the air so long it could have been shot down by the Air Force. But it connected and McCaffrey ran in for the touchdown. It was his ninth career postseason touchdown.

So in the end, the first player to throw a touchdown pass was a wide receiver. — Mike Freeman

Dre Greenlaw injury

A non-contact injury has put San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw out of Super Bowl 58.

After the 49ers punted the ball to the Kansas City Chiefs in the second quarter at Allegiant Stadium, Greenlaw was getting himself hyped to back on the field with the rest of the defense. But when he took a step toward the field, there appeared to be an issue with his left leg and he immediately went to the ground. Trainers came to his aide as he was unable to put any pressure on his leg and he made his way to the bench.

Greenlaw has an Achilles injury and has been ruled out. — Jordan Mendoza

Super Bowl field

Though Allegiant Stadium is domed, the playing surface is natural grass.

NFL’s turf vs. grass debate rages on. Here’s what the overwhelming majority of players think 

As NFL Players’ Association executive director Lloyd Howell toured the 32 organizations in the league throughout the 2023 regular season, he listened to players’ concerns over a wide variety of issues. For a union with a membership around 2,000 individuals, finding a consensus to address any one issue can be a problem. Howell quickly realized which one had the most unanimity: players’ desires to play on grass fields instead of turf. 

The topic — already relevant ahead of Super Bowl 58 as the San Francisco 49ers voiced concerns ahead of their matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs — was the primary theme of Howell’s first public appearance as leader of the union since he was named to the position over the summer.  

A survey conducted by the NFLPA that included 1,700 respondents had a 92% response rate of players saying they preferred to play on high-quality grass rather than synthetic turf. Six percent are indifferent, according to the survey. Read Chris Bumbaca’s full story here. 

Chiefs drive: KC goes three and out

Kansas City’s offense continues to struggle against San Francisco’s D.

Mahomes was called for intentional grounding on the first play and then was nearly sacked on third-and-16 but managed to scramble for a few yards. Tommy Townsend came on for his third punt of the game, and the 49ers will start at their own 33. — Casey Moore

49ers can’t take advantage of horse collar penalty

While scrambling, Brock Purdy was grabbed by Kansas City linebacker Nick Bolton. It was called a horse collar tackle. It was a questionable one. But it gave San Francisco a first down. But again, the 49ers still couldn’t consistently move the ball. The game remained an unattractive slugfest of an unattractive game of slugfest proportions. — Mike Freeman

Travis Kelce yelling at coach: Chiefs TE gets heated on sideline

Travis Kelce was heated on the Kansas City Chiefs’ sideline following Isiah Pacheco’s red zone fumble.

Kelce was shown on the CBS broadcast screaming at coach Andy Reid, even bumping into the 65-year-old coach. CBS analyst Tony Romo speculated that Kelce was aggressively saying he should have stayed on the field with the Chiefs on the verge of the end zone (he was not on the field when Pacheco fumbled). — Jace Evans

49ers recover Chiefs fumble

Just when it looked like the Chiefs could get even, they gave the ball away.

One play after Patrick Mahomes connected with Mecole Hardman on a 52-yard play down to the 49ers’ 9-yard line, Kansas City running back Isiah Pacheco lost the football. Javon Hargrave recovered the fumble and gave possession back to San Francisco. — Casey Moore

Longest field goal in Super Bowl history: Jake Moody gives 49ers lead

The game has been mostly a punter’s dream but again Brock Purdy, showing calmness and accuracy, connected on several crucial long passes, moving the 49ers into Kansas City territory.

Key part of this game has been mostly San Francisco’s ability to protect Purdy.

The 49ers’ drive ended with Jake Moody’s Super Bowl record 55-yard field goal. Suddenly, punters everywhere wept. — Mike Freeman

Notable Super Bowl records

Who is Jake Moody? Meet 49ers’ record-breaking kicker

Jake Moody, 24, is a rookie who was drafted with the 99th overall selection in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft. Here’s what else you need to know about him.

Winners and losers of Super Bowl 58 first quarter: Chiefs 0, 49ers 0

Winners

49ers dominating the lines of scrimmage

San Francisco completely controlled the first quarter, outgaining the Chiefs, 125-16. It all happened upfront, on both the offensive and defensive lines. Brock Purdy had ample time to drop back and survey the field, running through his progressions with ease. On defense, the 49ers generated enough pressure to fold Mahomes back into the pocket and quicken his timing. The Chiefs ran only seven offensive plays in the first frame and their opening possession was a three-and-out. The problem for the 49ers: because of Christian McCaffrey’s fumble and Trent Williams’ penalties, they haven’t take advantage — at least not yet.

