The Super Bowl is designed to crown the NFL’s very best, but history has shown that football’s biggest night doesn’t always follow the script. Time and again, underdogs have risen to the occasion, defied the Super Bowl odds, and produced unforgettable moments that continue to shape NFL history.
From legendary catches to bold guarantees and career-defining drives, these games didn’t just shock fans they reshaped how we talk about greatness, pressure, and belief. Here are some of the most unforgettable Super Bowl upsets, where expectations were shattered and underdogs stole the spotlight.
Super Bowl XLII: New York Giants vs New England Patriots (2008)
Few upsets in sports history compare to Super Bowl XLII.
On 3 February 2008, the New England Patriots entered the game with a flawless 16–0 regular season record. They were chasing immortality, aiming to become the first team to finish 19–0. Widely regarded as unbeatable, they were heavy favourites against a New York Giants team that had scraped into the playoffs.
The Giants had other ideas.
In a tense, defensive battle, New York stunned the Patriots 17–14 as 12-point underdogs. The game’s defining moment came late in the fourth quarter: Eli Manning escaped pressure, launched a desperate pass downfield, and David Tyree somehow pinned the ball against his helmet for one of the most iconic catches in NFL history.
That single play kept the drive alive and ended the Patriots’ perfect season. To this day, Super Bowl XLII is remembered as one of the greatest upsets not just in football, but across all professional sports.
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Super Bowl IV: Kansas City Chiefs vs Minnesota Vikings (1970)
When these teams met on 11 January 1970, most people expected a Vikings blowout. Minnesota had dominated the NFL Championship Game, while Kansas City – coming from the AFL – were seen as the weaker side in the NFL betting odds. The scoreline told a different story: Chiefs 23, Vikings 7.
Kansas City didn’t just win; they controlled the game from start to finish. Their defence shut down Minnesota’s offence so completely that the Vikings only managed a late consolation touchdown when it no longer mattered. The Chiefs owned possession, dictated the tempo, and never looked rattled. Len Dawson’s composed performance at quarterback proved doubters wrong and helped validate the AFL’s credibility on the sport’s grandest stage.
Super Bowl III: New York Jets vs Baltimore Colts (1969)
Super Bowl III remains one of the most culturally significant upsets in sports history.
On 12 January 1969, the Baltimore Colts entered as massive favourites, widely expected to dismantle the upstart New York Jets. The Colts were considered stronger, tougher, and far more experienced.
Final score: Jets 16, Colts 7.
What made this upset legendary wasn’t just the result it was the confidence. The Jets played with composure from kickoff, controlling the clock and neutralising Baltimore’s attack. Joe Namath’s famous pre-game guarantee added drama, swagger, and pressure that he fully embraced.
The Jets never trailed and never looked intimidated. Their victory didn’t just shock fans—it reshaped the NFL landscape and cemented Namath as one of football’s most iconic figures.
Super Bowl XXXVI: New England Patriots vs St. Louis Rams (2002)
The St. Louis Rams arrived at Super Bowl XXXVI on 3 February 2002 with the explosive “Greatest Show on Turf” offence and expectations of a comfortable win.
Instead, they ran into a Patriots team built on discipline, defence, and belief.
New England slowed the game down, disrupted the Rams’ rhythm, and forced a tightly contested battle. With the score tied late in the fourth quarter, an unassuming young quarterback named Tom Brady calmly led a last-minute drive into field-goal range.
As time expired, the kick sailed through the uprights, sealing a stunning 20–17 victory.
What looked like a single upset would later be remembered as the birth of a dynasty. That moment marked the beginning of one of the most dominant eras in NFL history and proved that poise under pressure can outweigh raw firepower.
Conclusion: Why Super Bowl Upsets Matter
Super Bowl upsets endure because they capture the essence of sport: unpredictability, belief, and the refusal to accept limitations. These games remind fans that preparation, confidence, and execution can topple even the most dominant teams.
Whether it’s a miracle catch, a fearless guarantee, or a rookie quarterback seizing the moment, these underdog victories are why the Super Bowl remains must-watch drama year after year. No matter the odds, football’s biggest stage always leaves room for the unexpected.
FAQs
What is the biggest upset in Super Bowl history?
Super Bowl III (Jets vs Colts) and Super Bowl XLII (Giants vs Patriots) are most often cited as the biggest upsets, due to the heavy favouritism of the losing teams and the lasting impact of the results.
Why are Super Bowl upsets so memorable?
They combine massive expectations, global attention, and career-defining moments. When an underdog wins on the sport’s biggest stage, it often reshapes legacies and NFL history.
Have underdogs won many Super Bowls?
Yes. While favourites often prevail, several Super Bowls have been won by underdogs, proving that preparation and performance matter more than pre-game predictions.
Did Super Bowl III change the NFL?
Absolutely. The Jets’ victory helped validate the AFL and played a key role in shaping the modern NFL following the league merger.
Can Super Bowl odds predict the outcome?
Odds reflect expectations, not guarantees. Super Bowl history shows that anything can happen once the game kicks off.
