New Orleans. The Big Easy. February 9, 2025. Honestly, the atmosphere inside the Caesars Superdome felt like a pressure cooker before the first whistle even blew. You’ve probably heard the roar of a playoff crowd, but this was different. This was Super Bowl LIX.
Everyone wanted to know about Super Bowl 2025 who is playing, and the answer was a scriptwriter's dream: the Kansas City Chiefs versus the Philadelphia Eagles. It was the rematch of Super Bowl LVII, a chance for Jalen Hurts to finally get one over on Patrick Mahomes.
The stakes were literally historic. Kansas City was chasing the first "three-peat" in the Super Bowl era. No team had ever won three rings in a row. Not the 70s Steelers. Not the 90s Cowboys. Not even the Brady-Belichick Patriots. The Eagles, meanwhile, were tired of being the "almost" team.
The Matchup No One Could Stop Talking About
Basically, the path to New Orleans was a gauntlet. The Chiefs entered as the AFC’s top seed with a 15-2 record, despite Mahomes having what some "experts" called a down year. He didn't hit 4,000 yards, but he had seven game-winning drives. That’s just Mahomes magic. They took down Josh Allen and the Bills 32-29 in the AFC Championship to get here.
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On the other side, the Eagles were a buzzsaw. They finished 14-3 and then absolutely dismantled the Washington Commanders 55-23 in the NFC Championship. People were wondering if anyone could actually stop their run game. Saquon Barkley looked like he’d found a fountain of youth in Philly.
Why the 2025 Super Bowl was different
- Venue: The Superdome hosted for a record-tying 11th time.
- The Three-Peat: All eyes were on Andy Reid’s quest for a third consecutive Lombardi.
- The Halftime Show: Kendrick Lamar took the stage, and let’s just say the energy was electric. SZA joined him, making it a night to remember even for people who don't know a touchdown from a touchback.
How the Game Actually Went Down
If you bet on the Chiefs, you were probably feeling pretty good early on. They were the 1.5-point favorites. But the game didn't follow the Vegas script. Philadelphia came out swinging.
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Jalen Hurts was playing like a man possessed. He wasn't just throwing; he was dissecting the Chiefs' defense. By halftime, the Eagles were up 24-0. Yeah, you read that right. Zero points for Mahomes in the first half. Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, which had been top-four all season, looked lost trying to contain A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
The second half saw a bit of a Chiefs surge—Mahomes threw for two touchdowns—but it wasn't enough. The Eagles' defense was dominant. Rookie Cooper DeJean even had a pick-six on his birthday. Talk about a gift.
The final score: Philadelphia Eagles 40, Kansas City Chiefs 22.
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Key Stats from Super Bowl LIX
Jalen Hurts earned the MVP. He put up over 300 yards of total offense and three touchdowns. He was the engine. The Eagles' defense forced two interceptions and kept the Chiefs scoreless on their first nine drives.
- Jalen Hurts (MVP): 3 Total Touchdowns
- Saquon Barkley: 100+ yards from scrimmage
- Cooper DeJean: Pick-six (the nail in the coffin)
- Attendance: 65,719 screaming fans
The Fallout and What’s Next
Now that we’re in 2026, looking back at that game feels like looking at a turning point in the league. The Chiefs' dynasty didn't end, but the "unbeatable" aura took a massive hit.
Right now, as we sit in January 2026, the NFL playoffs for the 2025-26 season are already in the Divisional and Championship rounds. The Eagles, the defending champs, actually just got knocked out by the 49ers in the Wild Card round. It's a tough league.
If you're looking ahead to the next one, Super Bowl LX is set for February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. The Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks are currently the top seeds fighting to get there.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Watch the Replays: If you missed the Hurts-Mahomes showdown, find the highlights on NFL+. The strategic shift in the Eagles' secondary is a masterclass in modern coaching.
- Track the 2026 Odds: With the Eagles out, the field is wide open for Super Bowl LX. Keep an eye on the Broncos; they’ve been the surprise of the 2025 season.
- Plan for Santa Clara: If you're heading to Super Bowl LX, start looking at hotels in San Jose now. Santa Clara gets packed fast.
The Super Bowl 2025 matchup gave us the answer to who is playing: two heavyweights at the peak of their powers. It wasn't just a game; it was a statement that the NFC East still has plenty of bite.