Super Bowl Biggest Upsets: When Underdogs Won the Championship

Super Bowl history is full of dramatic upsets — moments where the team expected to lose defied the odds and delivered one of the most memorable sports moments of the era. Here are the biggest Super Bowl upsets ever.

Super Bowl III: Joe Namath's Guarantee (1969)

The New York Jets, representing the AFL, were 18-point underdogs against the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III. Jets quarterback Joe Namath famously guaranteed a victory days before the game — a statement considered either brash or delusional. The Jets won 16–7 in one of the most significant upsets in sports history, validating the AFL as equal to the NFL and helping pave the way for the leagues' merger.

Super Bowl XXXVI: Patriots Upset the Greatest Show on Turf (2002)

The New England Patriots, a 14-point underdog to the powerful St. Louis Rams "Greatest Show on Turf," shocked the sports world with a 20–17 victory. The Rams, led by Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk, and a high-powered offense, were heavily favored. An unknown Tom Brady engineered the game-winning drive with no timeouts, setting up Adam Vinatieri's field goal as time expired. This win is credited with launching the Brady-Belichick dynasty.

Super Bowl XLII: The Miracle (2008)

The New York Giants defeated the previously undefeated New England Patriots 17–14 in what many consider the greatest upset in Super Bowl history. The Patriots had completed a perfect 18–0 regular season and were heavy favorites. Eli Manning's miraculous escape from pressure and the "helmet catch" by David Tyree remains the most famous play in Super Bowl history.

Super Bowl LII: The Philly Special (2018)

The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Patriots 41–33 as underdogs, led by backup quarterback Nick Foles — who had almost retired. Foles threw for 373 yards and 3 touchdowns and caught a touchdown pass on the "Philly Special" trick play. For all Super Bowl results, see our Super Bowl results page and history page.