The NFL’s Conference Championships have come to an end with two teams heading to Super Bowl 59 as contenders for the ultimate title.
NFC Championship game
No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles vs. No. 6 Washington Commanders
The first game of the conference round came with high expectations from many fans. Many cheering on the underdog Washington Commanders, while others backed the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Commanders came into this round after an incredible upset against the No.1 Detroit Lions and Jayden Daniels continuing his incredible rookie season. However, the Cinderella story unfortunately came to an end for Washington and their fans. The Eagles put on a dominant performance to punch their ticket to Super Bowl 59, with the end score 55-23.
The Eagles were confident all throughout the game and each part of the team performed exceptionally. Philadelphia proved why their defense is ranked number one in the league, allowing Washington to only score two touchdowns in the championships, recovering two fumbles and having one interception.
The dominant display of defense was accompanied by an overwhelming offense from the Eagles as well. The Eagles were led by running back Saquon Barkley who has had an incredible season so far. In the NFC Championship Barkley went on to score three touchdowns with 118 rushing yards.
AFC Championship game
No 1. Kansas City Chiefs vs. No. 2 Buffalo Bills
The second game of the conference round was sure to be a good one as fans of the NFL are quite familiar with a Chiefs vs. Bills matchup in the playoffs. The Bills made the conference championships after winning a tight game against the Baltimore Ravens. While the Chiefs had a commanding win against the Houston Texans in the divisional round.
Throughout the night, both teams were neck and neck with a shootout between quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen. When these two quarterbacks have faced off against one another the record between them is 5-4 with the Kansas City Chiefs having a slight edge over Buffalo. However, this record is for every game the teams have played but when looking at the playoffs matchups, the Chiefs have a perfect record against the Bills being 4-0. For Bills fans, this story sadly continues as Buffalo fell to Kansas City 32-29.
With Super Bowl 59 kicking off today, what’s on the line for each team?
For the Kansas City Chiefs, a clear historical milestone is being chased. In the NFL, only nine teams have won back-to-back Super Bowls with the Chiefs joining that elite group with their win last year in Super Bowl 58. This year, the Chiefs will be gunning for the first ever 3-peat in NFL history. As for the Eagles, they are going into the Super Bowl seeking revenge against the Chiefs for the loss they took in Super Bowl 57 two years ago.
With the Super Bowl being a major day in the U.S., how do UTEP students plan to spend their Super Bowl Sunday?
University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) civil engineering major Roman Gomez has already begun planning a get together for this year’s Super Bowl. “It’s always a good game, especially when you have boys and family that enjoy football. We plan on probably getting all together, maybe having some food, maybe a few drinks here and there,” Gomez said.
Some students aren’t thrilled about the Chiefs vs. Eagles matchup for Super Bowl 59, but that isn’t stopping them from having a good time. UTEP informational systems major and Dallas Cowboys fans Justin Jimenez isn’t pleased with the contenders for Super Bowl 59 but has family members who are looking forward to the game.
“Unfortunately, I’m not looking forward to it just because as a Cowboys fan, I hate to see the Eagles in it, but at the same time we are going to get together at my cousin’s house. My cousin is an Eagles fan, so he’ll be more excited than I am,” Jimenez said.
With some students excited for the Kansas City vs. Philadelphia game and others who don’t care much for it, Super Bowl 59 will surely be a night to remember.
Joseph Montero is a staff reporter for The Prospector and may be reached at [email protected].
