Super Bowl LIV is around the corner and the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami is ready to host its 64,000+ fans on February 2nd. Representing the National Football Conference (NFC) is the San Francisco 49ers (13-3), and for the American Football Conference (AFC) is the Kansas City Chiefs (12-4).

The journey to the championship has been impressive for both teams as they have had a great season in their respective conferences. The Kansas City Chiefs who began the season subpar due to injuries, were able to regroup and make a playoff push by winning the last six games of their season, allowing them to clinch the #2 seed in the AFC Playoffs and a first round bye.

The Chiefs faced the Texans in the AFC divisional round, where  Patrick Mahomes reminded the NFL why he was the MVP last season. Mahomes put on a passing clinic by throwing for 321 yards that included five touchdowns and completing 23/35 passes.  After suffering a heartbreak loss in the 2019 AFC Championship Game to the Patriots, the Chiefs returned once again, this time facing the Tennessee Titans. The game was not going to be easy for the Chiefs as the Titans were coming off two big playoff wins against the Patriots and the Ravens. Though the game was close in the first half, Mahomes and the Chiefs would be too much for the Titans as the chiefs won 35-24, booking their ticket to Miami.

Representing the NFC in the Super Bowl is the San Francisco 49ers, a team who has managed to improve greatly from one season to the next. From a 4-12 record to a 13-3 record within a year has been the biggest team turnaround seen a very long time. The 49ers defense, led by rookie Nick Bosa, has become elite as it was ranked #1 of the season. The pass rush for the 49ers that includes players like Bosa and Buckner, proved to be a problem for other teams offenses. The 49ers finished with the #1 seed in the NFC and clinched a first round bye.

The 49ers faced the Vikings in the divisional round where the 49ers dominated and won 27-10, advancing to the NFC Championship. The 49ers once again faced off against the Packers in a rematch of their week 12 matchup, but the game was similar  as the Packers were dominated and allowed 37 points again. The 49ers won and now are playing in their first Super Bowl since 2013. Both teams are coming into Sunday playing their best football and it will be a battle of two powerhouses.

Although the 49ers defense has been elite, Patrick Mahomes will prove to be too much and outduel Jimmy Garoppolo in this year’s Super Bowl. Mahomes will struggle against the 49ers defense but will be able to connect passes and make runs when need be. Garappolo has outbeat veteran Aaron Rodgers, but a young fresh Mahomes will get the plays down the field. The Chiefs will lift the Lombardi Trophy in Miami after defeating the San Francisco 49ers.