NFL Strays from Script After Baltimore Loss

The Kansas City Chiefs are back in the Super Bowl for the second year in a row after downing the Ravens 17-10 in Baltimore. A hot start between Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce pushed the Chiefs out in front. Kansas City held on despite scoring zero points in the second half. 

Two crucial turnovers (four in total) in the final two quarters sunk Baltimore’s best chance at a Super Bowl since 2012. Kelce had a monster day with 11 catches for 116 yards and a touchdown.

Many NFL fans push the theory that the NFL writes a 'script' before the season begins. One of the indicators for this year was the Super Bowl logo colors. The previous two Super Bowl logos featured colors of the two teams playing each other even before the matchups were final. This year, Super Bowl LVIII's logo featured purple and red. However, with the Chiefs' victory on Sunday, that theory is officially out the window. NFL fans will have to look elsewhere to prove the script.

Yet still others will claim that the NFL's darling child, the Kansas City Chiefs, had to make it to the Super Bowl. With poster boy Patrick Mahomes and the budding relationship between international superstar Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, yet another Super Bowl featuring this team will be a ratings gold mine. The NFL has completely embraced the Taylor Swift fever this season with articles and videos solely dedicated to Swift's attendance to Kansas City games. Whatever side of the aisle one falls on, Patrick Mahomes, an ex-Texas Tech Red Raider, is back in the Super Bowl for the fourth time in five years.

San Francisco 49ers 34 Detroit Lions 31

Three pivotal plays in the second half determined the winner in this contest. After Detroit dominated San Francisco in the first half, a turnover and two decisions from Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell allowed the 49ers to seal the deal.

Detroit led 24-7 heading into the break, but San Francisco proved once again that leads mean nothing in this league. Brock Purdy exploded in the final two quarters with clutch throws to Jewan Jennings and Brandon Aiyuk downfield. Deebo Samuel turned short catches into long gains with his abilities as San Francisco climbed back into the game.

Dan Campbell went for it on fourth down in field goal range twice in the second half, but the Lions failed to convert on both occasions. San Francisco took a 10-point lead with less than two minutes remaining to play. Detroit scored with one minute left, but the Lions did not recover the onside kick.

San Francisco won 34-31.

Super Bowl LVIII will be held on February 11, 2024, in Las Vegas between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.