Sports & Athletes

Greatest Underdog Triumphs in Super Bowl History

A curated list of the most shocking and inspiring upsets in Super Bowl history, highlighting teams that overcame massive odds, heavy betting lines, and star-studded opponents to secure legendary victories.

ID: 1022512
Items: 16
Total Votes: 0
Forks: 7
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Baltimore Ravens vs. San Francisco 49ers (Super Bowl XLVII)

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The Ravens trailed by 16 points in the third quarter before staging a remarkable comeback to defeat the heavily favored 49ers. Joe Flacco's clutch performances and a stifling second-half defense cemented this as one of the greatest comebacks in championship history.

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New York Giants vs. New England Patriots (Super Bowl XLII)

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Often called the greatest upset in NFL history, the undefeated 18-1 Patriots were dismantled by Eli Manning and a desperate offensive line. This game is synonymous with 'The Catch,' where David Tyree caught a deflected pass in mid-air to seal the victory.

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Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Dallas Cowboys (Super Bowl XIII)

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Though not a massive betting underdog, the Steelers were heavily criticized for their lackluster regular season. They rose to the occasion against Terry Bradshaw's legendary performances to defeat the defending champion Cowboys, marking the start of their dynasty.

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New York Jets vs. Baltimore Colts (Super Bowl III)

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Joe Namath's famous guarantee before the game became reality as the AFL champion Jets beat the powerful NFL Colts. This victory legitimized the American Football League and paved the way for the eventual merger between the two leagues.

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Denver Broncos vs. Atlanta Falcons (Super Bowl XXXIII)

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Trailing 10-0 at halftime and dealing with a severely injured John Elway, the Broncos rallied to win 34-19. Elway won MVP honors despite being benched in the fourth quarter, showcasing one of the most dramatic comebacks from a double-digit deficit.

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New York Giants vs. San Francisco 49ers (Super Bowl XLVI)

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Against the undefeated Patriots and their historic offense, the Giants relied on a relentless defensive front and a balanced attack. Eli Manning threw for four touchdowns, including a crucial late drive to secure the win and deny New England a perfect second season.

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Seattle Seahawks vs. Denver Broncos (Super Bowl XLVIII)

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While Seattle was favored, they were considered vulnerable against Peyton Manning's record-breaking offense. The Seahawks dominated completely, holding the Broncos to three points in a defensive masterclass that humiliated the league's top offense.

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Philadelphia Eagles vs. New England Patriots (Super Bowl LII)

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Trailing 17-3 at halftime, the Eagles refused to fold against the Patriots' star-studded roster. Nick Foles led a high-octane offense that exploited New England's secondary, finishing with a dominant second half to win 41-33 in one of the highest-scoring Super Bowls ever.

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New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons (Super Bowl LI)

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Facing a 28-3 deficit, the Patriots became the first team in Super Bowl history to overcome a double-digit fourth-quarter hole. Tom Brady's miraculous drive, culminating in a touchdown and overtime win, redefined what was considered possible in championship games.

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Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles (Super Bowl LVII)

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The Chiefs overcame a 10-0 deficit and a tough defensive game plan from the Eagles to claim victory. Patrick Mahomes' clutch passing and Jamaal Charles' impact highlighted a resilient performance that secured Kansas City's third championship in five years.

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Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Super Bowl I)

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In the very first Super Bowl, the Packers faced a strong NFL champion in the Steelers. Vince Lombardi's team dominated with a balanced attack, winning 35-10 and establishing the Packers as the inaugural champions of the AFL-NFL World Championship Game.

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Buffalo Bills vs. Dallas Cowboys (Super Bowl XXVIII)

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Though the Bills lost, their consistent presence in the championship despite being underdogs in the AFC made them legendary underdogs. Their heartbreak defined the era of 'so close yet so far,' creating a narrative of resilience against the dominant Cowboys.

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Washington Redskins vs. Dallas Cowboys (Super Bowl XXII)

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Trailing 14-3 at halftime, the Redskins staged a fourth-quarter explosion led by Doug Williams. He became the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl and was named MVP, guiding Washington to a 42-10 blowout victory over the Cowboys.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Oakland Raiders (Super Bowl XXXVII)

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As a young franchise with a legendary coach but no prior success, the Bucs dominated the Raiders with a suffocating defense. Warren Sapp and Simeon Rice led a team that shut down the Raiders' offense in a decisive 48-21 victory.

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New England Patriots vs. St. Louis Rams (Super Bowl XXXVI)

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The undefeated Rams were heavy favorites, but a last-second field goal and a goal-line stand secured the win for New England. This victory launched the Patriots' dynasty and proved that a strong defense and special teams could beat a high-powered offense.

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Green Bay Packers vs. Dallas Cowboys (Super Bowl XXX)

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The Cowboys were favored to avenge their Super Bowl XXVIII loss, but the Packers' opportunistic defense forced crucial turnovers. Brett Favre led a disciplined offense to a 27-17 victory, cementing Green Bay's status as a premier franchise.