Super Bowl Score History: Closest and Biggest Blowouts
What is the closest Super Bowl ever? What is the biggest blowout? A complete look at Super Bowl scores throughout history, from nail-biters to dominant performances.
Business Correspondent
Not all Super Bowls are created equal. Some have been decided by a single point, while others have been dominant performances from start to finish. Here is a complete look at the most competitive and most lopsided scores in Super Bowl history.
Closest Super Bowl Games
The closest Super Bowl in history was Super Bowl XXV (1991), where the New York Giants defeated the Buffalo Bills 20–19. Scott Norwood's 47-yard field goal attempt — which would have given the Bills the win — sailed wide right as time expired. It remains one of the most heartbreaking moments in Super Bowl history for Bills fans. Super Bowl XLIII (2009) — Pittsburgh Steelers 27, Arizona Cardinals 23 — is another top candidate, decided by Ben Roethlisberger's game-winning TD pass to Santonio Holmes with 35 seconds remaining.
One-Score Super Bowls
Several Super Bowls were decided by a touchdown or less: XXIII (SF 20, CIN 16), XXXII (DEN 31, GB 24), XXXVI (NE 20, STL 17), XXXVIII (NE 32, CAR 29), XLIX (NE 28, SEA 24), LII (PHI 41, NE 33), LIV (KC 31, SF 20), LVII (KC 38, PHI 35). These games collectively represent the most competitive Super Bowl matchups in history.
Biggest Super Bowl Blowouts
The largest margin of victory in Super Bowl history is 45 points — Seattle Seahawks 43, Denver Broncos 8 (Super Bowl XLVIII, 2014). San Francisco 49ers 55, Denver Broncos 10 (Super Bowl XXIV, 1990) is the highest total score by the winning team. Other significant blowouts include Dallas Cowboys 52, Bills 17 (Super Bowl XXVII), and Chicago Bears 46, New England Patriots 10 (Super Bowl XX).
Most Scoring in a Super Bowl
Super Bowl XXIX between the 49ers and Chargers produced 75 combined points — the most of any Super Bowl. Super Bowl LVII (2023) between the Chiefs and Eagles produced 73 combined points, making it one of the highest-scoring Super Bowls of the modern era.
Lowest-Scoring Super Bowl
Super Bowl LIII (2019) between the Patriots and Rams produced only 16 combined points — the lowest in Super Bowl history. New England won 13–3 in a defensive masterpiece. For all game scores and results, visit our Super Bowl score page, results page, and full history.
Key Takeaways
- Super Bowl 2027 is scheduled for February 2027
- The Philadelphia Eagles are the defending champions (Super Bowl LIX, 2025)
- The Super Bowl draws 115–130 million viewers annually in the US
- A 30-second commercial spot costs approximately $6.5–7 million
- Tom Brady holds the record with 7 Super Bowl victories
Frequently Asked Questions
Super Bowl 2027 is scheduled for the first Sunday of February 2027. The exact date has not yet been officially confirmed by the NFL, but it is expected to fall on February 2 or February 9, 2027.
Sarah Chen
Business CorrespondentSports business journalist, advertising industry analyst
Sarah Chen covers the business side of the Super Bowl including commercials, sponsorships, and the massive economic impact the game generates each year.
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