The Super Bowl has delivered its fair share of shocking results over the years. The iconic Tom Brady was both on the winning and losing sides of some of the biggest surprises in Super Bowl history.
The Super Bowl defies expectations, producing moments that resonate long after the final whistle.
With the next edition in New Orleans on 9 February 2025, Easybet takes a trip down memory lane to highlight the games which showed the unpredictability that makes the NFL’s championship event a global spectacle.
Super Bowl III: Jets 16-7 Colts
Few upsets in sports history rival the New York Jets’ triumph over the heavily favoured Baltimore Colts. Entering the game as 18-point underdogs, Joe Namath famously guaranteed victory—a bold statement against a team that had lost only once all season. Namath’s Jets backed it up, controlling the game with a strong defensive performance and timely plays to secure the AFL’s first Super Bowl win, cementing the game’s legacy as a legitimate championship.
Super Bowl IV: Chiefs 23-7 Vikings
The Kansas City Chiefs stunned the Minnesota Vikings, proving the AFL’s previous victory was no fluke. The Vikings, boasting one of the best defences in NFL history, were expected to dominate. Instead, the Chiefs’ defence, led by Len Dawson’s efficient quarterback play, overwhelmed Minnesota. This victory solidified the AFL-NFL merger as a true competitive union.
Super Bowl XXV: Giants 20-19 Bills
The Buffalo Bills entered Super Bowl XXV with their high-powered offence as favourites. The New York Giants, led by backup quarterback Jeff Hostetler, relied on a ball-control strategy and Bill Belichick’s defence. The game ended in heartbreak for Buffalo when Scott Norwood’s 47-yard field goal attempt sailed wide right. The Giants pulled off a one-point upset in one of the closest championship deciders ever played.
Super Bowl XXXII: Broncos 31-24 Packers
John Elway and the Denver Broncos entered Super Bowl XXXII as underdogs against Brett Favre’s defending champion Green Bay Packers. The AFC had lost 13 straight Super Bowls, and many expected the streak to continue. However, Elway’s determination, paired with a dominant performance by running back Terrell Davis (157 rushing yards, three touchdowns), powered Denver to its first Super Bowl victory and ended the AFC’s long drought.
Super Bowl XXXVI: Patriots 20-17 Rams
The “Greatest Show on Turf” St. Louis Rams, led by MVP quarterback Kurt Warner, were 14-point favourites against a young Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. Despite the odds, the Patriot’s defence held the high-flying Rams offence in check. Brady orchestrated a late drive to set up Adam Vinatieri’s iconic game-winning field goal. This victory launched the Patriots’ dynasty and shocked the NFL world.
Super Bowl XLII: Giants 17-14 Patriots
The undefeated New England Patriots were on the verge of completing the first perfect season since 1972. The New York Giants, led by Eli Manning, entered as massive underdogs. In one of the most dramatic endings in Super Bowl history, Manning escaped pressure to connect with David Tyree for the legendary “Helmet Catch”. Moments later, Plaxico Burress scored the game-winning touchdown, and the Giants pulled off one of the greatest upsets in sports history.
Upsets: To be continued?
The Kansas City Chiefs (4.61) have won the last two championships. However, based on the history of upsets in the NFL’s biggest game, do not take any outcome for granted in 2025.
America’s greatest sporting event continues to serve up shocks for the ages.
