When Will We Know Who Is in the Super Bowl 2025?

By Sarah Miller · January 1, 2028

The teams competing in Super Bowl LIX will be known after the NFL Conference Championship games, which are scheduled for Sunday, January 26, 2025. The winners of the AFC and NFC Championship games will earn their spot in the Super Bowl, with the final matchup confirmed by evening (EST).

When Will We Know Who Is in the Super Bowl?

The identity of the two teams playing in the Super Bowl is finalized each year after the NFL's Conference Championship weekend. This single-elimination round determines the champions of the American Football Conference (AFC) and National Football Conference (NFC), who then face off in the Super Bowl.

Key Dates in the 2024–2025 NFL Playoff Timeline

Wild Card Weekend: January 11–12, 2025
Divisional Round: January 18–19, 2025
Conference Championships: January 26, 2025
Super Bowl LIX: February 9, 2025, at Caesars Superdome, New Orleans

How Teams Qualify for the Super Bowl

To reach the Super Bowl, a team must first qualify for the NFL playoffs, survive three rounds of postseason games, and win their respective conference championship.

Playoff Structure Overview

14 teams total (7 from AFC, 7 from NFC)
Each conference includes 4 division winners and 3 wild card teams
Seeding is based on regular-season records
Top seed in each conference receives a first-round bye

Historical Context: When Was the Super Bowl Typically Decided?

For over five decades, the NFL has followed a consistent playoff format leading to the Super Bowl. While minor adjustments have been made—especially with the expansion to 14 playoff teams in 2020—the Conference Championship weekend remains the decisive moment when the final two teams are determined.

Season	Conference Championships Date	AFC Winner	NFC Winner	Super Bowl Date
2021	January 24, 2022	Cincinnati Bengals	Los Angeles Rams	February 13, 2022
2022	January 29, 2023	Kansas City Chiefs	Philadelphia Eagles	February 12, 2023
2023	January 28, 2024	Kansas City Chiefs	San Francisco 49ers	February 11, 2024
2024 (Projected)	January 26, 2025	TBD	TBD	February 9, 2025

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that since 2022, the Conference Championship games have consistently taken place in late January, always two weeks before the Super Bowl. This predictable schedule allows fans and broadcasters to anticipate the final matchup well in advance.

Where and How to Watch the Road to the Super Bowl

Fans can follow the entire playoff journey through major U.S. networks including CBS, NBC, FOX, ESPN, and Amazon Prime Video (for select Wild Card games). Live streaming options include NFL+, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and fuboTV.

Recommended Viewing Schedule

Divisional Round: High-stakes matchups with top seeds; best viewing for competitive intensity
Conference Championships: Must-watch live events to discover Super Bowl participants
Set reminders for 3:05 PM and 6:40 PM EST on January 26, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions About the Super Bowl Matchup

What time do the Conference Championship games start?

The AFC Championship typically starts at 3:05 PM Eastern Time, followed by the NFC Championship at 6:40 PM Eastern Time, both on Sunday, January 26, 2025.

How soon after the Conference Championships do we know the Super Bowl teams?

Immediately. Once each game concludes, the winners are officially confirmed as Super Bowl participants. Expect official announcements and media coverage within minutes of the final whistle.

Can two teams from the same division play in the Super Bowl?

No. Since the Super Bowl features the champions of the AFC and NFC, and no division spans both conferences, it’s impossible for two teams from the same division to meet in the Super Bowl.

Has there ever been a rematch in the Super Bowl?

Yes. Notable rematches include Super Bowl LVII (2023) between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, who previously met in Super Bowl LII. Rematches occur when both teams return to the title game after facing each other in prior seasons.

What happens if a Conference Championship game ends in a tie?

In the NFL playoffs, ties are not allowed. If a Conference Championship game is tied at the end of regulation, additional 15-minute overtime periods are played until one team wins. Sudden death rules apply after the first possession.