Who Went to Super Bowl LIV in 2020
Super Bowl LIV on February 2, 2020, featured the Kansas City Chiefs versus the San Francisco 49ers at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Chiefs won 31–20, with Patrick Mahomes earning Super Bowl MVP. This evergreen explainer clarifies which teams reached the 2020 big game, how each got there, and the confirmed score, players, and outcome.
Teams That Played Super Bowl LIV
Only two teams competed in Super Bowl LIV: the Kansas City Chiefs (AFC) and the San Francisco 49ers (NFC). Below is a quick verified overview of each team’s path and roster highlights.
| Team | AFC/NFC | Head Coach | Regular Season Record (2019) | Playoff Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City Chiefs | AFC | Andy Reid | 12–4 | Won AFC Championship vs Bills |
| San Francisco 49ers | NFC | Kyle Shanahan | 13–3 | Won NFC Championship vs Packers |
Path to the Game: Chiefs
Regular Season and Divisional Context
The 2019 Kansas City Chiefs finished 12–4, winning the AFC West. Their offense, led by Patrick Mahomes, was among the league’s most prolific, while a stout defense capped a late-season surge.
Playoff Bracket and Key Wins
In the Wild Card round, the Chiefs defeated the Houston Texans 51–31. The Divisional round saw a close victory against the Baltimore Ravens (33–28). The defining contest was the AFC Championship vs the Buffalo Bills, where the Chiefs won 38–24 to advance to Super Bowl LIV.
Path to the Game: 49ers
Regular Season and Divisional Context
The San Francisco 49ers posted a 13–3 record in 2019, securing the NFC West title. Balanced scoring, a strong running game, and consistent defense defined their season.
Playoff Bracket and Key Wins
In the Wild Card round, the 49ers beat the Minnesota Vikings 27–10. The Divisional round featured a thrilling overtime win against the Green Bay Packers (37–20). In the NFC Championship, San Francisco defeated the Packers again, 37–20, earning their place in Super Bowl LIV.
Game Summary and Key Stats
Super Bowl LIV was a back-and-forth contest marked by lead changes in the second half. Below is a concise snapshot of the verified box score and milestones.
| Stat | Kansas City Chiefs | San Francisco 49ers |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 31 | 20 |
| First Downs | 23 | 19 |
| Rushing Yards | 94 | 114 |
| Passing Yards | 278 | 264 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 3 |
| Penalties | 7 | 5 |
| Notable Player | Patrick Mahomes (MVP) | Jimmy Garoppolo |
Key Takeaways and Lasting Notes
- Mahomes’ performance, including key third-down conversions, helped secure the Chiefs’ victory.
- Turnovers mattered: the 49ers’ three turnovers contributed to the margin of defeat.
- This win gave the Chiefs their first Super Bowl title since 1970 (fourth overall).
- Super Bowl LIV was the first Super Bowl played in the 2020s decade.
Evergreen Context: What Defines a Super Bowl Team
Across eras, reaching the Super Bowl has commonly required a strong division finish, resilient playoff wins, and in-game execution on the biggest stage. The 2020 matchup exemplified balanced offensive firepower, defensive adaptability, and clutch decision-making in critical moments. These elements remain relevant for evaluating contenders in any modern championship chase.