Kansas City’s decision to defer

Brock Purdy and the 49ers, thanks mainly to Christian McCaffrey’s four touches on the first five plays of the game, were charging down the field, gaining 48 yards. McCaffrey’s fumble, however, cut the first drive of the game short and gave Kansas City a chance to take an early lead. San Francisco’s defense held and Kansas City posted a three-and-out, but the decision to defer can still pay dividends if the Chiefs manage the clock in the second quarter to be the last team to score, and then get the ball to start the second half.

Mitch Wishnowsky and Tommy Townsend

It’s typically not a great sign if both punters are on this side of the list, but San Francisco’s Mitch Wishnowsky had a field-reversing, 54-yard punt after penalties stalled the second Niners’ drive. Then, on the following series, Chiefs punter Tommy Townsend flipped the field and answered with his 62-yard bomb. Both punts buried the opposing offenses deep in their own 20.

Losers

Christian McCaffrey and Trent Williams

Without question, these two are among San Francisco’s best players. McCaffrey is fresh off of his AP Offensive Player of the Year award. Williams just posted his third consecutive first team All-Pro season. Both of them cost the 49ers in the first quarter. McCaffrey’s fumble robbed San Francisco’s chance to seize momentum and two Williams penalties on the second series stalled the drive. — Lorenzo Reyes

When was Christian McCaffrey drafted

McCaffrey was selected by the Carolina Panthers with the No. 8 overall pick out of Stanford in the 2017 NFL draft. He was the second running back taken in the first round, behind Leonard Fournette, who was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the No. 4 pick. — Casey Moore

Where did George Kittle go to college

Kittle went to Iowa, where he only caught six passes for 134 yards his first two seasons before notching 42 receptions for 604 yards and 10 touchdowns during his final two years. He was drafted by the 49ers in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL draft. — Casey Moore

Where did Deebo Samuel go to college

Samuel attended South Carolina, where he put together two seasons with more than 750 receiving yards, including his senior year when he caught 62 passes for 882 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was drafted by the 49ers in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft. — Casey Moore

Taylor Swift, celebrities at Super Bowl 2024

In addition to Taylor Swift, celebrities at the Super Bowl include: Paul Rudd, Queen Latifah, Jay Z, Gordon Ramsay, Guy Fieri, Eric Stonestreet, Jimmy Kimmel, Carrot Top, Wayne Newton and the Blue Man Group.

How much do concessions cost at Super Bowl 2024?

Concession prices were slightly higher than at Super Bowl 55 in Los Angeles with a soda costing between $6.99 and $8.99 at Allegiant versus $7 at SoFi Stadium.

One of the specialty foods available at Super Bowl 58 is a $37.99 order of beef ribs from local family chain Rollin Smoke Barbeque. There’s also tacos and the usual popcorn, pretzels and beer.

49ers force Chiefs to punt again

Kansas City was able to get a first down, but didn’t get much more after that, punting the ball back to the 49ers for the second time in as many drives. 

After Isiah Pachecho picked up 10 yards for a first down on the first play of the second drive, Chase Young was able to get to Patrick Mahomes for a 4-yard sack. Mahomes found Rashee Rice on the next play, but for no gain. The pressure got close to Mahomes on third down, and he was forced to scramble for a minimum gain. 

So far, Kansas City has 16 yards on seven plays. — Jordan Mendoza

Crucial penalties doom 49ers’ second drive

Perhaps still being impacted by Reba McEntire’s low energy anthem performance, the 49ers continued to struggle on offense. This time penalties forced the offense into long yardage situations and Kansas City’s defense was all too happy to take advantage and stop San Francisco. — Mike Freeman

Chiefs offense goes three-and-out on first drive

Kansas City was able to force a major turnover in its own territory, but it wasn’t able to do anything with it as it punted the ball back to the 49ers after failing to get a first down in three plays.

The Chiefs got the ball on their own 27-yard line after recovering a Christian McCaffrey fumble, but a 3-yard loss by Isiah Pacheco on the first play set the Chiefs back quickly. Travis Kelce got his first catch on the next play for only 1 yard, and on third down Jerick McKinnon wasn’t able to reach the first down line on a catch.

