Tag: super bowl liv

49ers beat Packers, will face Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV

The 49ers and Chiefs face off in Super Bowl LIV in Miami.

The 49ers are going back to the Super Bowl for the seventh time in the franchise’s history. They downed the Packers 37-20 Sunday in the NFC championship game.

Raheem Mostert was the story of the game. He had 160 yards and three touchdowns at halftime. The 49ers took a 27-0 lead in the first half and never looked back. They churned out 288 yards on the ground on 39 carries before their end-of-game kneel downs, and Mostert finished with 29 carries for 220 yards and four touchdowns.

The Chiefs took care of business against the Titans with a 35-24 win in the AFC championship game.

For the 49ers its their first trip to the Super Bowl since they lost to the Ravens in Super Bowl 34-31. The Chiefs haven’t been since they won Super Bowl IV in 1969.

The 49ers and Chiefs will square off February 2 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Kickoff is set for 3:30 pm PST.

How to watch the AFC Championship Game – Titans vs. Chiefs: Date, time, channel and live streaming options

Can the Titans pull off an upset again or will the Chiefs’ offense prove too much? Here’s how to watch, NFL stream the AFC Championship Game

Everything comes down to this for the Kansas City Chiefs and Tennessee Titans in the AFC Championship Game. The winner will go take on the NFC’s champion in Super Bowl LIV. Here’s how you can watch and stream the Titans vs. Chiefs.

Titans vs. Chiefs information:

Tennessee Titans (No. 6 seed) at Kansas City Chiefs (No. 2 seed)

Sunday, Jan. 19, 3:05 p.m. ET

Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO

NFL Streams:

Live stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

Live stream: CBS All Acess ( Try it FREE now)

Television channels:

TV network: CBS

Tennessee is fresh off another upset over a highly-ranked team, beating the No. 1 seeded Baltimore Ravens at their own game, 28-12. Running back Derrick Henry once again owned the ground, rushing for 195 yards on 30 carries, bringing him up to 377 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown this postseason alone.

Kansas City came from behind last week to defeat the Houston Texans 51-31 after going down 24-0 early in the second quarter. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs rallied to put up 41 unanswered points over two quarters, guaranteeing victory.

Can the Titans pull off a third upset in the playoffs to go to Super Bowl LIV or will the Chiefs’ offense prove too much to handle? There’s only one way to find out and that’s watching on television or an NFL live stream

We recommend interesting sports viewing and streaming opportunities. If you sign up to a service by clicking one of the links, we may earn a referral fee.

Ad Meter rewind: 5 funniest spots of 2019

Super Bowl Sunday will be here before you know it, which means all the Super Bowl commercials are on the way, too. The good, the bad, the funny, the unexpected, and everything in between and beyond! As USA Today gets ready for the 32nd AD Meter …

Super Bowl Sunday will be here before you know it, which means all the Super Bowl commercials are on the way, too. The good, the bad, the funny, the unexpected, and everything in between and beyond!

As USA Today gets ready for the 32nd AD Meter competition—the most prominent tracker of public opinion on Super Bowl ads—we wanted to get back into the Super Bowl commercial energy flow! And what better to way to get ready for this year’s spots than by looking back at some of the previous best.

First up: The 5 Funniest of 2019!

(Plenty more ahead, too. Plus, when you’re finished with this nostalgic recharge, head over to AdBlitz, a YouTube exclusive, for some more Super Bowl Commercial bliss!)

1. NFL, “The 100-Year Game”

The NFL got a head start on the league’s 100th anniversary with a simple ‘black tie” ceremony that featured some the past and present greats. Things turned quickly, though, when Marshawn Lynch caused a frenzy-inducing fumble!

2. Amazon Alexa, “Not Everything Makes the Cut”

Forrest Whitaker has issues listening to a podcast that’s playing on his electric toothbrush. Harrison Ford isn’t happy with his dog’s purchasing habits (from the ease of its collar). And, is it a hot tub, or a fountain in Vegas? Amazon’s 2019 Alexa ad showed that some location ideas for the virtual assistant aren’t all winners—while also providing one of the highest-rated spots of the year!

3. TurboTax, “RoboChild” ( AdBlitz favorite!)

A.I. went awry in TurboTax’s 2019 Super Bowl commercial, when the online company’s introduction of its ‘live” version, with real-life CPAs on demand, took an artificial twist and turned into comedic reality. The spot was quite a hit on YouTube’s AdBlitz, too (you check it out here).

