Who Are in the Super Bowl? Teams, History & Facts

By Sarah Miller · April 7, 2046

The teams competing in Super Bowl LVII were the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, with the Chiefs winning 38-35. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Super Bowl participants, historical context, team analysis, and frequently asked questions.

Super Bowl LVII: Who Played and What Was at Stake?

The most recent Super Bowl, held on February 12, 2023, featured the Kansas City Chiefs (AFC champions) facing off against the Philadelphia Eagles (NFC champions). The game took place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. It was a high-scoring, tightly contested match that ended with the Chiefs securing their third Super Bowl title in franchise history by a final score of 38-35.

Key Highlights from Super Bowl LVII

Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35
Patrick Mahomes named Super Bowl MVP despite playing through injury
First Super Bowl matchup between two Black starting quarterbacks (Mahomes and Jalen Hurts)
Jalen Hurts delivered an outstanding performance with 3 touchdowns and a record-setting 70-yard rushing TD
Closing moments decided by a crucial defensive stand by the Chiefs

How Teams Qualify for the Super Bowl

The Super Bowl is the annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL), contested between the winners of the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). Teams earn their spot through a rigorous regular season and playoff structure.

NFL Playoff Structure Overview

17-game regular season (since 2021)
Top 7 teams from each conference advance to playoffs
Includes 4 division winners and 3 wild-card teams
Single-elimination tournament culminating in the Super Bowl

Historical Context: Frequent Super Bowl Participants

While any NFL team can theoretically reach the Super Bowl, certain franchises have dominated over the decades due to sustained excellence.

Team	Super Bowl Appearances	Wins	Last Appearance	Most Recent Win
New England Patriots	11	6	2019 (LIII)	2019
Pittsburgh Steelers	8	6	2011 (XLV)	2009
San Francisco 49ers	7	5	2020 (LIV)	1995
Dallas Cowboys	8	5	1996 (XXX)	1996
Kansas City Chiefs	4	3	2023 (LVII)	2023
Green Bay Packers	5	4	2015 (XLIX)	2011
Philadelphia Eagles	4	1	2023 (LVII)	2018

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights long-term success across franchises. The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers lead in both appearances and wins. The Chiefs’ recent resurgence under Patrick Mahomes has placed them among elite company, while the Eagles continue building toward consistent contention.

Path to Super Bowl LVII: AFC and NFC Champions

Kansas City Chiefs (AFC)

Finished regular season 14-3, best in AFC
Defeated Jacksonville Jaguars in Divisional Round
Beat Cincinnati Bengals in AFC Championship Game
Patrick Mahomes played through a high ankle sprain in postseason

Philadelphia Eagles (NFC)

Posted league-best 14-3 record
Defeated New York Giants in Divisional Round
Overcame San Francisco 49ers in NFC Championship (despite losing key QB)
Jalen Hurts emerged as MVP candidate during regular season

Frequently Asked Questions About the Super Bowl Participants

Who won the most recent Super Bowl?

The Kansas City Chiefs won the most recent Super Bowl (LVII) by defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 on February 12, 2023. Patrick Mahomes was named Super Bowl MVP after leading a fourth-quarter comeback despite playing injured.

Which teams have appeared in the most Super Bowls?

The New England Patriots hold the record with 11 Super Bowl appearances. They are tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who also have six wins—the most in NFL history. Both teams have established dynasties over the past five decades.

Have the same teams ever met twice in consecutive Super Bowls?

No, the same two teams have never faced each other in back-to-back Super Bowls. However, rematches have occurred in non-consecutive years—such as the Steelers vs. Cowboys in Super Bowls X and XXX, separated by 25 years.

What determines home team designation in the Super Bowl?

Unlike regular-season games, the Super Bowl does not have a traditional home team. Instead, the AFC and NFC alternate as the designated “home” team each year for logistical purposes like jersey choice and locker room assignment. For Super Bowl LVII, the AFC (Chiefs) were the official home team.

Can a team with a losing record make the Super Bowl?

No, due to the NFL’s playoff qualification rules, only teams with winning records or strong divisional finishes qualify. Since the expansion to a 17-game season, all playoff teams have had at least a .500 record. Making the Super Bowl requires winning three consecutive playoff games, making it nearly impossible without strong performance.