Leesl: The dust has officially settled on our NFL Showdown, and if you’ve been following along, you know the final score: Andy swept the board. He won the regular season, he won the playoffs, and as his reward, he got the first pick for our Super Bowl Challenge.

Naturally, he didn’t hesitate. Andy went straight for the Seattle Seahawks. Why? Because let’s be real: they are the heavy favorites. With a nine-game winning streak and a defense that looks like a brick wall, Andy is essentially trying to victory-lap his way through Sunday.

As for me? Since my Cowboys jersey has been sitting in the hamper since December, and thanks to Andy’s “stat-chasing” pick, I am officially a New England Patriot for the day. But don’t count me out just yet. We’ve seen this movie before. 🎬

🏈 The Matchup: Redemption vs. History!

Andy’s Take – Team Seattle: Seattle is the most complete team in the league right now. Sam Darnold has finally found his groove, and that “Dark Side” defense is going to make life miserable for a rookie QB on the biggest stage. I’m picking the favorite because I want to end this blog series the same way I started it: on top!

Leesl’s Take – Team New England: Andy can have the Vegas odds; I’ll take the history books. We are looking at a direct rematch of the 2015 Super Bowl (SB XLIX), and we all remember how that ended. The Patriots might be the underdogs, but Drake Maye has that nothing to lose energy that makes New England dangerous. Andy thinks he’s getting cosmic justice for Seattle, but I think history is about to repeat itself—right at the goal line!

📺 The Game is Good… But the Commercials are Better!

For us, the Super Bowl is the ultimate peak of the sport we love, but let’s be honest: the stadium might be loud, but our living room gets even louder during the breaks. Sometimes the ads aren’t just background noise—they’re the main event. 🍿

There is a commercial-break-superpower that takes over every year, making us collectively decide which brand is our new best friend. When else can you watch a tear-jerking narrative about a dog friendship followed immediately by an emu selling insurance?

To set the bar for 2026, we’ve each reached into the vault, and each picked our two favorite all-time commercials. If the ads Sunday can’t compete with these, we’re asking for a refund on our time!

Andy’s Picks: Buds & Coke!

1. Budweiser: “Whassup?” (2000): You can’t have a Super Bowl without this one. It turned a simple greeting into a global phenomenon. It’s just guys being dudes, watching the game, and having a beer. If a commercial tonight doesn’t give me a new phrase to shout across the house for the next three hours, did they even try?

2. Coca-Cola: “Mean Joe Greene” (1980): I’m leaning into the heart for my second pick. This is the gold standard of advertising. Taking the meanest guy in the NFL and turning him into a softie with a bottle of Coke and a jersey toss? “Hey kid, catch!” is the best line in history. I’m looking for that one commercial that actually makes me stop in my tracks and forget there’s even a game on. 🥤

Leesl’s Picks: Bill & Betty!

Okay, first of all—I know Andy is playing it safe with those picks. If he’s being completely honest, his actual favorite Super Bowl commercial is the 1992 Cindy Crawford Pepsi ad. You know the one—the red Lamborghini, the cutoff shorts, and the branding he claims he was staring at? Please. I’m still waiting for him to admit he doesn’t even remember what color the Pepsi can was. But, on to my picks:

1. Jeep: “Groundhog Day” (2020): I’m going with Bill Murray. Groundhog Day is one of my favorite movies and seeing him reprise Phil Connors to find a new way to enjoy the loop was genius. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and humor. If 2026 doesn’t have this level of cinematic magic, it’s a loss in my book. 🎭

2. Snickers: “Betty White” (2010): This is my spirit animal. Seeing Betty White get leveled in a game of touch football and then hit them with “That’s not what your girlfriend said!” is peak comedy. If we get a celebrity cameo this year that’s even half as unexpected as Betty, I’ll be happy.

🌮 Drop Me a Lime & Pass the Chips!

When the kickoff finally happens, the kitchen is officially closed. I’m a fan with a game to watch and a husband to out-cheer. To keep the peace (and the hunger) at bay, our Super Bowl is all about staying chilled and keeping the self-service flow moving. And nothing says “game day” quite like icy cold Coronas, crunchy chips, and a customizable taco bar that lets guests fuel up without missing a single play.

The “Find Your Beach” Beverage Station: We’re keeping the drinks simple and accessible, so no one has to miss a moment of the game. A large, galvanized bucket filled with ice and Coronas sits front and center, accompanied by a mountain of fresh lime wedges. The Lime Rule: keep a cutting board and a bowl of limes right next to the bucket—if you grab a fresh bottle, you’re on “refill” duty for the lime bowl!

Tacoholics Welcome!

The beauty of a self-service bar is that it evolves as the night goes on. We set everything out in a long row so people can graze at their own pace without anyone having to play chef during a crucial drive.

• Warm Essentials: Two slow-cookers running on low—one with zesty shredded chicken and the other with seasoned ground beef—to ensure the last taco of the night is just as hot as the first.
• The Fresh Lineup: Crisp shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, shredded cheeses, and sliced jalapeños for those who like a little kick. 🌶️
• Cowboy Guac: The undisputed star of the table. Even though the Cowboys aren’t on the screen, this chunky, Southwest-style guacamole represents my team spirit in every bite.
• Shells: Warm corn and flour tortillas, lightly toasted in a skillet for that perfect texture.
• Creamy & Fresh: Cool sour cream, extra lime wedges, and a crumble of salty cotija cheese.
• The Salsa Bar: Everything from fresh pico de gallo and tangy salsa verde to a fiery hot sauce for the brave.
• The Sides: Cilantro lime rice, hearty refried or black beans, and a mountain of tortilla chips with warm queso.

🏈 Ready for Kickoff?

Leesl: So, there you have it. Whether you’re here for the nail-biting 2015 rematch, the $8 million commercials, or just the bottomless bowl of Cowboy Guac, we hope your Super Bowl Sunday is a win. Andy has his stats and his Seahawks, but I’ve got the Patriots’ history and the Corona bucket. At the end of the night, if we’re still laughing and the limes haven’t run out, it’s been a great season.

Andy: Leesl, you are so right…though it’ll be a lot easier to laugh when I’m holding the trophy for our season showdown. It’s been a blast sharing this NFL series with you all. Grab a cold one, pass the chips, and let’s see if 2026 can give us a commercial that actually beats Betty White.

📣 Your Turn!

The 2026 season has been a wild ride, and we’ve loved sharing our weekly showdowns with you. Now, it’s your turn to make the call:

• Who are you adopting for the Big Game: The Seahawks or the Patriots?
• Which all-time commercial is your “Betty and Bill” or “Mean Joe Greene”?
• What’s the one ‘must-have’ on your self-serve taco bar?

Drop your thoughts in the comments below! 👇