As the NFL postseason comes to a close, the biggest game of the year is within our grasp. It has been an exciting postseason, from the Green Bay Packers being the first 7th seeded team to win a playoff game, to another classic between the AFC’s juggernauts of this era in the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chiefs have had somewhat of a down year in the eyes of fans, relying more on their top end defense rather then what has been a high flying offense for the past couple of years. 

“They were severely doubted, they were not supposed to make it as far as they did,” sophomore Cameron Broomfield said. Pretty or not, the Chiefs are in it at the end again. Kansas City’s shortcomings in the regular season resulted in two playoff games on the road, one against their arch rival Buffalo Bills, and the seemingly unbeatable Baltimore Ravens. Both were wins, an impressive resume for a team that had yet to be asked to travel away from home in the playoffs with Mahomes under center.

On the NFC side, the 49ers are also no stranger to success. San Francisco has five Super Bowl trophies to its name, and has appeared to be the team to beat throughout this season. Senior Lian Hernandez said, “They execute at a high level, they are well coached, rally to the ball and make plays.”

San Fran is led by quarterback Brock Purdy. Purdy is a second year QB that was taken with the very last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. “He is confident in the pocket, the 49ers are not where they are now without him,” sophomore Carter Williams said. Despite reaching the NFC Championship game in 4 of the last 5 seasons, San Francisco is aiming to reach the top of the mountain for the first time since 1995.

Each team is led by its own superstar head coach. Hired in 2013 and currently in his 11th season, Andy Reid has already reached legend status in Kansas City. In 2020 he won his first ring and ended a 50 year Super Bowl drought for KC. 2023 brought him another, this will be his 3rd super bowl.         

For Kyle Shanahan, there is much more to prove. Seen as an offensive guru, Shanahan is known for his masterful gameplanning and play calling. “What he [Shanahan] does well and what makes all great coaches is being able to adapt your players into the right situation in order to maximize their abilities,” chemistry teacher and former football head coach Glenn Listort said. His only appearance in the big game came in 2020 in a heartbreaking loss to Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City.

This game serves as a revenge opportunity for one side, and legacy for the other. Whether Mahomes begins to make his case for greatest ever, or Purdy continues to play Cinderella, the 2024 NFL season is sure to come down to a fiery finish.