Ranking all 58 Super Bowls from best to worst: How does first Chiefs-Eagles clash rate?
The Kansas City Chiefs are on the verge of making history. This isn’t about playing in back-to-back Super Bowl rematches, as the Patriots have already done that. It’s something much more exceptional.
With a victory against the Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans on February 9, the Chiefs will become the first NFL team to win three Super Bowls in a row since the 1967 Packers, who started their run before the first Super Bowl was held at the end of the 1966 season. Fans can hope the upcoming Chiefs-Eagles matchup will be at least as thrilling as the close contest these teams had two years prior.
As we gear up for Super Bowl 59, here are my rankings of all-time Super Bowl games (cardinal number with the season included in parentheses):
1. LI (51, 2016) New England Patriots 34, Atlanta Falcons 28 (OT)
This matchup had it all. Patriots QB Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick solidified their legacies, each becoming the first to achieve five Super Bowl titles in their roles at that time. However, their path to greatness required an extraordinary effort. Brady set a then-Super Bowl record by passing for 466 yards, leading his team to 31 consecutive points while earning MVP honors for the fourth time in a record. New England pulled off the most significant comeback in Super Bowl history, overcoming a 28-3 deficit in the third quarter to go into overtime for the first time. WR Julian Edelman’s unbelievable catch was crucial, while RB James White quietly shined with a record 14 receptions and scored both the game-tying and game-winning touchdowns, finishing the game with an impressive 20 points. The Falcons, led by league MVP Matt Ryan, had an impressive performance for nearly three quarters before their historic collapse.
2. XLII (42, 2007) New York Giants 17, Patriots 14
This could be the biggest upset in Super Bowl history, as the Giants halted New England’s bid for an unparalleled 19-0 season with relentless pass pressure, WR David Tyree’s unforgettable helmet catch, and QB Eli Manning’s standout performance that earned him MVP.
3. XLIX (49, 2014) Patriots 28, Seattle Seahawks 24
This game will always be remembered for the crucial goal-line interception thrown by QB Russell Wilson at the game’s climax, leading to second-guessing on whether they should have trusted RB Marshawn “Beast Mode” Lynch, who had a stellar game with 133 total yards. The Seahawks missed a golden opportunity for a dynasty, whereas the Patriots solidified the “Patriot Way.” Brady tied the record for a third MVP award, while he and Belichick secured their fourth championship together after a long wait.
4. XXIII (23, 1988) San Francisco 49ers 20, Cincinnati Bengals 16
This game marked the emergence of a true Super Bowl classic. QB Joe Montana delivered a pivotal performance leading an 11-play, 92-yard drive capped by a game-winning touchdown pass to WR John Taylor with only 34 seconds remaining. WR Jerry Rice gained 215 receiving yards and earned the MVP title. It was also the final game for Hall of Famer Bill Walsh as an NFL head coach.
5. XLIII (43, 2008) Pittsburgh Steelers 27, Arizona Cardinals 23
This game showcased a blend of spectacular moments, including Pittsburgh LB James Harrison’s incredible 100-yard interception return right before halftime, a fierce comeback by the underdog Cardinals led by WR Larry Fitzgerald, and QB Ben Roethlisberger’s perfect throw to MVP Santonio Holmes in the end zone for the victory. The Steelers won their sixth Lombardi Trophy, a record later matched by the Patriots and surpassed by Brady.
6. XXXIV (34, 1999) St. Louis Rams 23, Tennessee Titans 16
The “Greatest Show on Turf” managed to score one of their season’s fewest points, but MVP Kurt Warner’s impressive 414 yards and LB Mike Jones’ last-second tackle of Titans WR Kevin Dyson just shy of the end zone sealed the deal.
7. LII (52, 2017) Philadelphia Eagles 41, Patriots 33
Was it worth the nearly six-decade wait for Philadelphia fans? MVP Nick Foles (with 373 yards and 3 touchdowns) steered the Eagles to their first Super Bowl win, highlighted by his touchdown reception during the now-famous “Philly Special.” Defensive end Brandon Graham also made a pivotal play with a strip sack of Brady, who still threw for a record 505 yards in a game featuring the most total yards in NFL history—1,151.
8. XXV (25, 1990) Giants 20, Buffalo Bills 19
The Giants managed to limit Buffalo’s high-powered K-Gun offense by controlling the ball for nearly 41 minutes, with strong performances from MVP Ottis Anderson (102 yards, a touchdown) and backup QB Jeff Hostetler. They only escaped victory thanks to K Scott Norwood’s missed 47-yard field goal in the last moments.
9. XXXVI (36, 2001) Patriots 20, St. Louis Rams 17
While it may have surprised many, this game also signified the start of a dynasty, showcasing Belichick’s brilliance and Brady’s rise to fame as he won his first MVP. The game ended dramatically with K Adam Vinatieri’s 48-yard game-winning field goal sailing through the uprights as time expired.