4. Hyundai, “The Elevator”

Going down? It was one of Ad Meter’s overall best in 2019, and one of the funniest! Jason Bateman is an elevator liftman, taking people to some less-than-thrilling stops. It was a hilarious ride down, though, all the way to the bottom floor: car sales.

5. bubly, “Michael Bublé vs bubly”

It was 30 seconds of bubbly (or is that Bublé?) fun in this 2019 spot for the sparkling water company, bubly!

Michael Thomas reacts to Bill Vinovich getting assigned to Super Bowl LIV

Saints WR Michael Thomas was amused when referee Bill Vinovich was assigned to Super Bowl LIV, just a year after the NFC title game no-call.

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A year ago, Bill Vinovich’s officiating crew was at fault for the worst no-call in NFL history, missing a blatant instance of defense pass interference during the NFC championship game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams. The botched foul helped cost the Saints a Super Bowl berth, drew a private apology from the league office, and prompted offseason rules changes that have had mostly-disappointing effects.

Vinovich’s failure also dominated the news cycle, made worse by a pathetic showing by the Rams in the Super Bowl that caused many fans and observers to wonder if the wrong team made it that far. To add insult to injury, the Rams didn’t even qualify for the playoffs the following season.

Which is where we are now — in a postseason that’s seen Vinovich receive the honor of helping officiate Super Bowl LIV, his second title game assignment (he previously worked Super Bowl XLIX). His “all-star” crew will be made up of umpire Barry Anderson, down judge Kent Payne, line judge Carl Johnson, field judge Michael Banks, side judge Boris Cheek, back judge Greg Steed and replay official Mike Chase.

Saints coach Sean Payton has taken aim at the dangerous use of these randomly-shuffled officiating crews for playoff games before, but his warnings have fallen on deaf ears.

Choosing the most infamous referee in recent memory to take on a game of this importance sends a conflicting message, to say the least. And one recipient of that message was Saints wideout Michael Thomas, who brought the jokes, wondering if Vinovich is equipped to even signal fouls when needed.

“Oh no,” Thomas wrote from his official Twitter account, “he don’t even own any flags (to throw). Let me stop,” he laughed, pulling back before he could get himself into trouble. Vinovich’s pockets were empty when Rams defensive back Nickell Robey-Coleman interfered with Tommylee Lewis once before; it’s fair to ask if he’ll be willing to call a clean game again in such high-leverage situations.

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Bill Vinovich named referee for Super Bowl LIV

Bill Vinovich has earned the assignment to referee Super Bowl LIV in Miami on Feb. 2.

The officiating crew for Super Bowl LIV, to be played at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on Feb. 2, was announced Wednesday and it will be headed by referee Bill Vinovich. This is the second time Vinovich has reffed the NFL’s championship game, the first being Super Bowl XLIX between the Patriots and Seahawks in Glendale, Az.

Among those on the crew are umpire Barry Anderson, down judge Kent Payne, line judge Carl Johnson, field judge Michael Banks, side judge Boris Cheek, back judge Greg Steed and replay official Mike Chase.

These are the first Super Bowl assignments for Anderson and Chase, and the third for Payne and Cheek.

In 2019, Vinovich headed up the crew that officiated the Rams-Saints NFC Championship that featured the controversial non-call on pass interference late in the game

Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

New York Life will air spot during Super Bowl LIV celebrating 175th anniversary

New York Life, the largest mutual life insurer in America, is celebrating its 175th anniversary in 2020, and the company is starting the Dodransbicentennial with a bang: A Super Bowl spot. The 60-second spot-which details of the ad have not been …

New York Life, the largest mutual life insurer in America, is celebrating its 175th anniversary in 2020, and the company is starting the Dodransbicentennial with a bang: A Super Bowl spot.

The 60-second spot—which details of the ad have not been released yet—is scheduled to run between the first and second quarters during the game, and will be part of a more extensive campaign that celebrates the company’s incredible run.

From Kari Axberg, New York Life’s vice president, brand marketing:

“As we prepare to celebrate New York Life’s first 175 years in 2020, we plan to highlight the values that have been the foundation of New York Life for nearly two centuries. Core beliefs shared by our customers, agents, and employees have helped build better futures for those they love, providing financial security and peace of mind for millions of Americans since 1845. This global media moment provides the perfect platform for us to launch our anniversary and our new brand campaign.”

