Ranking the 4 potential Super Bowl LIX matchups

Only four teams remain in the race for Super Bowl LIX, and NFL fans should be in for a treat Feb. 9. From a Big Game rematch to a historic rookie achievement to another Andy Reid Bowl, here's how this year's potential Super Bowl matchups stack up ahead of the conference title games.

4) Commanders vs. Bills

These two have met in the Super Bowl in the past, though it happened under significantly different circumstances. Washington beat Buffalo in Super Bowl XXVI, handing the Bills their second of four consecutive Big Game losses in the 1990s. Washington - which has won three Super Bowls - has since undergone major changes and even updated its nickname as part of a franchise rebuild.

The quarterback battle would undoubtedly steal headlines in this matchup. Jayden Daniels - the 2024 second overall pick - would have a chance to crown his sensational campaign and possibly label it the greatest rookie season ever for a quarterback if he leads Washington to its first Super Bowl title since the 1991 season. Meanwhile, the Bills' first-ever Super Bowl title would make Josh Allen an even bigger Buffalo legend.

If you like a good redemption story, coach Dan Quinn would be another person to watch for Washington. Quinn was the Atlanta Falcons' head coach when they lost to the New England Patriots after blowing a 28-3 lead, and he hasn't enjoyed much playoff success since that infamous loss - until now.

3) Commanders vs. Chiefs

Could a rookie stop a dynasty?

Get ready for the present-versus-the-future narratives if Kansas City and Washington advance to the Super Bowl. The matchup would feature Patrick Mahomes - who's already won a trio of rings and could lead K.C. to the NFL's first-ever three-peat - against Daniels, who would be the first rookie QB to start a Super Bowl.

Daniels is the face of Washington's rebuild; the Commanders are in the NFC title game after winning four games in 2023. In the last year-and-a-half, they welcomed a new owner, head coach, general manager, and franchise quarterback. The team could have a chance to cap its remarkable turnaround versus the NFL's latest dynasty filled with Hall of Famers. But would the Daniels-led offense succeed against Steve Spagnuolo's aggressive defense?

Like Mahomes, Daniels always seems to find a way to win games. Nine of Washington's 14 victories this season were one-score contests, including the playoffs. Eleven of K.C.'s 16 victories met that criteria. These teams have played each other 11 times ever, and Washington won just once (1983).

The Chiefs would also see familiar faces. Two linemen who won multiple titles with Mahomes - right tackle Andrew Wylie and left guard Nick Allegretti - are now starters in Washington.

2) Eagles vs. Bills

Philadelphia and Buffalo had strong regular seasons that ultimately weren't enough to claim the No. 1 seed in their respective conferences. They're both led by mobile signal-callers who have scored a lot of touchdowns. Jalen Hurts' 52 rushing TDs rank first in the NFL among quarterbacks since 2021, while Allen's 40 place second. They faced off in November 2023 and fans watched a thrilling Eagles overtime win with both QBs combining for nine touchdowns. Buffalo had 505 total yards that day - but it still wasn't enough to top Philly.

The run game would be a major factor in this potential tilt. The Eagles, led by Saquon Barkley, ranked first this season in rushing EPA. They wouldn't be the Bills' first tough challenge on the ground, though, as Sean McDermott's outfit stopped Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and the Baltimore Ravens' second-ranked rushing attack in the divisional round. Buffalo, meanwhile, placed third in rushing EPA.

This meeting would also be extra special for McDermott, who grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs and spent 10 seasons with the Eagles as part of Andy Reid's coaching staff before becoming the Carolina Panthers' defensive coordinator and later the Bills' head coach, a position he's held since 2017.

1) Eagles vs. Chiefs

A Super Bowl rematch is always intriguing, especially if it happens just two years after the original matchup. The Chiefs defeated the Eagles in a thrilling 38-35 clash in February 2023 in which Mahomes and Hurts put on a show, combining for seven total touchdowns with no interceptions. Mahomes' legend grew that night with yet another clutch, game-winning drive, while Hurts' performance is often remembered as one of the best outings from the losing QB in Super Bowl history.

Retired Eagles legend Jason Kelce won't play this year, sure, but the likes of Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Reid, Hurts, and Nick Sirianni, among others, are still around. Plus, high-profile names have since joined both teams, most notably Barkley for Philadelphia and DeAndre Hopkins for Kansas City.

There would obviously be the Reid factor again. He coached Philly from 1999-2012 and led the club to five NFC title games but ultimately left town without a ring. The 66-year-old now has three Super Bowl titles on his resume and could complete a historic three-peat by defeating his former team in the season's biggest contest for a second time. Philadelphia coach Sirianni was also a Kansas City assistant between 2009-12.

Could Philly get revenge after a heartbreaking loss two years ago? Would Reid make more history against the Eagles? Will Mahomes and Hurts replicate their iconic performances? There's a lot to like about this rematch. Oh, and Carson Wentz, who helped the Eagles win their first-ever Super Bowl seven years ago, is now Mahomes' backup in Kansas City.