The punt ended the Chiefs’ eight-game streak of scoring a touchdown on their opening drive. — Jordan Mendoza

CBS scorebug

Your eyes aren’t deceiving you, it is (a little) different!

Christian McCaffrey fumbles, halts 49ers’ opening drive

The initial drive of the San Francisco 49ers started off smoothly. If quarterback Brock Purdy was nervous it didn’t show as coach Kyle Shanahan dialed up easy passes and handoffs to running back Christian McCaffrey. Then disaster struck as McCaffrey fumbled and Kansas City recovered. It was just the third fumble lost by McCaffrey all year, and first since the 49ers’ Week 7 loss against the Minnesota Vikings, a span of 12 games. — Mike Freeman and Casey Moore

Who won the coin toss?

As the visiting team, the 49ers got to make the call on the coin toss, which was tails. The coin landed on heads, and the Chiefs deferred to the second half. San Francisco will start with the ball. — Jordan Mendoza

How long was the national anthem before Super Bowl? Reba McEntire performs

Post Malone sings ‘America the Beautiful’

What time is Super Bowl kickoff?

The Chiefs and 49ers kick off at 6:30 p.m. ET. 

What channel is Super Bowl on? 

CBS will broadcast Super Bowl 58. Nickelodeon will have an alternate broadcast, too.

Super Bowl announcers 2024

The trio of Jim Nantz (play-by-play), Tony Romo (analyst) and Tracy Wolfson (sideline reporter) is set to call its third Super Bowl together. Reporters Evan Washburn and Jay Feely, as well as rules analyst Gene Steratore, will also be on the broadcast. 

Super Bowl live stream

Looking to stream? You can stream on YouTubeTV, Fubo TV or Paramount+. 

Did Taylor Swift make it to the Super Bowl?

Yep, Swift is in the building.

CBS cameras showed the pop music superstar arriving at Allegiant Stadium ahead of Super Bowl 58, completing a whirlwind travel odyssey that began with her concert in Tokyo on Saturday night.

Swift will be watching the game from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s suite.

For all the latest updates on Swift at the Super Bowl, follow USA TODAY’s live coverage of her here. — Jace Evans

Who is singing the Black national anthem at the Super Bowl?  

Andra Day will sing the Black national anthem at Super Bowl 58. Read Mike Freeman’s column for more. 

Who is favored to win the Super Bowl?

The 49ers are favorites to defeat the Chiefs, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2024. 

Spread: 49ers (-2) 
Moneyline: 49ers (-130); Chiefs (+110) 
Over/under: 47.5 

Here’s everything you need to know about the basic odds for Super Bowl 58, all odds courtesy of BetMGM.

Super Bowl prop bets 2024

Get ready, get set, wager! All the prop bets for Super Bowl 58 in one place. From first time-out called, to number of receiving yards, catches, sacks; odds are, there’s odds on everything this Super Bowl. Get USA TODAY Sports’ prop bet sheet here. 

Kansas City Chiefs starting lineup

The explosive Kansas City offense that we’ve seen in the past isn’t quite the same, but the defense is largely better. The Chiefs’ offense ranked ninth in total yards per game (351.3) and 15th in scoring (21.8 points per game). On defense, they were second in total yards per game (289.8) and second in scoring (17.3). Here is how the Chiefs roster stacks up heading into Super Bowl 58 against the San Francisco 49ers. — Casey L. Moore 

San Francisco 49ers starting lineup

The 49ers have gone to four NFC championship games in the past five seasons with general manager John Lynch providing coach Kyle Shanahan with the perfect mix of homegrown talent (Brock Purdy, Nick Bosa and George Kittle), trade acquisitions (Christian McCaffrey and Trent Williams) and free agent signings (Javon Hargrave and Charvarius Ward). Here is how the 49ers roster stacks up heading into Super Bowl 58 against the Kansas City Chiefs. — Casey L. Moore 

Chiefs inactives for Super Bowl 58

49ers inactives for Super Bowl 58

Super Bowl 58 performers

Reba McEntire is singing the national anthem. Andra Day will sing the Black national anthem. Usher is headlining the halftime show.

Travis Kelce outfit for Super Bowl

Tight end Travis Kelce was ‘shimmering’ on his way to get on the Chiefs’ team bus, CBS analyst Nate Burleson gushed on the network’s pregame show. 

