As the Kansas City Chiefs stand on the precipice of history, seeking an unprecedented threepeat in the Super Bowl era, it’s only natural to reflect on the great games that have defined football’s biggest stage. With Super Bowl 59 approaching, we rank every Super Bowl from best to worst, considering drama, historical significance, and unforgettable moments.
Top 10 Greatest Super Bowls
1. Super Bowl LI (2016) – New England Patriots 34, Atlanta Falcons 28 (OT)
The greatest comeback in Super Bowl history. Down 28-3 in the third quarter, Tom Brady led the Patriots to 31 unanswered points, culminating in the first overtime finish in Super Bowl history. Julian Edelman’s miraculous catch and James White’s game-winning touchdown sealed an all-time classic. Brady threw for 466 yards, securing his legacy as the greatest quarterback of all time.
2. Super Bowl XLII (2007) – New York Giants 17, New England Patriots 14
The Giants stunned the 18-0 Patriots, thanks to a relentless pass rush and David Tyree’s unforgettable helmet catch. Eli Manning’s MVP performance ensured the biggest upset in Super Bowl history, denying the Patriots their perfect season.
3. Super Bowl XLIX (2014) – New England Patriots 28, Seattle Seahawks 24
A back-and-forth thriller remembered for Malcolm Butler’s game-sealing interception at the goal line. The decision to pass instead of handing off to Marshawn Lynch remains one of the most debated calls in NFL history. Brady and the Patriots erased a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter to capture their fourth championship.
4. Super Bowl XXIII (1988) – San Francisco 49ers 20, Cincinnati Bengals 16
Joe Montana’s legendary 92-yard drive, capped by a game-winning pass to John Taylor, showcased his calm under pressure. Jerry Rice’s 215 receiving yards earned him MVP honors, and Montana cemented his status as one of the game’s greatest clutch performers.
5. Super Bowl XLIII (2008) – Pittsburgh Steelers 27, Arizona Cardinals 23
James Harrison’s 100-yard interception return before halftime, Larry Fitzgerald’s go-ahead touchdown, and Santonio Holmes’ toe-tapping game-winner made this an instant classic. Ben Roethlisberger’s final drive secured the Steelers’ sixth title.
6. Super Bowl XXXIV (1999) – St. Louis Rams 23, Tennessee Titans 16
Kurt Warner’s 414 passing yards and Mike Jones’ game-saving tackle at the one-yard line (“The Tackle”) delivered one of the most dramatic finishes in history. Warner’s emergence as an MVP solidified the Rams’ “Greatest Show on Turf.”
7. Super Bowl LII (2017) – Philadelphia Eagles 41, New England Patriots 33
Nick Foles’ legendary performance, including the “Philly Special,” ended Philadelphia’s championship drought. Despite Brady throwing for a Super Bowl-record 505 yards, the Eagles’ defense sealed the win with a strip-sack.
8. Super Bowl XXV (1990) – New York Giants 20, Buffalo Bills 19
Scott Norwood’s infamous “wide right” field goal attempt decided this defensive battle, as the Giants controlled the clock to keep Buffalo’s high-powered offense off the field. Bill Belichick’s defensive game plan remains one of the best in history.
9. Super Bowl XXXVI (2001) – New England Patriots 20, St. Louis Rams 17
Brady’s first Super Bowl win, secured by Adam Vinatieri’s game-winning field goal as time expired, marked the beginning of the Patriots dynasty. The underdog Patriots stifled the Rams’ potent offense, shocking the football world.
10. Super Bowl LVIII (2023) – Kansas City Chiefs 25, San Francisco 49ers 22 (OT)
A slow start gave way to a thrilling finish, with Patrick Mahomes leading the Chiefs to their second consecutive title. It marked only the second Super Bowl to go to overtime, with Mahomes’ game-winning drive cementing his legacy.
Where Does the First Chiefs-Eagles Clash Rank?
Super Bowl LVII (2022) – Kansas City Chiefs 38, Philadelphia Eagles 35
Rank: #12
This game featured an epic quarterback battle between Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts, with Mahomes leading a second-half comeback despite an injured ankle. Hurts accounted for four total touchdowns, but a controversial holding call in the final minutes allowed the Chiefs to seal the victory with a last-second field goal. While thrilling, the anticlimactic ending keeps it from ranking even higher.
Rounding Out the Top 20
11. Super Bowl XLVI (2011) – New York Giants 21, New England Patriots 17
Manning and the Giants once again toppled the Patriots, with another clutch fourth-quarter drive and Mario Manningham’s iconic sideline catch.
12. Super Bowl LVII (2022) – Kansas City Chiefs 38, Philadelphia Eagles 35
Mahomes’ second Super Bowl MVP performance showcased his resilience against an elite Eagles defense.
13. Super Bowl XLV (2010) – Green Bay Packers 31, Pittsburgh Steelers 25
Aaron Rodgers claimed his first title with a three-touchdown MVP performance, outdueling Ben Roethlisberger.