10. LVIII (58, 2023) Kansas City Chiefs 25, 49ers 22 (OT)
Although the first Super Bowl in Las Vegas could have ranked higher, the main highlight from kickoff to the start of the fourth quarter (where K.C. held a narrow 13-10 lead) consisted of a messy display of football, with Usher’s halftime show being the standout moment during that span. Nevertheless, a thrilling final quarter and the second overtime in Super Bowl history provided an exciting finish, as QB Patrick Mahomes delivered the game-winning touchdown and solidified Kansas City as back-to-back champions while raising questions about the Niners’ overtime strategies.
11. XLVI (46, 2011) Giants 21, Patriots 17
Once again, New York thwarted New England’s hopes as Eli Manning threaded another unbelievable pass — this time to WR Mario Manningham — before the Giants took the lead late in the game and endured the Patriots’ final push.
12. XLV (45, 2010) Green Bay Packers 31, Steelers 25
QB Aaron Rodgers helped the Packers complete their playoff run with a 304-yard, three-touchdown effort that earned him MVP honors, etching his name alongside storied Packers legends like Bart Starr and Brett Favre, while preventing Pittsburgh from achieving “Stairway to Seven.”
13. XIII (13, 1978) Steelers 35, Dallas Cowboys 31
In the inaugural Super Bowl shootout, Pittsburgh triumphed over a resilient Dallas team, becoming the first to claim the title three times. The game was filled with exciting plays (mostly from Pittsburgh) and missed chances (like TE Jackie Smith’s crucial drop) that ultimately led to “America’s Team” falling short.
14. XXXII (32, 1997) Denver Broncos 31, Packers 24
Denver’s John Elway, taking on a dynamic quarterback role, clinched his first Super Bowl ring after three previous attempts. However, the standout performer of the day was MVP Terrell Davis, who racked up 157 rushing yards and scored three touchdowns. This match also marked the conclusion of a 14-year AFC losing streak against the NFC.
15. LVI (56, 2021) Los Angeles Rams 23, Bengals 20
In their inaugural season with experienced quarterback Matthew Stafford, the Rams became the second straight team to claim the Super Bowl title on their home turf. This victory marked the Rams’ first Lombardi Trophy while representing LA, ending a 38-year wait for an NFL championship in the city. MVP Cooper Kupp capped an exceptional season for a wide receiver by catching the game-winning touchdown from Stafford with just 85 seconds left. Meanwhile, the defense, led by Aaron Donald, pressured Bengals QB Joe Burrow with seven sacks, effectively staving off a late comeback attempt. Rams coach Sean McVay, at 36, made history as the youngest Super Bowl-winning coach.
16. XXXVIII (38, 2003) Patriots 32, Carolina Panthers 29
This Super Bowl turned out to be one of the more unusual encounters, with a combined 61 points despite the game remaining scoreless in the first and third quarters. It might be remembered more for Janet Jackson’s controversial halftime show than for quarterback Tom Brady’s critical drive and Adam Vinatieri’s late-game heroics.
17. X (10, 1975) Steelers 21, Cowboys 17
MVP Lynn Swann recorded four pivotal catches for a dramatic total of 161 yards, including a key touchdown that helped solidify Pittsburgh’s status as a powerhouse of the 1970s.
18. XLVII (47, 2012) Baltimore Ravens 34, 49ers 31
A power outage in the Superdome during the second half sparked the 49ers’ near comeback after falling behind 28-6 in the third quarter. MVP Joe Flacco completed an incredible postseason run, while Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis secured his second championship in his final game. Wide receiver and kick returner Jacoby Jones set a record with 290 all-purpose yards, which proved crucial for the Ravens as they fought off quarterback Colin Kaepernick and San Francisco.
19. XLIV (44, 2009) New Orleans Saints 31, Indianapolis Colts 17
The Saints triumphed after years of struggle, driven by MVP Drew Brees’ precise passes, a surprising onside kick by coach Sean Payton to start the second half, and cornerback Tracy Porter’s game-securing pick-six against Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.
20. XIV (14, 1979) Steelers 31, Los Angeles Rams 19
Despite a modest nine-win regular season, the Rams put up a tough fight against the Steelers before Pittsburgh pulled ahead in the fourth quarter, achieving their claim as the only team to win four Super Bowls in six years. Quarterback Terry Bradshaw was awarded MVP for the second consecutive year.
21. III (3, 1968) New York Jets 16, Baltimore Colts 7
Although it wasn’t the most thrilling game, it stands out as one of the most significant in NFL history. MVP Joe Namath fulfilled his pre-game guarantee, leading the Jets to an unexpected victory over the heavily favored Colts and marking a pivotal moment for AFL-NFL parity a year before the merger. This remains the Jets’ only championship.
