Who Plays in the Super Bowl? Teams, Rules & History

By Sarah Miller · September 14, 2030

The Super Bowl features the champions of the American Football Conference (AFC) and National Football Conference (NFC), who compete in the NFL's annual championship game after the playoff season.

Understanding the Super Bowl Matchup

The Super Bowl is the culmination of the National Football League (NFL) season, where the top teams from each conference face off for the league title. The two participants are determined through a rigorous playoff system.

How Teams Qualify for the Super Bowl

The NFL consists of two conferences: the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC).
Each conference has 16 teams divided into four divisions.
At the end of the regular 18-week season, seven teams from each conference qualify for the playoffs.
The playoff bracket includes division winners and wild-card teams based on win-loss records.
The final two teams remaining after the Divisional Round and Conference Championships earn a spot in the Super Bowl.

Recent Super Bowl Participants and Results

The teams competing in the Super Bowl vary each year based on playoff performance. Below is a summary of recent matchups, including the most recent edition as of the 2024 season (Super Bowl LVIII).

Year	Super Bowl	AFC Team	NFC Team	Winner	Score
2025	LIX	Kansas City Chiefs	San Francisco 49ers	Kansas City Chiefs	28-27
2024	LVIII	Kansas City Chiefs	San Francisco 49ers	Kansas City Chiefs	25-22 (OT)
2023	LVII	Kansas City Chiefs	Philadelphia Eagles	Kansas City Chiefs	38-35
2022	LVI	Cincinnati Bengals	Los Angeles Rams	Los Angeles Rams	23-20
2021	LV	Kansas City Chiefs	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	31-9

Table data source:1, 2

The table shows a trend of dominant teams like the Kansas City Chiefs making frequent Super Bowl appearances. Close scores indicate highly competitive matchups, with several games decided by one possession. The AFC has had strong representation recently, though NFC teams remain formidable contenders.

Key Factors Influencing Super Bowl Appearances

Several elements contribute to a team’s likelihood of reaching the Super Bowl:

Quarterback Performance: Elite QBs like Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts significantly elevate team chances.
Defensive Strength: Top-ranked defenses often prevail in high-pressure playoff scenarios.
Injury Management: Staying healthy during the grueling season is crucial for postseason success.
Coaching Strategy: Experienced coaches such as Andy Reid and Sean McVay excel in game planning and in-game adjustments.
Special Teams: Often overlooked, but field position and kick returns can shift momentum.

Frequently Asked Questions About Who Plays in the Super Bowl

Who plays in the Super Bowl each year?

The Super Bowl features the champions of the AFC and NFC, determined through the NFL playoffs. These two teams face off in the league’s championship game held annually in February.

How are Super Bowl teams selected?

Teams qualify via the NFL playoffs. Seven teams from each conference enter the postseason based on division titles and best records. The final two teams after the Conference Championships advance to the Super Bowl.

Can the same team play in the Super Bowl multiple years in a row?

Yes, teams can return consecutively. The Kansas City Chiefs appeared in Super Bowls LIV, LVII, LVIII, and LIX, winning three of them, demonstrating sustained excellence.

Has a team with a losing record ever made the Super Bowl?

No. Only teams with winning records qualify for the playoffs, and historically, all Super Bowl participants have had at least a .500 or better regular-season record.

What happens if a Super Bowl ends in a tie?

The Super Bowl cannot end in a tie during regulation. If tied after four quarters, overtime rules apply: each team gets a possession unless a touchdown is scored first. The game continues until a winner is determined.