The Super Bowl is a windfall for both the N.F.L. and for the corporations who burn wagons full of money on commercials. What is more American than that?

Well, Budweiser will tell you that drinking beer is more American than that, but that’s besides the point. The actual game was a win for the Kansas City Chiefs over the San Francisco 49ers, 31-20, with a comeback that included three touchdowns in the final quarter.

There was a sappy pregame celebration of the N.F.L.’s 100th season. There was a remarkable halftime show with Jennifer Lopez and Shakira, who made the country simultaneously feel young and old. Let’s not forget the unbridled capitalism behind the emotive advertisements.

As for the game itself, the Chiefs overcame a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter with quarterback Patrick Mahomes and an effective hurry-up offense. Mahomes was uneven throughout the game, throwing two touchdowns but also two interceptions. Damien Williams rushed for a touchdown and caught one, and had 104 yards rushing.