The final game of the 2022-2023 NFL season is finally here as the Philadelphia Eagles face off against the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday at StateFarm Stadium in Scottsdale, AZ. This year’s Super Bowl will feature a halftime performance from pop-star Rihanna, and will be the 57th official Super Bowl in NFL history. The Eagles and Chiefs are two powerhouse teams and football fans across the nation are excited for what is set to be an entertaining game.

The Chiefs have earned two Super Bowl titles, their first in 1970 against the Minnesota Vikings and their most recent in 2020 against the San Francisco 49ers. The team went 14-3 in their regular season this year, 7-1 at home and 7-2 on the road.

Their previous playoff game was a close call against the Cincinnati Bengals, with a game-winning field goal leading to a 23-20 win. With this momentum, Kansas City looks to take its success all the way this year.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has had an impactful season so far and has carried his team to success. Mahomes suffered a high ankle sprain in the victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the divisional round before the AFC championship game against the Bengals. Mahomes announced that he would continue practicing leading up to the big game, but it is unknown if he will be back to 100 percent.

Chiefs fan and WHS junior Brendan Healy said,“They have a really good shot and Mahomes is going to deliver. He’s the best quarterback in the league and I’m confident that the Chiefs are going to take it home this year.”

Throughout the course of the regular season, the Eagles have taken the league by storm, ending the year with a 14-3 record. While a 14-win season is impressive in itself, two of the team’s three losses came when star quarterback Jalen Hurts was injured. Thankfully for the Eagles, Hurts has recov- ered and is healthy for the game on Sunday.

Similar to the regular season, the Eagles dominated this year’s playoffs, beating the New York Giants 38-7 in the NFC divisional round and then defeating the San Francisco 49ers 31-7 in the NFC championship game. The Eagles seek to bring home their second Super Bowl in program history, and as 1.5 point favorites according to FanDuel, they very well might be parading through the streets of Philadelphia once again.

The Eagles have a plethora of offensive weapons including two star wide receivers, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. These offensive threats, coupled with the elite pass rushing ability of linebacker Haason Reddick and defensive end Fletcher Cox, make the Eagles appear to be unbeatable.

Eagles fan and WHS sophomore Aidan Wilson said, “I truly believe that the Chiefs will not be able to withstand the pressure of the Eagles defensive line and they do not really stand a chance with an already injured Mahomes.”

Taking the stage for the 2023 Apple Music Super Bowl halftime show is Grammy award-winning artist Rihanna. After her marriage and the birth of her first child, Rihanna took a break from her live performances to focus on her family. Her last album was released in 2016, and her last tour was in 2011. Since this will be Rihanna’s first concert performing live since 2018, the expectations are high for her comeback.

A short trailer was released to keep listeners on their toes, anxiously waiting for her return. The setlist is under wraps per usual, however past halftime show performers usually include some of their fan favorites in that setlist. Rihanna’s biggest hits from over the years are “Umbrella,” “We Found Love” and “Diamonds.”

From action-packed football, live music and comedic commercial breaks, the 2023 Super Bowl is looking to have viewers entertained this Sunday.