A retrospective of the most shocking and celebrated moments in Super Bowl history where heavily favored teams were defeated by underdogs. This list highlights the resilience, strategic brilliance, and sheer improbability of these historic upsets that redefined the sport.
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The undefeated 18-0 Patriots were defeated by an 11-5 Giants team in what many consider the greatest upset in Super Bowl history. A late interception by Eli Manning sealed the win, ending New England's pursuit of a perfect season.
Trailing by 16 points in the third quarter, the Ravens mounted a furious comeback to defeat the defending champion 49ers. Key fourth-quarter touchdowns shifted momentum entirely, showcasing Baltimore's offensive versatility under pressure.
Facing a 28-3 deficit, the Patriots became the first team in Super Bowl history to come back from such a large hole. They forced overtime and won on a field goal, cementing Tom Brady's legacy as the greatest clutch performer ever.
After trailing by 10 points at halftime, the Chiefs engineered a late-game scoring drive to overcome the high-powered Eagles offense. Patrick Mahomes' ability to extend plays and find open receivers proved decisive in a tight contest.
Entering as massive underdogs, the Patriots relied on a stifling defense and a field goal to defeat the league's highest-scoring offense. This victory established the beginning of the Patriots' dynasty era against a team that many thought was invincible.
Seeking revenge for their previous year's loss, the Giants overcame a sluggish start to beat the previously undefeated 14-2 Patriots. Eli Manning's efficient passing and a critical goal-line stand secured the franchise's fourth championship.
After blowing a 10-point lead in the first quarter, the Broncos clamped down defensively to shut out the Falcons. John Elway's performance earned him his first Super Bowl MVP award in a game defined by defensive grit and red-zone efficiency.
In a game often overshadowed by Super Bowl LI, the Eagles defeated the heavily favored Patriots on their home field. Nick Foles delivered a masterpiece performance, leading a high-scoring offensive explosion that silenced doubters about his capability.
Often cited as the most shocking upset in NFL history, the Raiders defeated the dominant Colts despite the Colts having a superior record. The game is infamous for the Colts' numerous turnovers and the Raiders' opportunistic defense.
The undefeated Saints overcame a slow start and a resilient Colts defense to win their first championship. Drew Brees threw for over 300 yards and two touchdowns, while Darren Sproles added a crucial punt return touchdown.
While not a massive point spread upset, the Giants' second consecutive playoff victory over the Patriots in early 2015 highlighted their dominance. They relied on a balanced attack and strong defensive stops to neutralize Tom Brady's offense.
The perfect season Dolphins closed out their year by defeating a physical Redskins team with superior speed and precision. Don Shula's squad executed flawlessly, showcasing why they remain the only team to finish 17-0 without a single loss.
After a heartbreaking loss the previous year, the Cowboys avenged their deficit against the same Bills team. Emmitt Smith rushed for 144 yards and two touchdowns, leading Dallas to a comfortable victory and their third championship in four years.
The Packers were significant underdogs against the reigning champion Steelers but won decisively with a strong running game. Desmond Howard's punt return touchdowns provided an electrifying start to what became a dominant defensive performance.
Although the Steelers were favored, they overcame a sloppy first half to secure a narrow victory. The game was defined by two late interceptions by the Steelers' defense, which halted Dallas's scoring hopes in the final minutes.
Note: This is a distractor entry removed for accuracy; replacing with a valid entry. The 2015 AFC Championship saw the Patriots beat the Broncos, but in Super Bowl contexts, the 2006 Giants remain the primary underdog story of that decade. Let's include the 2010 Packers.
The Packers entered as underdogs against a star-studded Steelers team but won with a resilient defensive effort. Aaron Rodgers earned MVP honors for a perfect passer rating, guiding the team to a narrow 31-25 victory in a defensive struggle.
Trailing early and facing a fierce Bears defense, the Colts rallied to win their first championship since moving to Indiana. Peyton Manning's poise and Anthony Clark's crucial interception turned the tide in a game marked by defensive intensity.
While Seattle was favored, this game stands out for the sheer dominance of the underdog-like defensive performance. The Seahawks' 'Legion of Boom' suffocated Peyton Manning, winning by a massive margin in what many consider one-sided, yet iconic in its execution.
As the lowest-seeded Super Bowl champion in history, the Bucs were underdogs despite home-field advantage. Tom Brady's second Super Bowl ring with Tampa Bay came via a stifling defensive performance that held Patrick Mahomes in check.