14. Super Bowl XIII (1978) – Pittsburgh Steelers 35, Dallas Cowboys 31
A battle of Hall of Famers, this shootout featured Terry Bradshaw and Roger Staubach exchanging blows in a thrilling contest.
15. Super Bowl XXXII (1997) – Denver Broncos 31, Green Bay Packers 24
John Elway’s famous “helicopter” dive helped secure his first Super Bowl victory, breaking Denver’s championship drought.
16. Super Bowl LVI (2021) – Los Angeles Rams 23, Cincinnati Bengals 20
Cooper Kupp’s MVP performance and Aaron Donald’s game-sealing stop helped the Rams win in their home stadium.
17. Super Bowl XXXVIII (2003) – New England Patriots 32, Carolina Panthers 29
A wild second half saw back-and-forth scoring, ending with another clutch Adam Vinatieri field goal.
18. Super Bowl X (1975) – Pittsburgh Steelers 21, Dallas Cowboys 17
Lynn Swann’s acrobatic catches and the Steelers’ dominant defense earned Pittsburgh their second title.
19. Super Bowl XLVII (2012) – Baltimore Ravens 34, San Francisco 49ers 31
Ray Lewis’ last ride was nearly derailed by a second-half 49ers comeback, but a goal-line stand saved Baltimore.
20. Super Bowl XLIV (2009) – New Orleans Saints 31, Indianapolis Colts 17
Sean Payton’s surprise onside kick to start the second half and Tracy Porter’s game-sealing pick-six stunned the favored Colts.
Conclusion
From historic upsets to unforgettable comebacks, the Super Bowl has delivered some of the most dramatic moments in sports history. While the first Chiefs-Eagles clash ranks high, time will tell if their upcoming rematch will ascend to the top of this list. With every Super Bowl offering its own unique drama, the debate over the greatest game of all time continues.
Playoff schedule: Complete playoff bracket and odds for this weekend’s games
NFL divisional schedule: Dates, potential matchups for NFL playoffs
What is my star sign? A guide the astrological signs and what yours says about you
What is leap day? Is 2024 a leap year? Everything you need to know about Feb. 29
Is there a Thursday Night Football game tonight? NFL divisional round schedule
A cold Monday in DC? Here’s Donald Trump’s Inauguration Day weather forecast
What day is the Super Bowl? Date, kickoff time, location, game details
Giuliani gets to keep property, agrees to stop defaming Georgia election workers
Previewing the Broncos’ 2025 offseason after loss to Bills
Previewing the Buccaneers’ 2025 offseason after loss to Commanders
Watch: Commanders kicker Zane Gonzalez’s doink for the divisional round
Pitt, down 32 points, ties biggest comeback in women’s NCAA history
Shopping Deals & Product Recommendations
Why JuJu Watkins is such a good model for young players
2025 NBA mock draft: Duke’s Cooper Flagg, Rutgers’ duo early standouts
Eagles’ A.J. Brown explains why he was reading book on sidelines
Who’s biggest remaining Super Bowl threat as top seeds enter fray?
Eagles’ A.J. Brown makes big play: Showing kids it’s cool to read
Seven reasons to doubt Deion Sanders’ candidacy for Cowboys coach
Winners and losers of Patriots hiring Mike Vrabel
Eagles soar to win, divisional round after thumping Packers: Highlights
Why Sam Darnold is playing for more than an NFL playoff win
Josh Allen makes Bills playoff history after spectacular Ty Johnson TD
| NFL divisional round schedule | |
| leap day 2024 |
Will longtime ace ‘King Felix’ get into Baseball Hall of Fame?
Lauren Macuga wins World Cup super-G race; Lindsey Vonn in fourth
‘Behind the times’: Steelers’ dilemmas growing after latest playoff loss
Star players help Ravens run to new lengths in romp over Steelers
After past playoff failures, this year feels different for Ravens
A wishlist for the 6 wild-card losers: What does each team need to improve?
Sam Darnold’s disastrous playoff debut leaves Vikings with a big offseason decision
Watch: What are the Vikings’ other issues?
‘Save your time’: Mike Tomlin pours cold water on coach-trade talk
8 names that will be linked to the Cowboys coaching job
Tiger’s team blown out in his TGL debut, broadcast still rocky
Naomi Osaka reaches third round of Grand Slam for first time in 3 years
‘Fire Woodson!’: Indiana fans turn on coach in historic blowout loss to Illinois
Prescott ‘bummed,’ Parsons devastated by Cowboys’ split from McCarthy
Evgeni Malkin’s Stanley Cup rings reportedly stolen in latest athlete burglary
Matthew Sluka transfers to JMU after leaving UNLV over $100K NIL dispute
What is my star sign? A guide the astrological signs and what yours says about you
2025 NFL mock draft: Ohio State stars fill out latest projection of first round
What NFL games are on today? Channels, TV schedule for playoff games on Sunday
Report: Jimmy Butler tells Pat Riley he won’t seek Heat extension, still wants trade