The company hasn’t advertised during the Super Bowl since 1990.

Ad Meter 2020 FAQ

Super Bowl LIV is almost here, and that means it’s officially Super Bowl Ad Season! One of the most anticipated highlights of every Super Bowl Sunday, the commercials run during the big game are as memorable, if not more so, than the game itself. …

Super Bowl LIV is almost here, and that means it’s officially Super Bowl Ad Season!

One of the most anticipated highlights of every Super Bowl Sunday, the commercials run during the big game are as memorable, if not more so, than the game itself. And chances are, you’ll have some strong opinions on what exactly are the best (and worst) commercials of the night.

If you do, you can have your voice heard—beyond the usual chitchat from the couch, bar, or next day at the office—by participating in USA TODAY’s 32nd Super Bowl Ad Meter, the leading tracker of public opinion on Super Bowl ads. Sound like fun? Have questions? See the FAQ below so you can get started.

How does Ad Meter work?

Voting on ads that have been revealed to the public will begin on Wednesday, January 29, at noon ET. As soon as an ad is released, we will add it to the voting platform. Remember: in order for your vote to count, panelists must vote on every ad—so don’t forget to come back during the Super Bowl to finish rating all the commercials.

Like previous years, voting will remain open until 1 a.m. ET/10 p.m. PT the night of the Super Bowl. This will give participants more time to weigh in on their favorite commercials.

U.S. citizens 18 years of age or older who want to be Ad Meter panelists can register online now to get access to use a password-protected microsite to vote on Super Bowl Sunday. We’ll again rate halftime ads as well as the commercial block between the coin toss and kickoff (as well as the ads that run all the way through the end of regulation of the game). Additionally, a dedicated online portal—admeter.usatoday.com—will host daily content supporting the excitement and stories leading up to the game.

When does Ad Meter voting registration begin and end?

The pre-Super Bowl Panelist registration begins January 15. But you can register and vote anytime between January 29 and February 2 (even during the game).

If you’re having trouble signing in, please try resetting your password here. If the email you provided is a registered user, we will send an email containing a unique link to reset your password.

Register here!

What is the history and significance of Ad Meter?

USA TODAY created the Super Bowl Ad Meter in 1989 to gauge consumers’ opinions about television’s most expensive commercials. The 2020 Ad Meter is the 32nd year, and the results have become the industry-leading tool used to measure public opinion surrounding Super Bowl ads.

Can just anyone participate? How can you “control” who they are?

Yes, US citizens 18 years of age and older can participate. Interested panelists must register in advance at admeter.usatoday.com. Once they are accepted, they will receive the information on how to vote on Super Bowl Sunday.

Will you be gathering personal metrics information (salary, location, age range, gender)?

No. Unlike past Ad Meter registrations, we are no longer gathering data from users’ personal metrics, due to the CCPA Law.

Can an advertiser “game” the system?

As proved by the size of the voting panel in 2018 and 2019, we will again have a statistically significant amount of votes cast in 2020 to keep any advertisers from “gaming” the system. We will be monitoring our registrations and auditing the voting process closely for any sort of patterns or discrepancies—like bulk voting or Bots—and we will investigate anything that seems odd.

Are there any incentives to participate?

We are not offering incentives or payment for participation.

How many panelists do you expect/want?

We expect to have thousands of participants, much like we did in 2018 and 2019.

Are you changing any of the rules around eligible ads?

No. All national ads that air from after the coin toss through the two-minute warning of the fourth quarter (including halftime) will be voted on.

Note: House promotions for Cable/Broadcast Networks (such as sitcom promos) are not eligible.

How does the voting work? How is the winner determined?

Each commercial will receive a rating by every panelist who votes. The average rating will be the total of all ratings divided by the number of users who rated. The highest average rating will be the winner. The winner of the 2020 USA TODAY Super Bowl Ad Meter will be declared after voting on admeter.usatoday.com has ended. The results will also be printed in USA TODAY.

Will Ad Meter include halftime and coin toss-to-kickoff ads?