Dressed in all-black as he left the hotel, Kelce will change into the Chiefs’ home red jerseys when he arrives at Allegiant Stadium. 

Where did Travis Kelce go to college?

Travis Kelce began his college football career as a quarterback at the University of Cincinnati, but he quickly switched to tight end — even after showing he still had some quarterbacking skills.

The Chiefs selected Kelce in the third round of the 2013 NFL draft with the 63rd overall pick. — Steve Gardner

Kristin Juszczyk creates custom Super Bowl jacket for husband Kyle

Kristin Juszczyk’s design work has taken the NFL world by storm – thanks in part to Taylor Swift rocking one of her custom puffer jackets at a game. With Juszczyk’s husband Kyle, the San Francisco 49ers’ fullback, playing the biggest game of the season, Juszczyk went all-out with her latest creation.

The jacket Kyle Juszczyk wore into the stadium for Super Bowl 58 featured the numbers of several of his offensive teammates, complete with signatures from those teammates. — Jace Evans

Donna Kelce, mother of Travis Kelce, arrives at Super Bowl in custom jacket

‘Mama Kelce’ is back at the Super Bowl, and this time her loyalties are not divided. Donna Kelce showed support for her son, Chiefs superstar Travis Kelce, with a custom Super Bowl 58 jacket via Stoney Clover. — Jace Evans

Super Bowl refs

Bill Vinovich is back in the big game. The 19-year NFL referee will wear the white hat for Super Bowl 58. Here’s the officiating crew Vinovich will lead: Umpire Terry Killens, down judge Patrick Holt, line judge Mark Perlman, field judge Tom Hill, side judge Allen Baynes, back judge Brad Freeman and replay official Mike Chase. This is the third Super Bowl assignment for Vinovich. He reffed Super Bowl 49 between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks and Super Bowl 54 between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers. Vinovich was the alternate for Super Bowl 56.  — Chris Bumbaca 

Who is Bill Vinovich? 

Bill Vinovich, 62, is a third-generation referee who worked his way up to officiating college football in the Mountain West Conference. He started as a side judge for the NFL in 2001 and was promoted to an official prior to the 2004 season. For health reasons, Vinovich stopped refereeing on the field from 2007-2011 and served as a replay official. He returned to the field following successful heart surgery in 2012 on a substitute basis. Vinovich is also a certified public accountant and officiates Division I college basketball games. In his youth, Vinovich was a three-sport star at Canyon High School in Anaheim, California. He played wide receiver for two years at Santa Ana College and two years at the University of San Diego, where he graduated magna cum laude. Vinovich was also the referee in the controversial 2018 NFC championship game. The no-call on a blatant defensive pass interference by the Los Angeles Rams has been the subject of New Orleans Saints fans’ ire since. — Chris Bumbaca 

Nickelodeon, SpongeBob Super Bowl 2024 broadcast 

Nickelodeon’s telecast of Super Bowl 58 will feature ‘enhanced graphics and advanced augmented reality, bringing the historic Slime-filled telecast to SpongeBob SquarePants’ undersea home,” according to CBS. Characters from ‘SpongeBob SquarePants’ will join the telecast live, with an animated SpongeBob, voiced by Tom Kenny, and Patrick Star, voiced by Bill Fagerbakke, joining CBS Sports analyst Nate Burleson and play-by-play announcer Noah Eagle live in the booth to call the game. Sandy Cheeks, voiced by Carolyn Lawrence, will serve as the sideline reporter while Larry the Lobster, voiced by Mr. Lawrence, will provide live commentary. — Gabe Hauari 

Who is Harrison Butker? Meet the Chiefs kicker

Harrison Butker may be called upon to hit the biggest kick of his career if Super Bowl 58 against the San Francisco 49ers is close in the fourth quarter.

Butker has been outstanding since joining the team in 2017. He led the league in scoring in 2019 and has made 89% of his career field goals, which is second in NFL history to Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker.

And Butker has range. The kicker hit a 70-yard field goal while warming up for Super Bowl 58, according to reporters on the scene.

Countdown to Super Bowl 58: pregame scene

A look at the sights in Allegiant Stadium ahead of Super Bowl 58 between the Chiefs and 49ers.

Where is Super Bowl 58 being played? 

The Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers will play at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the first time the venue has ever hosted a Super Bowl. The stadium is the home venue of the Las Vegas Raiders, who moved to the city in 2020. In fact, this will mark the first time in NFL history that a Super Bowl will be played in the state of Nevada. Las Vegas becomes the 19th different host city and Allegiant Stadium becomes the 27th different venue to host a Super Bowl. — Lorenzo Reyes 

Super Bowl 58 jersey colors

Get the uniforms ready: we know what the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers will wear in Super Bowl 58. Kansas City will serve as the ‘home’ team in the matchup at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Feb. 11, meaning it got to choose first what uniforms it wants to wear. The decision has been made, and the Chiefs will wear their home red uniform for the game. Meanwhile, the 49ers will don their traditional road white uniform.  — Jordan Mendoza 

Super Bowl 58 predictions 

Jarrett Bell: Chiefs 27, 49ers 24
Chris Bumbaca: Chiefs 30, 49ers 25
Nate Davis: Chiefs 23, 49ers 20
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz: Chiefs 21, 49ers 16
Lorenzo Reyes: 49ers 24, Chiefs 19 
Tyler Dragon: Chiefs 23, 49ers 20 
Safid Deen: Chiefs 30, 49ers 26 
Victoria Hernandez: Chiefs 28, 49ers 24 
Jordan Mendoza: Chiefs 20, 49ers 17 

Chiefs vs. 49ers moneyline 

The most basic of all bets is called the moneyline. It’s simply, which team will win the game? There’s a different payout for betting on each team, with the return for a wager on the favorite totaling less than the same wager on the underdog. In Super Bowl 58, the 49ers are the favorite at -130 odds. The Chiefs are the underdog at +110. Betting the moneyline: 

The negative odds (-130) mean that a person would have to wager $130 on the Niners in order to win $100. 
The positive odds (+110) mean that a person who successfully wagers $100 on the Chiefs would win $110. — Steve Gardner 

Chiefs vs. 49ers point spread 

In Super Bowl 58, the 49ers are a 2-point favorite over the Chiefs. To win a bet on the 49ers against the spread, they have to win by three or more points. To win a bet on the Chiefs against the spread, they need to win the game outright or lose by one or two points. The point spread is the number of points one team is favored over the other. 

When bettors wager against the spread, the final score of the game matters more than which team won. The favored team needs to win by more than the point spread in order to ‘cover’ and win the bet. The underdog can still lose the game if it does so by less than the point spread for its bettors to win. — Steve Gardner 

Super Bowl 58 logo

Since Super Bowl LVI in 2022, the NFL’s updated its graphics for the title game each season. It’s even inspired a conspiracy theory about the matchup for the championship game. It’s not the first change from the past 58 years, though, just the most recent. Here’s a look at the history of Super Bowl logos. — Ayrton Ostly 

LVIII number

What is Super Bowl LVIII? Want to learn how to read Roman numerals and why the NFL uses them? Here’s your guide. 

Who won Super Bowl 57?

The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 in Super Bowl 57, the team’s second title in four seasons. A controversial holding penalty by Eagles cornerback James Bradberry gave the Chiefs a chance to run the clock down and kick a game-winning field goal with eight seconds left, which Harrison Butker nailed from 27 yards.   

Patrick Mahomes finished 21 of 27 for 182 yards with three touchdowns. Kansas City scored a touchdown on its first three drives of the second half after trailing at halftime 24-14. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was 27 of 37 for 304 yards passing, but was also a force on the ground. He rushed for three touchdowns (15 carries, 70 yards) and tied the game at 35 on a two-point conversion with about five minutes left. Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (six catches, 81 yards, touchdown) bested his brother, Eagles center Jason Kelce, on the game’s biggest stage, while Chiefs coach Andy Reid defeated his former team.  

Super Bowl 58 squares: How to play, best (and worst) squares for the big game 

Super Bowl Sunday doesn’t have to only be a fun experience for football and commercial lovers. It’s also an opportunity to turn the casual fan into a competitive one, and there might not be a better game for your party than Super Bowl squares. You don’t have to know anything about the game of football to play squares, which levels the playing field for a room mixed with diehards and nonfans. And there are a variety of ways to play that gets everyone involved. New to the game? USA TODAY Sports has you covered with everything you need to know to play Super Bowl squares, including which squares are most likely to win. 

Taylor Swift’s plane has landed in Las Vegas, NFL Network reports

One of the most important pregame questions for Super Bowl 58 has apparently been answered. ‘Taylor Swift is in Las Vegas,’ NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said from the field at Allegiant Stadium. The pop superstar’s trans-Pacific flight following her Saturday night concert in Tokyo landed in Los Angeles earlier today, and Rapoport said the connecting flight to Vegas just recently touched down.

