Super Bowl XLII: New York Giants vs. New England Patriots
Super Bowl XLII was held at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, where the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots with a final score of 17-14. This game is notable for the Giants' stunning upset over the previously undefeated Patriots and the remarkable helmet catch by David Tyree. What really makes this Super Bowl great is that it's the definition of how you can win no matter what the odds are. The Giants not clinching the NFC East but then narrowly escaping every playoff game is just perfect.
Eli narrowly escaping a third-down sack at the 50-yard line to complete the now well-known Helmet Catch to David Tyree was the best moment in football and probably one of the top ten sports moments.
And if all the hate the Pats get today was happening as frequently as when the Pats lost then, this would be more appreciated than it is already. The Giants could really use some help today, though, lol.
Super Bowl LI: New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons
Super Bowl LI took place at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, with the New England Patriots overcoming the Atlanta Falcons in a historic comeback, winning 34-28. This game is famous for being the first Super Bowl to ever go into overtime and for the Patriots erasing a 28-3 deficit, marking the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. At least the Patriots and Giants game was well-played. The Falcons just gave up after halftime and gave the Patriots a free win. All they had to do was run the ball, but instead, they threw three incomplete passes and wasted maybe 10 seconds. If they had just done that, they would have won. Most overrated Super Bowl in history.
I watched this game because I needed the Patriots to win (the Falcons crushed the Packers in the NFC Championship, and I wanted revenge). As Atlanta surged to a 28-3 lead, I oddly thought the Patriots still had a chance. I turned out to be right. Tom Brady made the greatest comeback in NFL history to somehow win in overtime 34-28.
Super Bowl XLIII: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Arizona Cardinals
Super Bowl XLIII took place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, with the Pittsburgh Steelers beating the Arizona Cardinals 27-23. This game is notable for Santonio Holmes' toe-tap touchdown catch in the corner of the end zone during the final minute, securing the Steelers' sixth Super Bowl title. I'd put this game above any other. It was exciting from start to finish. You had James Harrison make the greatest play in Super Bowl history with his pick-six to take a 17-7 lead at the end of the half.
Arizona came back to take the lead with an incredible 64-yard catch and run by Fitzgerald, and a safety on the Steelers looked to be the end of it. However, the Steelers' defense came up clutch to give Roethlisberger one final chance, which he took advantage of by driving down the field and throwing the best throw in Super Bowl history, followed by the best catch in Super Bowl history.
A fumble by Warner on the next drive locked up the Steelers' record 6th Super Bowl victory and shut down the upset Cardinals, who miraculously made the playoffs with a 9-7 record.
Super Bowl XLIX: New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks
Super Bowl XLIX was played at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, where the New England Patriots defeated the Seattle Seahawks with a score of 28-24. The game is remembered for Malcolm Butler's game-saving interception at the goal line in the final seconds, preventing a likely Seahawks touchdown. This game had emotion and controversy. I loved seeing Richard Sherman lose, and I also loved the great back-and-forth action.
Malcolm Butler is my hero, and although I loved 51, this will always be THE Super Bowl to me.
Best game ever from start to finish with the most dramatic play ever at the end. Also featured two teams with potential dynasty implications and possibly two of the best teams to meet in the Super Bowl.
Unquestionably the best.
This is the best Super Bowl game ever, and this is said by a Seahawks fan. I don't know why you guys think the Steelers vs. Seahawks game was better, where the Seahawks got screwed by officiating.
Super Bowl LII: Philadelphia Eagles vs. New England Patriots
Super Bowl LII was hosted at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with the Philadelphia Eagles defeating the New England Patriots by a score of 41-33. Highlighted by the "Philly Special" trick play, this victory marked the Eagles' first Super Bowl win in franchise history. Over 1,100 yards of total offense. Eagles backup Nick Foles outshoots the greatest QB of all time, Tom Brady. Going for his 6th Super Bowl ring, Brady puts together the only 500-yard passing performance in playoff history, let alone the Super Bowl, and he still comes up short.
Brandon Graham causes Brady to fumble in the final two minutes when most people thought he was going to complete yet another Super Bowl-winning drive. This has got to be up there with the Giants beating the Patriots in Super Bowl 42 as the biggest upset ever. The Eagles finally win a Super Bowl after decades of mediocrity. FLY EAGLES FLY.
This has got to be one of the best football games ever played. 74 points combined by the two teams. I can't recall more than two drives combined where the teams didn't score!
Super Bowl XXXIV: St. Louis Rams vs. Tennessee Titans
Super Bowl XXXIV was held at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia, where the St. Louis Rams defeated the Tennessee Titans with a final score of 23-16. The game ended in dramatic fashion with a tackle by Rams linebacker Mike Jones stopping Titans receiver Kevin Dyson one yard short of the goal line as time expired, a play famously known as "The Tackle." This game was close and, in the end, was decided by a spot of the ball.
