Super Bowls are often expected to reward the best team over a long season. Yet some of the NFL’s most remembered championship games are the ones that went against every prediction. Underdogs, written off before kickoff, changed league history with a single win. These Super Bowl upsets did more than surprise. They reshaped reputations, ended dynasties, and proved that no favorite is ever fully safe on the biggest stage.

Read more: NFL Historical: The Ultimate NFL Archive, ONLY on Sofascore

Jets vs Colts – Super Bowl III (1969)

The first great Super Bowl upset came when the New York Jets defeated the Baltimore Colts 16–7. The Colts entered as heavy favorites from the established NFL, while the Jets represented the younger AFL.

Led by Joe Namath, the Jets controlled the game and backed up a famous pregame guarantee. The win helped legitimize the AFL and changed the future of the league, accelerating the full NFL–AFL merger.

Read more: NFL Historical: NFL Teams You Didn’t Know Existed (1920–1950)

Patriots vs Rams – Super Bowl XXXVI (2002)

Few Super Bowl wins shifted the league more than the New England Patriots defeating the St. Louis Rams 20–17. The Rams were one of the league’s most explosive teams and entered as clear favorites.

Instead, New England relied on defense and late-game control. Tom Brady led a final drive to set up the winning field goal. The upset launched the Patriots’ dynasty and marked the beginning of one of the most successful eras in NFL history.

Read more: NFL Historical: Every Tom Brady Super Bowl Win

Buccaneers vs Raiders – Super Bowl XXXVII (2003)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers shocked the league by defeating the Oakland Raiders 48–21 in Super Bowl XXXVII. The Raiders entered the game as favorites, led by the league’s top offense, but the matchup quickly turned one-sided.

Tampa Bay’s defense, guided by Jon Gruden, intercepted five passes and scored three defensive touchdowns. The Buccaneers controlled the game from start to finish, earning the franchise’s first Super Bowl title.

The upset showed how preparation and defense can completely flip expectations on the biggest stage, and it remains one of the most decisive Super Bowl surprises in history.

Read more: NFL Historical: Undefeated – The Miami Dolphins’ Perfect Season That Still Stands

Giants vs Patriots – Super Bowl XLII (2008)

The New York Giants entered Super Bowl XLII as heavy underdogs against the New England Patriots, who had finished the season 16–0. A Patriots win would have completed a perfect year.

Instead, the Giants delivered one of the most famous upsets ever, winning 17–14. A late drive led by Eli Manning kept the game alive and ended the Patriots’ perfect season. The result remains one of the most discussed Super Bowls in league history.

Giants vs Patriots – Super Bowl XLVI (2012)

Four years later, the Giants repeated the script. Facing the Patriots again, New York entered as underdogs and once more found a way to control the key moments. The Giants won 21–17, using strong defense and late execution.

This second upset reinforced the idea that postseason success often comes down to timing and composure, not regular-season dominance.

Eagles vs Patriots – Super Bowl LII (2018)

The Philadelphia Eagles delivered one of the most unexpected Super Bowl wins of the modern era by defeating the New England Patriots 41–33. The Patriots entered the game as favorites, while Philadelphia were playing with backup quarterback Nick Foles after losing their starter late in the season.

Instead of playing conservatively, the Eagles stayed aggressive throughout. Foles threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns, and Philadelphia converted key fourth downs, including the famous trick play just before halftime. The Patriots kept pace offensively, but Philadelphia never lost control.

The win earned the Eagles their first Super Bowl title and proved that preparation, belief, and bold decision-making can overcome experience and reputation. It remains one of the most memorable Super Bowl upsets in recent NFL history.

Read more: Sam Darnold Emerges as Key Player in Super Bowl 60

Explore Super Bowl History on Sofascore

All of these Super Bowls, along with full match data and season context, are available on Sofascore. With NFL Historical coverage from 1920 and detailed statistics from the Super Bowl era, fans can revisit every major upset by selecting a season and exploring the full story behind each game.