‘I’ll never report bigger news today,’ Rapoport quipped.All that’s left is for Swift to find her way to Allegiant Stadium, where she’ll take her familiar spot in a luxury box to cheer on boyfriend Travis Kelce and the Chiefs. – Steve Gardner

Travis Kelce vs 49ers 

Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has faced the 49ers three times in his career, Kansas City holding a 2-1 edge. In those matchups, Kelce has caught 16 passes on 21 targets for 227 yards and a touchdown. — Rachel G. Bowers 

Brock Purdy vs Patrick Mahomes 

The two Super Bowl quarterbacks have faced off once before in the NFL — kind of. When the Chiefs and 49ers played in October 2022, a contest Kansas City won 44-23, Jimmy Garoppolo was under center for San Francisco. After Garoppolo was yanked late in the fourth quarter, Purdy got some garbage time reps, completing 4 of 9 passes for 66 yards and an interception. Mahomes, meanwhile, went 23-of-34 for 423 yards, three TDs and a pick. — Rachel G. Bowers 

How much money can Chiefs and 49ers players earn if they win Super Bowl 58? 

For players on the Super Bowl 58 winning team, $164,000 of prize money can be earned. Players on the losing team will get $89,000 in prize money. Both totals represent a $7,000 increase from the per-player payouts from Super Bowl 57. Teams also earn prize money as they advance through the playoffs. As a division winner that also played on wild-card weekend, the Chiefs can earn the maximum $338,000 if they win the Super Bowl. The 49ers, meanwhile, who didn’t play on wild-card weekend due to being the NFC’s No. 1 playoff seed, can earn a maximum of $333,000 if they win on Super Sunday. — Jim Reineking 

Who is the highest-paid player in Super Bowl 58? 

That title of the highest-paid player in Super Bowl 58 belongs to Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. In September, Mahomes agreed to a restructured contract with the Chiefs that will pay him $210.6 million guaranteed between 2023 and 2026, the most ever for an NFL player in a four-year span, according to ESPN. Mahomes is under contract until 2031, but he and the Chiefs will revisit his contract after the 2026 season. — Cydney Henderson 

Highest-paid players in Super Bowl 58 

Here are the highest-paid players in Super Bowl 58 based on average annual value, according to Over The Cap. — Cydney Henderson 

The 58 greatest players in Super Bowl history: Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce make cut

Crafting a list of the greatest players in Super Bowl history is a near-impossible endeavor. Do you favor the biggest stars? Those who shone brightest on Super Sunday? The ones with sustained levels of excellence? Nate Davis weighed each consideration, attempting to also make it representative of all positions rather than skew too heavily toward quarterbacks or offensive players who more easily show up in the box score (and MVP log). So, here’s his list of the 58 greatest players in Super Bowl history as we head into Super Bowl 58 between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers. 

What is the capacity of Allegiant Stadium? 

For regular-season Raiders games, capacity of Allegiant Stadium is 65,000, though many venues that host Super Bowls typically can add seating for a game of that magnitude. That makes Allegiant Stadium the fourth-smallest stadium in the NFL with Ford Field (65,000), State Farm Stadium (63,400) and Solider Field (61,500). — Lorenzo Reyes 

Super Bowl 58 stadium: Where exactly is Allegiant Stadium?

Allegiant Stadium is just west of the southern edge of Las Vegas Boulevard, more famously known as the Las Vegas Strip. That makes Allegiant Stadium quite accessible for guests staying at some of Las Vegas’ more popular hotels and resorts on the Strip. For ease of transportation, the stadium is also very close to Harry Reid International Airport, the city’s main hub, about a 15-minute drive away. — Lorenzo Reyes 

‘Game manager’ means double standard for Brock Purdy, Patrick Mahomes

For the San Francisco 49ers, ‘game manager’ might be the two most vexing words of Super Bowl week. But it’s a label that’s been attached to quarterback Brock Purdy with what seems like a certain level of disparagement. Conversely, Kansas City Chiefs counterpart and two-time league MVP Patrick Mahomes has been praised lately for his prowess as, yup, a ‘game manager.’

So what gives? Why the shade aimed at a guy – meaning Purdy – who was an MVP finalist for the 2023 season, compounded by a double standard?

