Before we get to the Super Bowl, let’s look at what has happened throughout the 2024 NFL season. This year has seen several memorable moments take place, with players and plays having been made that will stick in the minds of fans for the foreseeable future.
The Commanders had one of their own memorable moments when the rookie quarterback completed a Hail Mary attempt against the Chicago Bears in Week 8. Facing a defeat of 15-12 with 23 seconds left, he scrambled back to his 30 before moving forward into the pocket and launching a throw that went to Noah Brown for a 52-yard touchdown. It didn’t help when footage emerged showing the Bears’ cornerback Tyrique Stevenson taunting the home fans before the play was made. He appeared to be the deep man who would have been tasked with stopping Brown from making the catch, but blew it.
In Week 13, Josh Allen had a play which was impossible to believe unless witnessed. He became just the fourth man in the league’s history to have a passing and receiving touchdown in the same play. It last happened in 2017, while becoming just the second in 19 years to record a passing, rushing, and receiving touchdown in the same game. It all came in the game against the San Francisco 49ers, when he made a pass to Amari Cooper. Cooper would then tossed the ball back to his quarterback when he was surrounded, with Allen taking it home into the end zone.
Allen also proved his greatness and amplified his MVP credentials in Week 11, when he helped the Bills defeat the Chiefs and hand them their first loss of the season. In that game, he showcased his ability to deliver under pressure, keeping the ball on a crucial fourth-and-2 from Kansas City’s 26-yard line with 2:27 left on the clock. After a series of pump fakes, Allen outran the defenders and reached the end zone to score the winning points in what could have been a defeat.
Now, as we look ahead to Super Bowl LIX, the Kansas City Chiefs enter the matchup as the favorites. Their odds to win the Super Bowl are 1.77 at Unibet Australia, compared to the Philadelphia Eagles, who are priced at 2.07. This reflects the strong confidence in Kansas City, led by Patrick Mahomes, as they aim to secure their third championship in four years.
History was made for the first time in almost 50 years during the Week 16 game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos. Cameron Dicker had a 57-yard field goal attempt when the clock had expired for the end of the first half, following a foul that had been made by their opponents. He would successfully drill the ball through the posts to reduce the Broncos’ lead to 21-13 heading into the second half. In doing so, it helped them to make the comeback and win the game, and allowed them to play in the NFL Wild Card playoff game.
Sam Darnold is an NFL veteran. However, he has been around the league and has found it difficult to find his feet wherever he has been. The 2024 season appeared to bring the best out of him, as he excelled with the Minnesota Vikings. He went 14-3 in the 17 regular season games he started, throwing for a season-high 35 touchdowns totaling 4,319 yards (including a 97-yarder to Justin Jefferson). He did have 12 interceptions in the year but achieved a passer rating of 102.5. In the postseason, he experienced defeat to the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card, but threw for 245 yards and a touchdown (as well as an interception). It was the type of performance that could see him get paid handsomely as it’s likely he’ll hit free agency in the offseason.
With just one game remaining, all eyes are on New Orleans. Super Bowl LIX promises to deliver another unforgettable moment in NFL history. Both teams have fought hard to reach this stage, and the stage is set for an epic showdown.
