If you tuned into Super Bowl LVIII expecting a straightforward game, you probably didn't get what you bargained for. It was a messy, high-stakes, heart-thumping disaster for some and a dream come true for others. Basically, the answer to who played Super Bowl 2024 is the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers. But that's just the surface.
The game happened on February 11, 2024, at the gleaming Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. It was the first time the Super Bowl had ever graced "Sin City," and the atmosphere was electric. You had the defending champion Chiefs trying to start a dynasty. Then you had the 49ers, a powerhouse franchise looking to finally get over the hump and win their first title since 1994.
The final score? 25-22.
Chiefs won.
It took five quarters to decide. It was only the second time in NFL history a Super Bowl went into overtime. Honestly, for the first half, it felt like a defensive slog. But by the time Patrick Mahomes threw that final pass to Mecole Hardman, everyone was on the edge of their seat.
The Teams: Who Played Super Bowl 2024?
The matchup was actually a rematch of Super Bowl LIV from four years prior. On one side, the Kansas City Chiefs represented the AFC. They weren't even the favorites. Many experts thought their offense had slowed down during the regular season. Travis Kelce was getting older, and the wide receivers were struggling with drops. But they had Patrick Mahomes. That's usually enough.
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On the other side, the San Francisco 49ers represented the NFC. They were the No. 1 seed and looked like an unstoppable machine. Led by Brock Purdy—the "Mr. Irrelevant" who became a star—and the versatile Christian McCaffrey, they had talent everywhere.
Key Players in the Spotlight
- Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs): The guy who just won't lose. He finished with 333 passing yards and two touchdowns.
- Brock Purdy (49ers): He proved the doubters wrong, mostly. He threw for 255 yards and managed the game well under intense pressure.
- Christian McCaffrey (49ers): He was everywhere. He had 80 rushing yards and 80 receiving yards, plus a touchdown.
- Travis Kelce (Chiefs): After a quiet first half (only 1 yard!), he exploded late and finished with 93 yards.
- Jauan Jennings (49ers): A surprise hero who threw a touchdown and caught one.
The Game That Wouldn't End
The first quarter was scoreless. That's weird for these two teams. Defenses were flying around. Then things got interesting in the second. The 49ers pulled out a trick play where wide receiver Jauan Jennings threw a lateral-style pass across the field to Christian McCaffrey, who rumbled into the end zone.
Niners lead. 10-3 at halftime.
Then the third quarter happened. It was kinda chaotic. The Chiefs were struggling until a punt hit the leg of a 49ers player (Darrell Luter Jr.) by accident. The Chiefs recovered it deep in 49ers territory. One play later, Mahomes hits Marquez Valdes-Scantling for a touchdown. Suddenly, Kansas City is up 13-10.
The Overtime Drama
When regulation ended tied at 19-19, the new overtime rules kicked in. This was huge. Under the new rules, both teams were guaranteed a chance to possess the ball. The 49ers won the toss and chose to receive. They marched down the field but stalled near the goal line. They settled for a field goal.
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That was the opening Mahomes needed.
The Chiefs took over. Mahomes used his legs on a crucial 4th-and-1 to keep the drive alive. He scrambled again to get them into the red zone. Finally, with just seconds left on the clock, he rolled right and flipped a tiny pass to Mecole Hardman.
Game over.
The Halftime Show and the Spectacle
It wasn't just about football. Usher headlined the Apple Music Halftime Show, and he brought the house down. He performed a medley of hits like "Caught Up," "U Got It Bad," and "Yeah!"
He wasn't alone, though.
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Alicia Keys appeared at a bright red piano. Then H.E.R. shredded on a guitar. Lil Jon and Ludacris showed up for the finale. It was a massive celebration of 2000s R&B. Even if you aren't a sports fan, you probably remember the roller skates. Yes, Usher performed while roller skating.
And we can't ignore the "Taylor Swift effect." Since she was dating Travis Kelce, the cameras found her constantly. Whether you loved it or hated it, it made the 2024 Super Bowl the most-watched television program in U.S. history with 123.7 million viewers.
Why This Super Bowl Mattered
This game cemented the Chiefs as a true dynasty. They became the first team to win back-to-back Super Bowls since the New England Patriots in 2003-2004.
For the 49ers, it was heartbreak. Coach Kyle Shanahan has now been the offensive coordinator or head coach in three different Super Bowls where his team held a double-digit lead and lost. It's a tough pill to swallow.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're looking back at this game to understand current NFL trends, here is what you should keep in mind:
- Defense wins championships (until it doesn't): Both Steve Spagnuolo (Chiefs) and Steve Wilks (49ers) called masterclasses, but the elite QB always has the final word.
- Special Teams are vital: A muffed punt and a blocked PAT (Point After Touchdown) literally decided this game. Never ignore the "third phase" of football.
- The Overtime Meta: There is still a big debate about whether the 49ers should have kicked or received first. Most data suggests receiving second is better because you know exactly what you need to win.
If you're researching who played Super Bowl 2024 for a trivia night or just to settle a bet, remember the names Mahomes and McCaffrey. They were the giants on the field that night in Vegas. It was a game defined by small mistakes and one legendary quarterback who refused to blink.
Keep an eye on the 49ers' roster moves this offseason; they are desperate to fix the small gaps that let this title slip away. The Chiefs, meanwhile, are already looking for the three-peat.