Yes, we will continue the same system. Brands have started developing ads specifically for halftime as part of their marketing strategies, so we’ll continue to include these commercials. Also, ads in the coin toss-to-kickoff window are now almost identically priced to ads inside the game, so like in 2019, those will be rated as well.

As panelists are voting, will ads be in the same order as they are in the telecast?

Yes, we plan to put the ads in the telecast order on the voting site.

Do panelists have to vote on every ad?

Yes, all panelists are required to vote on every ad.

How does an advertiser upload their ad?

Advertisers must email a public YouTube link (and optional digital video file) directly to our Ad Meter editor, Rick Suter (RSuter@gannett.com). You can upload the video(s) as private before the Super Bowl, but it must be switched to public or unlisted to live on the USA TODAY Ad Meter.

 Additionally, please send a high-resolution horizontal screenshot from your ad. This will serve as the thumbnail image for your ad on Ad Meter.

Note: You will need to upload the exact commercial creative that airs during the Super Bowl timeframe. Extended cuts are often included in Ad Meter editorial coverage, but are not used in the panelist-rating platform.

           * For instructions on how to upload a video, check out the YouTube help center.

Rick will send a confirmation to you that he has received the ad. Please be sure to communicate any specific instructions regarding the spot’s release.

If you have more questions, contact us at admeter@usatoday.com.

Welcome to Ad Meter 2020

Super Bowl LIV will be here before you know it, with the big game set for February 2, on FOX. And with less than a month to go, we’re also reminded of another exciting element: It’s also USA Today’s AD Meter time! Let’s bring on the Super Bowl …

Super Bowl LIV will be here before you know it, with the big game set for February 2, on FOX. And with less than a month to go, we’re also reminded of another exciting element: It’s also USA Today’s AD Meter time!

Let’s bring on the Super Bowl commercials!

This year marks the 32nd Ad meter competition, and it is starting to look like another good one. Complemented by the NFL’s centennial celebration, the possibilities for what types of Super Bowl commercials we’ll see are being unveiled almost daily.

Remember, if you’d like to have your opinion heard on this year’s commercials, you can register to be an Ad Meter panelist beginning January 15.

Until then, here a few updates as we get ready to kick things off!

Gathering metrics has changed

Due to 2018 regulations established in the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), Ad Meter will no longer gather personal metrics information (salary, location, age range, gender). You can read more about the law here: CCPA Law.

Fewer commercial breaks

Back in May, FOX announced that it would be cutting the number of commercial breaks each quarter, going from the usual five down to four. Commercial lovers shouldn’t worry, though: The cut won’t restrain the total number of spots, because each break will be longer than in past years.

Prices have not changed—fewer breaks have only increased the demand

The cost for a spot in the Super Bowl ad lineup continues to rise. This year, purchasing two 30-second spots will run $5.5 million per, while one 30-second spot is $5.6 million. Because of the fewer breaks, advertisers are moving quickly to get into the mix, with only the 2014 Super Bowl (New York) selling as many spots at this current point of the process (as of 1/9/20). The demand, with a reported 25 advertisers positioning for the final 17 spots, might boost spends closer to $6 million!

Plenty to eat, plenty to drink

Anheuser-Busch is back, marking the 40th year as an official sponsor of the game. They told Ad Meter they’ll feature “Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob ULTRA and Michelob ULTRA Pure Gold in four, 60-second spots.” Coca-Cola will be there, too, along with Pop-Tarts, Avocados from Mexico, Pringles, Snickers, with certainly more to follow!

Vroom! Vroom!

Of course, no Super Bowl is complete without a few great car commercials. Kia, which is celebrating 25 years, will be there on Super Bowl Sunday. Audi, Hyundai, Toyota, and Porsche have started their engines for a trip to the SB Commercial Garage, too.

New to the “game”

Facebook made the biggest inaugural splash, thanks in part to Sylvester Stallone’s social media post. Sabra will make its first appearance. Both, however, have been overshadowed by a particular campaign one-up: President Donald Trump and former NY mayor Michael Bloomberg, according to reports, will be fight-spending during Super Bowl LIV, with the two camps dumping millions for ad space.

And that’s just the beginning! Make sure to follow along all month as we get closer to Super Bowl Sunday!