Super Bowl XIII: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Dallas Cowboys
Super Bowl XIII occurred at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida, with the Pittsburgh Steelers defeating the Dallas Cowboys 35-31. This thrilling contest is remembered for its high-scoring and for "The Catch" by Steelers' tight end Jackie Smith, a critical drop in the end zone that could have tied the game. A great Super Bowl. It might have had a different ending had the referee not thrown the flag on Benny Barnes after Lynn Swann tripped him. The ball was uncatchable, too.
Watching the game as I type this. I'm not even past halftime, and I can say this is one of the best already!
This game started to get out of hand, but the Dallas Cowboys came back and still lost to the Steelers.
Super Bowl XXV: Buffalo Bills vs. New York Giants
Super Bowl XXV was played at Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Florida, where the New York Giants beat the Buffalo Bills with a score of 20-19. The game is especially remembered for Scott Norwood's missed 47-yard field goal attempt in the final seconds, which has since been referred to as "Wide Right." Not only the greatest Super Bowl of all time but the greatest coaching job of all time. For Parcells and his protege Belichick to go to Candlestick and defeat the mighty two-time defending Super Bowl champion San Francisco Forty Niners on five field goals and a fake punt, then defeat the Bills' K-Gun offense that just demolished the Raiders 51-3 a week before, all with a journeyman quarterback and running back, is nothing short of the greatest coaching performance of all time.
Decided by 1 point, Persian Gulf War, Whitney Houston's anthem, red, white, and blue teams, no turnovers, dramatic finish by two NFL powers in that era. No flukes or irrelevant franchises without history and fan base like the Titans or Panthers.
Super Bowl III: New York Jets vs. Baltimore Colts
Super Bowl III took place at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida, with the New York Jets defeating the Baltimore Colts 16-7. This game is historically significant for Joe Namath's famous guarantee of a Jets victory, which was fulfilled, marking the first Super Bowl victory for an AFL team over an NFL club. Super Bowl III is the game that made the Super Bowl what it is today.
The only one that really matters.
Super Bowl XLIV: Indianapolis Colts vs. New Orleans Saints
Super Bowl XLIV was hosted at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, where the New Orleans Saints beat the Indianapolis Colts 31-17. Highlighted by Sean Payton's risky but successful onside kick to start the second half and Tracy Porter's pivotal interception return for a touchdown, this victory secured the Saints' first Super Bowl title. Though the score was kind of lopsided, it really was deceiving. The Saints were actually down at halftime. It was a thriller. Had the Saints failed to recover the onside kick, maybe it would've been lower. But this was interesting and one that will be remembered as such.
Sean Payton calls an onside kick to begin the second half. That was the game right there. If the Saints hadn't recovered, game over. Rank this game MUCH higher.
This game would've been Peyton Manning's second Super Bowl victory, but instead, he made a late mistake, and it cost him.
The Newcomers
? Super Bowl LVI: Los Angeles Rams vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Super Bowl LVI was held at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, where the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals with a final score of 23-20. This game is notable for the Rams' dramatic fourth-quarter comeback and for being played at their home stadium, marking a historic home-field victory. Seeing Joe Burrow for the first time in the big game, and he looked good. Unfortunately for him, he had to play against Aaron Donald.
Thanks, Bengals, for making sure the Chiefs did not go to SoFi Stadium.
Thanks, Rams, for winning in your own home!
? Super Bowl LV: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Super Bowl LV was played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9. Tom Brady earned his seventh Super Bowl ring, the most in NFL history for any player. The first time a team had home-field advantage in the Super Bowl.
The Contenders
Super Bowl XXIII: Cincinnati Bengals vs. San Francisco 49ers
Super Bowl XXIII was played at Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami, Florida, where the San Francisco 49ers beat the Cincinnati Bengals with a score of 20-16. This Super Bowl is particularly remembered for Joe Montana's game-winning touchdown pass to John Taylor in the final minutes and Jerry Rice's MVP performance. Too bad the Bengals were great at the same time Montana was great. Wish the Bengals had pulled it out!
#12 because it was old? This deserves to be in the top 3. Amazing game and amazing comeback. This Super Bowl is better than SB LI.
This game had another great finish and the best final drive. The 49ers came out on top.
Super Bowl I: Green Bay Packers vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Super Bowl I was played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California, where the Green Bay Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs with a final score of 35-10. This game is historically significant as the first-ever Super Bowl, marking the beginning of a new era in professional American football. The one that made the others possible!
Wrong team won again, but still, probably the best Super Bowl ever.
Super Bowl XLVII: Baltimore Ravens vs. San Francisco 49ers
Super Bowl XLVII took place at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, with the Baltimore Ravens overcoming the San Francisco 49ers, winning 34-31. The game is memorable for the power outage that caused a delay, Ray Lewis's final NFL game, and the battle between the Harbaugh brothers as opposing head coaches. Wasn't this the lights-out game?
