Well, another NFL Season is in the books. Yes, both the Cowboys and Texans seasons were battered and missed in terms of opportunity, but you know what they say- there’s always next year.

Super Bowl 55 is to be one of the most anticipated games in history, and is also a great treat for many vaccinated healthcare workers, who within the past few weeks have been surprised by NFL officials that they would be heading to the game. It is also historic because it is the first time in Super Bowl History that a team will have home field advantage in the game. Besides that, the game’s stats is what many sports enthusiasts will have their eyes on.

The big story of the year had to have been Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, both former New England Patriots players, turn Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the off season. Leaving the million dollar question: Was coaching in New England good under Bill Belichick? Or was it the star players?

The question as of now, has been answered. Tampa Bay is representing the NFC in this year’s Super Bowl. And meanwhile on the other side, in the AFC, The Kansas City Chiefs and Star Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, with Head Coach Andy Reid, are defending their title from last year. This was when the Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers to win their second championship in 50 years. (1970)

Some players to look out for tonight (According to numbers from ESPN statistics):

For the Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes (#15 Quarterback) will be watched most due to his incredible pocket and throwing skills. In the regular season, he threw for 4,740 passing yards. Travis Kelce, (#87 tight end) has 1,416 receiving yards under his belt this season. On the defensive side, Daniel Sorensen, (#49 safety) has 91 tackles this regular season. As well as Tyrann Mathieu, (#32 safety) who has 6 interceptions.

For the Buccaneers, they have a seasoned veteran quarterback, Tom Brady. (#12) His regular season passing yards were capped at 4,633. Some things to look for from him include his ability to take risky passes and going deep to the end zone. Mike Evans, (#13 Wide receiver) is also one to look out for. He obtained 1,006 receiving yards in the regular season. On the defense, Devin White, (#45 linebacker) has 140 tackles on the regular season.

If stats and players and highlights aren’t exactly your thing to keep up with, the Super Bowl has plenty of other things to watch out for. For example, three-time Grammy Award winning artist, The Weeknd will take the stage this year at halftime. He is known for the hit “Blinding Lights.” Jazmine Sullivan, known for her hip-hop and soul music, as well as county music star Eric Church, will perform the National Anthem this year.

Another entertaining and anticipated item during the Super Bowl- is the TV commercials in-between snaps. In a CNN Business report by Jordan Valinsky, CBS has charged $5.5 million for a 30 second spot. Although, it is important to note that if you have been keeping up with past Super Bowls, notable Super Bowl Commercial companies such as Budweiser, Kia, Hyundai, Planters, Avocados From Mexico, and Coca-Cola have made a staple in advertising during the game. However, the ladder of the six was reportedly enduring “financial difficulties,” the other five have pledged to start philanthropy and donate the money to charitable causes such as supporting America’s youth, helping people who have endured losses due to the pandemic, and going to help with research in the COVID-19 vaccinations, Valinsky also reports.

Now, for picks and favorites. Tim Cassler, English Teacher, and the Pep’s Advisor, says “Honestly, I don’t really have a favorite in this year’s game, but to choose one or the other, I’d go with the Chiefs, because I’d like to see the young guy beat the master at his own game. I just hope that it is a good football game, and not something really one-sided.”

Personally, this choice is hard to make considering the careers of both quarterbacks and players on both the Chiefs and Bucs, but I have to go with Tampa winning, possibly in an overtime thriller. I think Brady will get one more ring on his resume before he probably decides to hang up the jersey. It will be interesting to see him battle defending champ Mahomes, who indeed has a bright future as a quarterback in the NFL.

Which team will raise the Vince Lombardi Trophy? Super Bowl 55 airs tonight around 5:30pm on CBS, and will stream on CBS All Access. The pregame shows will start as early as noon. Jim Nantz and Tony Romo will call the game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.