Super Bowls Ranked: Top Games Revealed

The Super Bowl - the pinnacle of American football, where the strongest teams clash in a spectacular display of skill, strength, and strategy. With over five decades of thrilling matchups, it’s a daunting task to rank the top games, but we’re about to dive into the most epic Super Bowls in history. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, we’ll explore the most memorable moments that have captivated audiences and left an indelible mark on the sport.

To create this comprehensive ranking, we’ve considered a range of factors, including the significance of the game, the level of competition, and the impact on the sport as a whole. We’ve also drawn on the expertise of football analysts, players, and coaches to provide a well-rounded perspective on the top games. Our criteria include:

• Competitiveness: How closely contested was the game?
• Significance: What was the impact of the game on the sport, the teams, and the players?
• Excitement: How thrilling was the game, with factors like comebacks, upsets, and dramatic finishes?
• Historical context: How did the game fit into the broader narrative of the sport and its evolution?

With these factors in mind, let’s count down the top Super Bowls, starting with a game that set the standard for future matchups.

10. Super Bowl XIII: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Dallas Cowboys (1979)

In a battle of titans, the Pittsburgh Steelers edged out the Dallas Cowboys 35-31 in a game that would become known as one of the greatest of all time. This matchup showcased the league’s two most dominant teams, with the Steelers’ “Steel Curtain” defense facing off against the Cowboys’ high-powered offense. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading touchdowns and turnovers. In the end, the Steelers’ Terry Bradshaw connected with Lynn Swann for a 64-yard touchdown pass, securing the win and cementing the Steelers’ status as a dynasty.

9. Super Bowl XXIII: San Francisco 49ers vs. Cincinnati Bengals (1989)

Joe Montana cemented his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history with a thrilling 20-16 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. With the 49ers trailing 16-13 and only 3:20 remaining, Montana led a 92-yard drive, culminating in a 10-yard touchdown pass to John Taylor with just 34 seconds left. This game marked the 49ers’ third Super Bowl win and solidified Montana’s reputation as a clutch performer.

8. Super Bowl XXXIV: St. Louis Rams vs. Tennessee Titans (2000)

In a game that will be forever remembered for its dramatic conclusion, the St. Louis Rams defeated the Tennessee Titans 23-16. With the Titans trailing by a touchdown and only seconds remaining, quarterback Steve McNair launched a desperation pass into the end zone, only to be intercepted by the Rams’ Mike Jones at the 1-yard line. This game marked the Rams’ first Super Bowl victory and capped off a remarkable season for the “Greatest Show on Turf.”

7. Super Bowl XLII: New York Giants vs. New England Patriots (2008)

The New York Giants pulled off one of the greatest upsets in Super Bowl history, defeating the previously undefeated New England Patriots 17-14. In a game that saw the Giants’ defense stifle the Patriots’ high-powered offense, quarterback Eli Manning connected with Plaxico Burress for a 13-yard touchdown pass with just 35 seconds remaining. This victory marked the Giants’ third Super Bowl win and denied the Patriots a perfect season.

6. Super Bowl III: New York Jets vs. Baltimore Colts (1969)

In a game that would change the course of NFL history, the New York Jets stunned the heavily favored Baltimore Colts 16-7. This upset victory marked the first time a team from the American Football League (AFL) had defeated a team from the National Football League (NFL) in a championship game, paving the way for the eventual merger of the two leagues.

5. Super Bowl XXV: New York Giants vs. Buffalo Bills (1991)

The New York Giants edged out the Buffalo Bills 20-19 in a game that will be remembered for its thrilling conclusion. With the Bills trailing by a point and only seconds remaining, kicker Scott Norwood attempted a 47-yard field goal that sailed wide right, securing the Giants’ victory. This game marked the Giants’ second Super Bowl win and capped off a remarkable season for the team.

4. Super Bowl LI: New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons (2017)

The New England Patriots staged the largest comeback in Super Bowl history, overcoming a 28-3 deficit to defeat the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in overtime. This game marked the Patriots’ fifth Super Bowl victory and cemented Tom Brady’s status as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.

3. Super Bowl XLIX: New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks (2015)

In a game that will be remembered for its dramatic conclusion, the New England Patriots defeated the Seattle Seahawks 28-24. With the Seahawks trailing by four points and only seconds remaining, quarterback Russell Wilson launched a desperation pass into the end zone, only to be intercepted by the Patriots’ Malcolm Butler at the goal line. This game marked the Patriots’ fourth Super Bowl victory and capped off a remarkable season for the team.

2. Super Bowl XXVIII: Dallas Cowboys vs. Buffalo Bills (1994)

The Dallas Cowboys dominated the Buffalo Bills 30-13, capping off a remarkable season that saw the team win 12 consecutive games. This victory marked the Cowboys’ fourth Super Bowl win and solidified their status as a dynasty.

1. Super Bowl XXXVI: New England Patriots vs. St. Louis Rams (2002)

The New England Patriots pulled off a stunning upset, defeating the heavily favored St. Louis Rams 20-17. This game marked the Patriots’ first Super Bowl victory and capped off a remarkable season that saw the team overcome numerous injuries and setbacks. The victory marked the beginning of the Patriots’ dynasty, which would go on to win five more Super Bowls over the next two decades.

These top Super Bowls have left an indelible mark on the sport, showcasing the excitement, drama, and competitiveness that make the NFL so beloved. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just a casual observer, these games are sure to captivate and inspire.