Underdog Teams That Shocked the Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is not just the biggest stage in American sports—it's also a place where legends are born and expectations are shattered. While favorites often take home the Lombardi Trophy, underdog teams have delivered some of the most memorable and thrilling upsets in sports history. Their stories remind us that in football, anything is possible.
The Anatomy of a Super Bowl Underdog
In NFL playoff lore, underdog victories are the heart of what makes the Super Bowl so compelling. Out of 57 Super Bowls, underdogs have won outright 20 times—about 35% of the time, with five of those being double-digit point spread shockers. These wins are more than statistics; they’re tales of grit, resilience, and belief in the improbable.
Whether it’s a backup quarterback stepping up, a defense playing out of its mind, or a coach outsmarting a dynasty, underdog wins are rarely flukes. They’re earned through preparation, clutch performances, and sometimes, a little bit of magic.[5]
Biggest Super Bowl Upsets in NFL History
Let’s look at some of the most shocking Super Bowl upsets:
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Super Bowl III: New York Jets vs. Baltimore Colts (1969)
The Jets, led by Joe Namath, were 18-point underdogs and stunned the Colts 16-7. Namath’s famous “guarantee” before the game added legend to the moment, making this the biggest upset by point spread in Super Bowl history.[4] -
Super Bowl XXXII: Denver Broncos vs. Green Bay Packers (1998)
The Broncos entered as 11-point underdogs against Brett Favre’s Packers. John Elway’s “helicopter” dive and Terrell Davis’s three rushing touchdowns powered Denver to a 31-24 win, earning Elway his first Super Bowl ring.[1] -
Super Bowl XLII: New York Giants vs. New England Patriots (2008)
The Giants (+3000 preseason odds) faced the undefeated Patriots. Eli Manning’s dramatic drive and David Tyree’s “helmet catch” secured a 17-14 upset, denying New England a perfect season.[2] -
Super Bowl XXXIV: St. Louis Rams vs. Tennessee Titans (2000)
The Rams entered the season as +15000 longshots to win it all. Behind Kurt Warner’s breakout year, they stunned the football world with a 23-16 win, capping off “The Greatest Show on Turf.”[2] -
Super Bowl LII: Philadelphia Eagles vs. New England Patriots (2018)
The Eagles (+4000 preseason odds) lost their MVP candidate quarterback but still prevailed. Backup Nick Foles engineered the “Philly Special” and led Philly to a 41-33 win over Tom Brady’s Patriots.[2]
Why Do Underdogs Win?
Several factors contribute to underdog success in the Super Bowl:
- Motivation and Chemistry: Underdogs often rally around a “nobody believes in us” mentality, creating powerful team bonds.
- Injury and Opportunity: Unexpected contributors can rise when starters go down, surprising opponents.
- Game Planning: Coaches take bold risks or exploit weaknesses overlooked by favored teams.
- Pressure: Favorites can tighten up under the weight of expectation, while underdogs play loose and free.
These ingredients blend to create moments that transcend sport, inspiring fans and future players alike.
Recent Examples and the Underdog’s Legacy
The Kansas City Chiefs, one-point underdogs, won Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023, a reminder that the underdog story is alive and well.[5] Each upset adds another chapter to the drama, reminding us that no lead or prediction is truly safe. When the underdog wins, it’s the ultimate sporting catharsis—proof that heart, faith, and hard work can conquer the odds.
Watch: The Greatest Super Bowl Upsets
For a visual trip through some of these legendary moments, check out this recent YouTube video highlighting the greatest Super Bowl upsets, with fan engagement, comments, and likes:
Sources
- Review Journal: 5 Biggest Upsets in Super Bowl History
- Pickswise: The Super Bowl of Underdogs: Teams That Surprised and Won Against All Expectations
- Team Fan Apparel: How Many Super Bowls Have Been Won by the Underdog Team?
- The Analyst: Biggest Upsets in Super Bowl History
- FanDuel Research: Super Bowl Betting History