Is this the dad bod Super Bowl?

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What to look out for in our latest episode.

Your Actually-Not-Boring Guide to Watching Super Bowl LIX

Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and the Chiefs making it to the Super Bowl. While we’re (mostly) joking about that last one, it’s time for the big game. Even if you don’t usually watch, you’ve got to admit — between all the conspiracies and the (controversial) POTUS appearance, this Super Bowl is shaping up to be one for the history books. Not convinced? The co-hosts of the Well Played podcast are breaking down everything you need to watch for.

• Prop bets: Let’s be real — these have nothing to do with the game. We're talking about the stuff that guy you knew from college bets on, like the length of the national anthem, the coin toss, and the color of the Gatorade poured on the winning coach.

• Big reputation: Taylor Swift is going to be on your screen whether the "Brads and Chads" like it or not. Track how many times the camera cuts to her. (Last year, it was at least 12). 

• The first touchdown: Who’s going to be the first player to score points? We’ve got our (Monopoly) money on: Saquon Barkley, Jalen Hurts, or Travis Kelce. 

• Donna Kelce’s outfit: We all remember her viral split Chiefs/Eagles jersey from the 2023 Super Bowl. But will she pay homage to both sons, or go full Chiefs now that Jason’s retired?

• Game MVP: This is only up for debate if the Chiefs don’t win. Otherwise, it’s most likely going to QB Mahomes. For the fourth time.

• Halftime show surprises: After several Grammy wins, we weren’t sure Kendrick Lamar could top the week he's having. But if he brings out a surprise guest during his performance...all we know is Drake will probably be in his feelings.

• Making history: Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is just 30 yards away from shattering the NFL season rushing record. It’d be his second time making headlines this week, after his engagement announcement went viral — because it was actually an ad for snacks. 

• The commercials: We’re about to learn which companies dropped at least $7 million for 30 seconds of airtime. And more importantly, which celebs couldn’t resist the paycheck. (Cough, Ben Affleck). 

Pick Six

More sports talkers you don't want to miss.

⚽ A trial for a former Spanish soccer official is underway, and forward Jenni Hermoso shared her account of the kiss that "stained" her World Cup win. (He claims it was consensual.)

🖌️ The NFL will swap its “end racism” slogan on the Super Bowl end zone and will replace it with this, which also won't end racism.

🤸🏽‍♂️ Jordan Chiles just got the 10th perfect score of her UCLA career, and once you watch her floor routine, you’ll get why. 

⛳ Golf fans are officially freaked out after pro Jason Day seemingly took outfit inspo from…Senator John Fetterman. 

🐐 Could the “dad bod” be a secret weapon? Patrick Mahomes’s trainer thinks so.

🥚 Sure, Taylor Swift's reported $2 million Super Bowl suite sounds extravagant, but have you seen the price of eggs?

Timeout...

Our Well Played co-hosts and friends of the show tackle listener Qs.

What's the big deal about the Luka Dončić trade to the Lakers?

Imagine if out of nowhere, Island Records called up a competing record label and sold the rights to Sabrina Carpenter’s career (even after a sold-out tour, three songs in the Billboard 100 top 10, and two Grammys) and in exchange got…Pink, and some new, lesser-known singers. It wouldn’t make sense. 

That’s essentially what happened in the recent trade between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers. The Mavericks traded their 25-year-old superstar Luka Dončić in an exchange that included veteran 31-year-old Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a future first-round draft pick. Dončić, a five-time NBA All-Star with MVP-level talent who took his team to the NBA Finals last year, was seen as the cornerstone of the Mavericks’ future. His departure has left fans, analysts, and fellow players bewildered, especially considering Dončić had no intention or desire to leave. This trade will be remembered as one of the most unexpected and controversial decisions in NBA history.

FEATURED EXPERT:

Zena Keita

Co-host of The Athletic NBA Daily