Super Bowl XXXVI: St. Louis Rams vs. New England Patriots
Super Bowl XXXVI took place at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, with the New England Patriots defeating the St. Louis Rams 20-17. This game is famous for the beginning of the Patriots dynasty, Tom Brady's emergence as a star, and Adam Vinatieri's game-winning field goal as time expired. At the time, the Rams were the team that I hated the most. The Patriots are currently my second favorite team, next to the Bucs.
As much as Tom Brady is overrated, he played well in this game. And the Patriots won the first Super Bowl after 9/11.
Super Bowl XXXII: Green Bay Packers vs. Denver Broncos
Super Bowl XXXII was held at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California, where the Denver Broncos defeated the Green Bay Packers with a score of 31-24. This Super Bowl is notable for Terrell Davis's MVP performance despite suffering from a migraine headache and John Elway's "Helicopter Run," which symbolized the Broncos' determination to win their first Super Bowl. Elway's dive remains one of the greatest moments ever in a sports game.
Super Bowl XXXVIII: New England Patriots vs. Carolina Panthers
Super Bowl XXXVIII was hosted at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas, where the New England Patriots beat the Carolina Panthers 32-29. This game is memorable for its competitive nature, the halftime show controversy involving Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake, and Adam Vinatieri's second Super Bowl-winning field goal. Back and forth lead changes and big plays. A stupid kicker blows the game after a great Panthers late comeback.
The game was an old shootout, and the New England Patriots won Super Bowl 38.
Super Bowl XX: New England Patriots vs. Chicago Bears
Super Bowl XX was hosted at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, where the Chicago Bears defeated the New England Patriots by a score of 46-10. The game is renowned for the Bears' dominant defense, William "Refrigerator" Perry's touchdown, and the team's only Super Bowl win under coach Mike Ditka. It had Samurai Mike and Sweetness. What more do you want?
Super Bowl X: Dallas Cowboys vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Super Bowl X took place at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida, with the Pittsburgh Steelers overcoming the Dallas Cowboys, winning 21-17. The game is remembered for Lynn Swann's spectacular catches, which earned him MVP honors, and for being part of the Steelers' 1970s dynasty.
Super Bowl XLI: Indianapolis Colts vs. Chicago Bears
Super Bowl XLI took place at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, with the Indianapolis Colts beating the Chicago Bears 29-17. This game is remembered for being played in rainy conditions, Peyton Manning's first Super Bowl victory and MVP award, and Devin Hester's opening kickoff return for a touchdown, the first in Super Bowl history.
Super Bowl XXVII: Buffalo Bills vs. Dallas Cowboys
Super Bowl XXVII was hosted at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, where the Dallas Cowboys beat the Buffalo Bills 52-17. This game is infamous for the Bills' fourth consecutive Super Bowl loss and for Leon Lett's premature celebration leading to a fumble and a missed touchdown.
Super Bowl XL: Seattle Seahawks vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Super Bowl XL occurred at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, with the Pittsburgh Steelers defeating the Seattle Seahawks 21-10. The game is known for several controversial calls that went against the Seahawks and for Steelers' wide receiver Hines Ward being named MVP. Ben Roethlisberger's ball actually barely touched the goal line. Not by much, but that's all that's required for a touchdown. The Seahawks did not get "screwed." They got beat by the better team.
Super Bowl XXX: Dallas Cowboys vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Super Bowl XXX was played at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona, with the Dallas Cowboys defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17. This game is noted for Neil O'Donnell's critical interceptions, which led to Cowboys' cornerback Larry Brown winning the MVP, marking the Cowboys' last Super Bowl victory of the 1990s.
Super Bowl XLV: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Green Bay Packers
Super Bowl XLV occurred at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with the Green Bay Packers defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25. The game is known for Aaron Rodgers' MVP performance, marking the Packers' fourth Super Bowl victory and their first since Super Bowl XXXI.
Super Bowl XXII: Denver Broncos vs. Washington Redskins
Super Bowl XXII was played at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California, where the Washington Redskins beat the Denver Broncos 42-10. This game is famous for Doug Williams' MVP performance, becoming the first African American quarterback to win a Super Bowl, and for Washington's record-setting 35 points in the second quarter.
Super Bowl V: Baltimore Colts vs. Dallas Cowboys
Super Bowl V took place at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida, with the Baltimore Colts defeating the Dallas Cowboys 16-13. Known as the "Blunder Bowl" for its numerous turnovers and mistakes, the game is notable for Jim O'Brien's game-winning field goal and for being the only Super Bowl where the MVP, Chuck Howley of the Cowboys, was selected from the losing team.