Ravens improve Super Bowl odds without playing in NFL wild-card round

Thanks to four teams being eliminated in the wild-card round, the Baltimore Ravens improve their Super Bowl LIV odds

The Baltimore Ravens got a chance to watch the NFL’s wild-card round on their couches thanks to a first-round bye. With the playoff class now dwindled down to just eight from the original 12, Baltimore has seen their odds to win Super Bowl LIV improve.

Entering the playoffs, the Ravens had +235 odds to win the whole thing. But after wild-card weekend, Baltimore now sits at +210, according to BetMGM. That means with a $500 bet, you’d take home $1,550, which isn’t a bad haul.

Behind the Ravens remains the same with the San Francisco 49ers having the next best odds at +325 and the Kansas City Chiefs having the second-best odds in the AFC at +350.

Baltimore is currently heavy favorites over the Tennessee Titans — their divisional-round opponent. If the Ravens win this week, they’ll go to the AFC Championship Game to take on the winner of the Chiefs and Houston Texans game.

Currently on BetMGM, it’s the Ravens vs. 49ers matchup that has the best odds of happening at +290. Behind that is Baltimore vs. Green Bay at +450.

If Baltimore makes it to the AFC Championship Game, I’d expect their odds would improve once again, which would actually be a bad thing for those bettors waiting to place a bet. So if you believe in the Ravens and want to make a little money, now is going to be the best time to place a bet.

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Should you bet on the Kansas City Chiefs to win Super Bowl LIV?

Previewing the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIV chances, with NFL betting odds, picks, futures and best bets.

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Throughout the 2019 season, it appeared the Kansas City Chiefs just didn’t have “it” this season after losing 37-31 in overtime to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship last season; however, they finished the 2019 season strong, winning six straight games to become the No. 2 seed in the conference.

With a first-round bye in hand, the Chiefs have an excellent chance at advancing to the Super Bowl. Below are their odds to win Super Bowl LIV and reasons why you should and shouldn’t bet on Kansas City to take home the Lombardi Trophy this postseason.

NFL futures odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated Friday at 5:15 p.m. ET.

Why you should bet on the Chiefs to win Super Bowl LIV

(Photo Credit: Denny Medley – USA TODAY Sports)

Odds To Win Super Bowl LIV: +450

Get some action on the games by betting at BetMGM. New customer offer: RISK-FREE First Bet (up to $500!) paid in free bets.

As we have seen over the last decade, quarterback play is a significant factor in who wins the Super Bowl. Luckily for Kansas City, reigning-MVP Patrick Mahomes is healthy, and he is starting to get back to his form of last season. It also helps that he will have his full assortment of weapons on the field in the playoffs, which might just be the best supporting cast in the AFC.

It also doesn’t hurt that the Chiefs’ defense is starting to play better, allowing just 11.5 points per game over the last six weeks. They are beginning to create sacks and turnovers, which will be needed to advance deep in the playoffs.

Given that Kansas City will host a playoff game in Round 2, it certainly doesn’t seem impossible the Chiefs can get hot and make a three-game run with Mahomes under center. At +200, the Chiefs are a great bet to win the AFC Championship. They’re also a strong play at +450 to win Super Bowl LIV.

Why you shouldn’t bet on the Chiefs to win Super Bowl LIV

(Photo Credit: Jay Biggerstaff – USA TODAY Sports)

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Chiefs to win Super Bowl LIV would return a profit of $45 should Kansas City win the Super Bowl.

Despite being the No. 2 seed, the road to the Super Bowl could be awfully tough for the Chiefs. They will likely host the New England Patriots in Round 2, and the Pats have shown no fear playing in Arrowhead Stadium lately. If the Chiefs can survive that contest, they will then likely travel to Baltimore to take on the No. 1-seeded Ravens. It’s a brutal draw for the Chiefs and one which could keep them out of the Super Bowl for a second-straight season.

There is also some lingering doubt about head coach Andy Reid in the playoffs. While no one can argue about his regular-season success, too often, his teams come up short relative to expectations. For Kansas City to advance to the Super Bowl, Reid will need to outcoach the likes of Bill Belichick and John Harbaugh to make it to the Super Bowl. While that’s certainly possible, there are some reasons to be concerned.

Ultimately, the Chiefs are still a great bet to win the Super Bowl due to their overwhelming amount of talent on both sides of the ball. Don’t be afraid to put down a few units on the Chiefs to make a run this postseason.

Want action on this bet? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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