It’s the question that usually pops up right around the time the playoffs start heating up again. You’re sitting there, maybe checking the betting lines or just arguing with a friend at a bar, and you realize you can’t quite remember the exact numbers. So, what was the score of the super bowl last year?
If we are talking about Super Bowl LIX, which went down in February 2025, the Philadelphia Eagles absolutely dismantled the Kansas City Chiefs with a final score of 40–22.
Honestly, it wasn't even as close as that score makes it look. For a huge chunk of the night, the Chiefs—who were hunting for a historic "three-peat"—looked completely lost. The Eagles came out swinging and didn't stop until the confetti was already falling.
Why the Score of the Super Bowl Last Year Shocked Everyone
Most people expected a nail-biter. I mean, it was Patrick Mahomes versus Jalen Hurts in a rematch of their epic battle from two years prior. Vegas had the Chiefs as slight 1.5-point favorites. The logic was simple: never bet against Mahomes in a big game.
But the Eagles' defense had other plans.
💡 You might also like: Duke Football Recruiting 2025: Manny Diaz Just Flipped the Script in Durham
Philadelphia’s defensive coordinator, Vic Fangio, put on an absolute masterclass in New Orleans. They sacked Mahomes six times. Six! It felt like every time the Chiefs tried to develop a deep route, a swarm of green jerseys was already in the backfield. By the time the halftime show started, the Eagles were leading 24–0. It was a total shutout through the first half, which is almost unheard of when you're playing against a future Hall of Fame quarterback.
The Chiefs didn’t even find the end zone until the very end of the third quarter. By then, the lead was 34–6. It was a blowout in the truest sense of the word.
Breaking Down the Numbers
- Final Score: Philadelphia Eagles 40, Kansas City Chiefs 22.
- Venue: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans.
- MVP: Jalen Hurts (Eagles).
- Halftime Performer: Kendrick Lamar.
Jalen Hurts was basically a human highlight reel. He finished with 221 passing yards and two touchdowns, but his real impact was on the ground. He rushed for 72 yards and scored on one of those signature "tush push" plays that the league just couldn't seem to stop all season.
The Turning Point in Super Bowl LIX
You can usually point to one or two plays that break a game open. In this one, it was the second quarter. The Chiefs were only down 10–0 and were driving. They had a little momentum. Then, Cooper DeJean—the rookie sensation—jumped a route and took an interception 38 yards back for a touchdown.
📖 Related: Dodgers Black Heritage Night 2025: Why It Matters More Than the Jersey
The Superdome erupted.
That "Pick-6" didn't just add seven points; it felt like it broke the Chiefs' spirit. Suddenly, a 10-point deficit became 17, and Mahomes started forcing throws he usually doesn't make. He ended the night with two interceptions and a lost fumble. It was probably the roughest game of his professional career, and he said as much in the post-game presser, admitting they got outplayed in every single phase.
What About the Chiefs' Late Surge?
If you just looked at the box score without watching the game, you might think the Chiefs made a game of it. They scored 16 points in the fourth quarter. Xavier Worthy was a bright spot, catching two touchdowns and racking up over 150 yards.
But let’s be real: most of that happened when the Eagles had already started subbing in their second-stringers. Philly was playing "prevent" defense, just trying to bleed the clock. Kenny Pickett even came in for the final few snaps to take the victory knees.
👉 See also: College Football Top 10: What Most People Get Wrong About the 2026 Rankings
Why This Game Mattered More Than Most
This win gave the Philadelphia Eagles their second Super Bowl title in franchise history. Their first was back in 2018 (Super Bowl LII) against the Patriots. But more importantly, it ended the talk of a Kansas City dynasty being untouchable.
The Chiefs were trying to do something no team in the history of the NFL had ever done: win three Super Bowls in a row. The pressure was immense. Between the Taylor Swift media circus, the weight of the "three-peat" narrative, and a defense that finally met its match, the bubble just burst in New Orleans.
Key Takeaways from the Big Game
If you're looking for the "why" behind the score, it comes down to three things:
- Dominant Line Play: The Eagles' offensive and defensive lines won the battle in the trenches. You can't win if you can't protect your QB.
- Pressure: Sacking Mahomes six times is a recipe for success. They never let him get comfortable in the pocket.
- Turnovers: Philly turned those two second-quarter interceptions into 14 points. In a championship game, that's usually the nail in the coffin.
It’s funny how we forget the details so fast. A year later, we mostly remember the Kendrick Lamar halftime show or the memes about the "tush push." But for the City of Brotherly Love, that 40–22 score is etched in stone. It was a night where everything went right for the Birds and everything went wrong for the reigning champs.
Now that you're caught up on the score, you can look back at the season stats to see if the Eagles' defensive dominance was a fluke or a sign of a new powerhouse in the NFC. You might also want to check the current injury reports for the upcoming season to see if the Chiefs have retooled their offensive line to prevent another blowout.
Check the latest NFL power rankings to see where these two teams stand today.