If you’re looking at your calendar today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, and wondering who is playing in the super bowl 2025 nfl, you might realize you’re technically asking about a game that’s already in the history books. It’s a bit confusing. The NFL season spans two calendar years, so the "2024 season" culminated in the championship game held in early 2025.
That game—Super Bowl LIX—is over.
But if you’re actually hunting for info on the next big game, the one happening in just a few weeks in February 2026, you’ve come to the right place. We are currently right in the thick of the 2025-26 playoffs. Today is literally Divisional Round Saturday. The dust hasn't fully settled on the 2026 matchup yet, but we know exactly what happened in the 2025 edition that everyone is still buzzing about.
The 2025 Recap: Philadelphia’s Revenge in New Orleans
Last February, the NFL descended on the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. It was a rematch that felt like destiny: the Kansas City Chiefs versus the Philadelphia Eagles. Most people were betting on Patrick Mahomes to secure the first-ever "three-peat" in NFL history.
It didn't happen.
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The Eagles didn't just win; they essentially dismantled the Chiefs. The final score was 40-22. Honestly, the game wasn't even as close as that score makes it look. Philly jumped out to a 24-0 lead by halftime. By the middle of the third quarter, it was a 34-6 blowout. It was a defensive masterclass.
Why the Chiefs Lost the 2025 Title
The biggest story was the trenches. In their previous Super Bowl meeting (LVII), the Eagles' pass rush was famously non-existent. General Manager Howie Roseman clearly took that personally. In the 2025 game, the Eagles sacked Mahomes six times.
- Jalen Hurts played nearly perfect football, earning the MVP.
- Cooper DeJean, the rookie sensation, had a massive 38-yard pick-six.
- Patrick Mahomes was held to zero points until the very end of the third quarter.
Who is Playing in the Super Bowl Right Now? (The 2026 Picture)
Since today is January 17, 2026, the question of who is playing in the super bowl 2025 nfl season (the current one) is being decided as we speak. We are in the Divisional Round.
The reigning champion Eagles are actually already out. They were stunned by the San Francisco 49ers in the Wild Card round last weekend, losing 23-19. It was a massive upset that shifted the entire landscape of the NFC.
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Here is the current state of the bracket for the game on February 8, 2026:
The AFC Side
The New England Patriots (yes, they are back) and the Denver Broncos are the heavy hitters left. The Buffalo Bills are also still alive after escaping a close one against the Jaguars. The Houston Texans are the dark horse everyone is terrified of after they demolished the Steelers.
The NFC Side
The Seattle Seahawks secured the #1 seed and are resting up. They play the 49ers tonight. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams are set for a showdown tomorrow.
Key Matchups This Weekend (Jan 17-18, 2026)
- Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos: This is the early game today. Josh Allen vs. a Denver defense that has been lights-out all December.
- San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks: A classic NFC West divisional rivalry for a trip to the Conference Championship.
- Houston Texans at New England Patriots: Happening tomorrow. Can C.J. Stroud handle the playoff atmosphere in Foxborough?
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams has the Bears in the hunt, but Stafford and the Rams are playoff veterans.
What to Expect for Super Bowl LX
While we don't have the two teams finalized yet, the logistics for the 2026 game are set. It’s heading to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
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The halftime show is going to be massive. Bad Bunny is the headliner, which basically guarantees it’ll be one of the most-watched musical events of the decade. NBC is broadcasting the game, with Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth on the call.
If you're trying to project a winner, the Seahawks are currently the Vegas favorites at +270. They’ve looked dominant. But don’t sleep on the Bills (+650) or the Texans (+850). The parity in the league right now is kind of wild. Any of these eight remaining teams could reasonably be lifting the Lombardi Trophy in three weeks.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you’re following the road to the next Super Bowl, keep these dates on your radar:
- January 25, 2026: The AFC and NFC Championship games. This is when we officially find out the two teams.
- February 3, 2026: The Pro Bowl Games in San Francisco.
- February 8, 2026: Super Bowl LX kickoff at 6:30 PM ET on NBC.
Check your local listings for today's Bills-Broncos kickoff. The path to the next trophy starts with these next 48 hours of football.