‘I don’t have the strongest arm in the world, or I may not be making crazy, flashy plays like other guys around the league,’ said Purdy. ‘At the end of the day, if we’re looking at the main goal, it’s about winning – and, so, I feel like I can do that well.’ – Nate Davis

The 58 greatest NFL teams to play in the Super Bowl – and not all won Lombardi Trophy

The 2023 Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers will become the 115th and 116th Super Bowl participants on Sunday, when they cross paths at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Through the years, there have been several dominant squads, some which caught lightning in a bottle at just the right time and others seemingly poised for greatness that ultimately fell just short in the NFL’s biggest game. Here are what Nate Davis believes to be the 58 greatest teams to play on Super Bowl Sunday – and not all of them won. 

Ranking all 57 Super Bowls from best to worst: How does first Chiefs-49ers clash rate?

Run it back. Super Bowl 58 will mark the ninth “rematch” between franchises that have previously collided on Super Sunday (the Cowboys and Steelers the only clubs to meet three times). It was only four years ago that the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers battled in South Florida, K.C. ending a 50-year Super Bowl drought by prevailing 31-20 in a game that was far closer and dramatic than the final score indicates. As Super Bowl 58, which will be the first ever staged in Las Vegas, approaches, here are Nate Davis’ all-time Super Sunday game rankings. 

Super Bowl 58 bold predictions for Chiefs vs. 49ers

What predictions are there left to make for Super Bowl 58?

After two weeks of anticipation and preparation, the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers have been closely inspected and analyzed from an array of angles. Picks have been made for Sunday’s big event in Las Vegas. Prop bets have been outlined.

But with kickoff drawing near, we couldn’t help but take one last crack at forecasting what might be ahead at Allegiant Stadium to close out the 2023 NFL season. With that in mind, we asked USA TODAY Sports’ NFL reporters and columnists for one bold prediction for Super Bowl 58. Here are the results.

49ers’ Super Bowl appearances

Super Bowl 58 will be San Francisco’s eighth Super Bowl. The other seven are: Super Bowl 16, Super Bowl 19, Super Bowl 23, Super Bowl 24, Super Bowl 29, Super Bowl 47 and Super Bowl 54. San Francisco has won five Super Bowl championships. After winning in the big game their first five trips, the 49ers have lost the last two times they’ve been to the Super Bowl. San Francisco last hoisted the Lombardi Trophy after the 1994 season in Super Bowl 29 against the then-San Diego Chargers. Here’s everything to know about the 49ers’ Super Bowl history. — Tyler Dragon 

How many Super Bowls have the Chiefs won?

The Kansas City Chiefs are playing in their sixth Super Bowl and making their fourth appearance in the past five years. Kansas City has won eight consecutive AFC West crowns, the second-longest streak of division championships for any NFL team since 1970. The Chiefs are also vying for their fourth Super Bowl title. The New York Giants (4), Green Bay Packers (4), Dallas Cowboys (5), San Francisco 49ers (5), Pittsburgh Steelers (6) and New England Patriots (6) are the only teams with four or more Super Bowl wins. Here’s everything to know about the Chiefs’ Super Bowl history. — Tyler Dragon 

How much are Super Bowl tickets?

It’s the most expensive Super Bowl on record, according to TickPick, with average ticket prices around $9,384 on the secondary market. For reference, Super Bowl 57’s average ticket price was $5,795, TickPick said. Even if you want to pay the minimum for a Super Bowl ticket on a secondary market, it will still cost close to five figures. 

The cheapest ticket to the game can be found on StubHub for $5,542, $7,481 with fees, as of Thursday afternoon. The cheapest tickets for Allegiant Stadium will be further away from the action, like the 300 sections on the endzone sides and the corners of the 400 level. — Jordan Mendoza 

Even for Las Vegas, Super Bowl 58 is a huge deal

Thousands of fans descended upon the bottom of The Strip the day before ‘the Big Game.’ Said 10-year Vegas resident Dominick Lynch, a host at Wahlburgers in ‘The Shoppes at Mandalay Bay’ mall: ‘I’ve never really seen it this busy. We’ve always had a rush-in with the conventions and stuff, but it’s never been quite like this. You can just feel it walking around. It’s great.’ Read Chris Bumbaca’s story here.

