At
Dimers.com, we put together the five biggest upsets of the Super Bowl era. Sit back, relax and take a trip down memory lane.
5. Super Bowl XXV
NY Giants 20, Buffalo 19
- Spread:
Buffalo -7
- When:
1990 season (January 27, 1991)
- Where:
Tampa Stadium, Tampa, Florida
Ah, Buffalo and the Super Bowl, they go together as well as JaMarcus Russell and hard work.
Despite being favored by a touchdown, after demolishing the Raiders 51-3 in the AFC Championship, Buffalo started what would be the most miserable four-year stretch of any franchise. For those who don't recall, this was the first of four consecutive Super Bowl losses (1990-1993).
Buffalo boasted a 13-3 record at the end of the regular season and the league's best offence. New York however, had Lawrence Taylor, and the best defense in the NFL, although it wasn't quite an immovable object vs. unstoppable force.
The G-Men had a backup quarterback – Jeff Hostetler – at the helm after Phil Simms broke his foot, alongside a backup running back.
New York controlled the game, holding the ball for twice as long as Buffalo. However, the Super Bowl came down to one play.
A game-winning 47-yard field goal attempt from Scott Norwood famously ended wide right and Buffalo's Lombardi hopes.
MORE:
Definitive List of Super Bowl First Touchdown Scorers
4. Super Bowl XXXII
Broncos 31, Packers 24
- Spread:
Green Bay -11
- When:
1997 season (January 25, 1998)
- Where:
Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California
It's hard to imagine any game where John Elway and co. should be 11-point underdogs, but it was thoroughly deserved before Super Bowl 32.
Yes, Denver had a 12-4 record but they entered the playoffs as a Wild Card and had already lost three Super Bowls under Elway.
Meanwhile, Green Bay were defending Super Bowl champions and gunslinger extraordinaire Brett Favre had incredibly won three straight MVPs.
What's more is Denver didn't win the Lombardi on the back of Elway, rather running back Terrell Davis, who rushed for 157 yards and 3 TDs with a migraine. No matter, some of us *cough* can't get off the couch with a migraine, but Terrell decided to stomp all over the Packers' D in front of the world. We see you Terrell.
Check:
The definitive list of Super Bowl MVP award winners
157 yards.
Three touchdowns.
MVP
recounts his epic performance in Super Bowl XXXII 👇
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos)
MORE:
Who Has Won the Most Super Bowl MVP Awards?
3. Super Bowl XXXVI
New England 20, St. Louis Rams 17
- Spread:
St. Louis -14
- When:
2001 season (February 3, 2002)
- Where:
Louisiana SuperDome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Ah, before the Evil Empire was born. Yes, there was a period when the Patriots were Super Bowl underdogs and media darlings.
Against Kurt Warner and The Greatest Show on Turf, New England were given little hope, especially with some unknown backup under centre, I think he ended up being a bust. Tom Brady, I think that was his name.
New England controversially, surprise surprise, reached the Super Bowl thanks to the infamous Tuck Rule before scraping past Pittsburgh in the AFC Championship game. Meanwhile, this was the Rams' second Super Bowl appearance in three years.
As Bill Belichick does, he stifled Kurt Warner and the NFL's best offense before Brady drove the Pats down the field. Adam Vinatieri did his thing and drilled it from 48 yards to usher in the most dominant dynasty the National Football League has ever seen. Moments like these are why fans love diving into
the best Super Bowl prop bets
for more excitement.
18 years ago today 🏆⁰⁰
(via
)
– New England Patriots (@Patriots)
MORE:
Best NFL Odds and Lines
2. Super Bowl XLII
NY Giants 17, New England 14
- Spread: Patriots -12
- When:
2007 season (February 3, 2008)
- Where:
University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
Speaking of the Evil Empire, every villain has its kryptonite, right?
Enter Tom Coughlin, Eli Manning and a helmet catch.
David Tyree. Need we say more? The most iconic catch in the Super Bowl era allegedly still keeps Tom Brady awake at night.
New England travelled to the desert with a 17-0 record, looking to become the only team besides the 1972 Miami Dolphins to complete a perfect season.
The prospect of a ruined New England season aside, this Super Bowl was stale for most part. Not Patriots-Rams boring, but not too far off.
New York's front four terrorized Brady all night, allowing Manning the opportunity to win the game.
On the Giants' game winning drive, Manning and Tyree teamed up for the most unbelievable play in Super Bowl history.
Check:
Definitive list of Super Bowl first touchdown scorers
1️⃣2️⃣ years ago today.
Eli.
Tyree.
The Catch.
🔥🔥🔥
– Whistle (@WhistleSports)
Four plays later, Plaxico Burress shot down the Pats undefeated season, scoring a 19-yard touchdown to go up 17-14 with 0:35 left.
MORE:
List of Super Bowl Trends Since 2010
1. Super Bowl III
NY Jets 16, Baltimore Colts 7
- Spread:
Baltimore -18.5
- When:
1968 season (January 12, 1969)
- Where:
Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida
Anyone under the age of 45 may struggle to remember the greatest upset in Super Bowl history, if that's you, do yourself a favor and read on.
Yes, you read that correctly an EIGHTEEN-and-a-half-point favorite. Regardless of age, you all would know of "Broadway" Joe Namath, the legendary Jets QB. Well, in Miami was where he hooked Baltimore off stage and starred with a Super Bowl MVP performance.
Gang Green controlled time of possession, handicapping the Colts' offense while allowing Broadway Joe to work his magic.
It's safe to say no Super Bowl matchup will ever have an 18-point spread again, and with good reason too. When this article is put in a time capsule and read in 2134 – hello, Aliens – there's still never been a bigger Super Bowl upset.
52 years ago today, Joe Namath made good on his guarantee as the Jets beat the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III.
(via
)
– Jets Videos (@snyjets)
MORE: Best Sportsbooks in Your State
If you're wanting the
best Super Bowl odds
across the United States, along with
exclusive offers to join a sportsbook, keep Dimers on lock. Let us be Andy Reid to your Patrick Mahomes – we'll dial up the
Super Bowl plays, you go out and be the star.
Claim the best betting bonuses of 2025
1.
Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5!
Wagering: 1x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $10
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KY/LA/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ only (18+ in KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KY/LA(select parishes)/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA. *This Referral Code is used for marketing/tracking purposes only. Minimum wager $5. Minimum odds -500 or greater. $10 minimum deposit. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. Available in app only. Max. prize, game restrictions, time limits and T&Cs apply.
2.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Min. Deposit: $5
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
3.
Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Bets
Wagering: 1x Deposit
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
4.
Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets
Wagering: Only the first placed cash bet will qualify for this promotion, Min. Deposit: 5
To be eligible, the Player must be at least 21 years old, physically located in a Eligible Jurisdiction: AZ, IL, IN, NJ, OH, TN, or VA, and not on any exclusionary lists in any Eligible Jurisdiction. Excluded patrons are prohibited from participating in Promotions. To be eligible all personal and contact data associated to your account must be verifiable. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
5.
Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!
Wagering: 1x Deposit, Min. Deposit: $5
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. Gambling HelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C.) To claim, new users need to register, make a first-time deposit of $5 or more, and then simply place their first real-money wager on any FanDuel Sportsbook market (no odds limits) that is live on platform. All users will receive their $200 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins within 72 hours of the bet settlement. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.