Body piercer finds jewelry connected to ‘Nipplegate’ Super Bowl scandal

Byriah Dailey, a body piercer from Houston, said he was cleaning in his garage recently when he rediscovered a piece of Super Bowl history. It was the coordinating nipple shield that matches the one worn by Janet Jackson during the halftime show at the 2004 Super Bowl, Dailey said. Since that infamous moment, he has been credited with selling the piece of jewelry to Jackson’s former fashion stylist, Wayne Scot Lukas, days before the game. “It was a little tarnished because it’s been sitting in a drawer for awhile,’ Dailey, 53, told USA TODAY Sports. Read Josh Peter’s story here.

Chiefs vs. 49ers Super Bowl 2019 

Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Andy Reid all won their first Super Bowl four years ago, a 31-20 victory over Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers. Jimmy Garoppolo started at quarterback for San Francisco, completing 20 of 31 passes for 219 yards, a touchdown and two picks. Mahomes was 26-of-42 passing for 286 yards, two TDs and two interceptions. — Rachel G. Bowers 

Super Bowl scores history 

Here’s the complete list of Super Bowl scores, MVPs and locations for all 57 previous games. — Jim Reineking 

Chiefs vs 49ers past games

The Chiefs and 49ers have played each other 14 times, each side winning seven of those contests. All but one of those matchups were in the regular season. The lone playoff matchup was in Super Bowl 54, which Kansas City won. The sides most recently played in 2022, Kansas City winning 44-23. — Rachel G. Bowers 

What happened to Kadarius Toney?

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney is not expected to play in Super Bowl 58, according to an ESPN report. The controversial wide receiver, who caught a touchdown pass and had a key 65-yard punt return in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl win last year, hasn’t been active since Week 15 of the regular season. Toney made headlines when he denied being injured and blasted the Chiefs on social media before the AFC championship game. When asked about Toney’s status for Super Bowl Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers earlier in the week, Chiefs coach Andy Reid would only say, ‘We’ll see how it goes.’ — Steve Gardner

National anthem length betting lines

This year, the betting line ranges from 86 to 90.5 seconds. The “over” is favored for good reason considering the average anthem performance is one minute and 5 seconds. — Melissa Ruggieri 

Usher’s biggest hits: What songs will he perform at the Super Bowl?

If you made an Usher playlist using only his biggest hits it would last an hour and 42 minutes, according to the one we built on Apple Music. The Super Bowl halftime show is slotted for 12-15 minutes. Prepare for many medleys. There are many Usher songs we hope to hear, even if they’re a medley. Here they are, presented by era. — Melissa Ruggieri 

How long is the Super Bowl Halftime Show?

 A regular NFL halftime normally lasts 13 minutes, but halftime for the Super Bowl lasts longer to accommodate for the setup, show and takedown, in addition to teams’ on-field warm-ups. Still, expect Usher to be on the stage for fewer than 15 minutes. ‘Don’t take the moments for granted because you only get 13 of them,’ Usher said of the halftime show in November. ‘The hardest part is trying to figure out how to squeeze it all in when you actually have a large catalog, or a lot of records people celebrate and love.’ — Cydney Henderson 

When is Super Bowl halftime show? Here’s when you should expect to tune in to watch Usher

Usher’s halftime show performance will take place during, well, halftime, but when exactly is that? Halftime is a brief intermission between the first and second halves of the Super Bowl. Each half of the game is made up of two 15-minute quarters, but the game clock differs from the actual length of the game. Stoppages in play, from timeouts to TV timeouts and commercials during the game, make it hard to predict the exact time halftime begins, but on average, each quarter typically lasts about 45 minutes. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET. — Cydney Henderson 

Will Taylor Swift be at the Chiefs’ Super Bowl? 

Although it has yet to be confirmed whether Taylor Swift will be at the Super Bowl, it seems unlikely she would miss the biggest game of the season. Swift has been to 12 Chiefs games this season, including each of Kansas City’s playoff games. Swift’s concert in Tokyo — which is 17 hours ahead of Las Vegas — is set for 6 p.m. local time Saturday, with her concerts typically lasting more than 3 hours, 15 minutes. According to NPR, Swift’s show at the Tokyo Dome is located roughly 30 minutes from Haneda and an hour from Narita, Tokyo’s main two airports. Kevin O’Leary, the president and CEO of Jet Advisors, told NPR that Swift could be in the air around 11:30 p.m. in Japan, or 6:30 a.m. Las Vegas time, after meeting some ‘logistics and clearances’ before liftoff. — Austin Curtright 

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