22. LIV (54, 2019) Chiefs 31, 49ers 20
Kansas City broke a 50-year championship drought in dramatic fashion. MVP Mahomes led the Chiefs back after facing double-digit deficits for the third consecutive playoff game, beginning the fourth-quarter comeback with an impressive 44-yard pass to wide receiver Tyreek Hill on a crucial third-and-15 play. Running back Damien Williams scored two late touchdowns to seal the victory.
23. LVII (57, 2022) Chiefs 38, Eagles 35
What an exhilarating showdown! For 55 minutes, Mahomes and Eagles QB Jalen Hurts delivered a thrilling match, with Hurts deserving of the MVP recognition after accounting for 374 yards and four touchdowns. However, a holding call against Eagles CB James Bradberry during Kansas City’s final drive somewhat diluted the conclusion, allowing Mahomes to run down the clock before Harrison Butker’s game-winning field goal.
24. XXXI (31, 1996) Packers 35, Patriots 21
Thirty years after their inaugural Super Bowl win, the Packers claimed their third title as Gulf Coast-native Brett Favre threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, celebrating in front of the New Orleans crowd. However, it was return man Desmond Howard who earned the MVP title.
25. XXXIX (39, 2004) Patriots 24, Eagles 21
New England endured a late surge from Philadelphia—was it a failed conditioning effort by Eagles QB Donovan McNabb?—to become the second team ever to win three Super Bowls in a four-year period.
26. XVII (17, 1982) Washington 27, Miami Dolphins 17
MVP John Riggins’ 43-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter turned the tide for Washington, giving them a 20-17 lead they never relinquished and marking the first Super Bowl success for coach Joe Gibbs. Riggins concluded the game with a then-record 166 yards, bringing his total to a playoff-record 610 yards in a strike-altered postseason.
27. XXX (30, 1995) Cowboys 27, Steelers 17
Dallas capitalized on some opportunistic interceptions by Steelers quarterback Neil O’Donnell, becoming the first team to claim three Super Bowl titles in four years, joining the 49ers as five-time Super Bowl victors.
28. XVI (16, 1981) 49ers 26, Bengals 21
San Francisco kickstarted its dynasty, with Joe Montana securing the first of his three Super Bowl MVP awards. The 49ers held on for the win, aided by a vital goal-line stand to stop Cincinnati, despite the Bengals scoring three touchdowns in the second half after trailing 20-0 at halftime.
29. XLI (41, 2006) Indianapolis Colts 29, Chicago Bears 17
MVP Peyton Manning celebrated his solitary championship with Indianapolis, alongside Tony Dungy, who became the first Black coach to win a Super Bowl, despite the rainy conditions in South Florida.
30. VII (7, 1972) Dolphins 14, Washington 7
Miami’s famed “No Name Defense” held Washington to just a single score—thanks to a memorable blunder by kicker Garo Yepremian—allowing the Dolphins, viewed as underdogs, to complete the only undefeated season (17-0) in the Super Bowl’s history.
31. XXII (22, 1987) Washington 42, Broncos 10
Quarterback Doug Williams made history as the first Black quarterback to secure a Super Bowl victory, delivering a phenomenal performance with four touchdown passes in a staggering 35-point second quarter. Timmy Smith rushed for 204 yards, setting a record that remains unmatched, supported by Washington’s legendary offensive line known as “The Hogs.”
32. I (1, 1966) Packers 35, Chiefs 10
In the inaugural AFL-NFL World Championship Game, Green Bay emerged victorious with significant contributions from a hungover backup wide receiver, Max McGee, who tallied 138 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The game didn’t even attract a full crowd to the LA Coliseum, yet not many may recall that the troops of Vince Lombardi only led by four points at halftime.
33. XXI (21, 1986) Giants 39, Broncos 20
MVP Phil Simms had an extraordinary Super Bowl performance, completing 22 of 25 passes for 268 yards and three touchdowns, as the Giants scored 30 second-half points and clinched their first Super Bowl victory.
34. V (5, 1970) Baltimore Colts 16, Cowboys 13
This Super Bowl marked the first instance of real suspense when rookie Jim O’Brien, who had an earlier extra point blocked, kicked the game-winning 32-yard field goal with just 5 seconds remaining. However, the game was marred by 11 turnovers and a rib injury sustained by Colts QB Johnny Unitas.
35. LIII (53, 2018) Patriots 13, Los Angeles Rams 3
In stark contrast to the offensive excitement seen throughout the season, this matchup was heavy on defense with nearly as many punts (14) as points scored. New England secured their sixth Lombardi Trophy, challenging the narrative surrounding coach McVay’s strategic genius. This game marked only the second Super Bowl to head into the final quarter tied at 3-3; ultimately, the Rams matched the long-standing record for the lowest points scored in a Super Bowl.
36. XXVIII (28, 1993) Cowboys 30, Bills 13
The Bills initially put up a strong fight against the Cowboys, leading 13-6 at halftime in this rematch. However, they were unable to stop league MVP and Super Bowl MVP Emmitt Smith, who rushed for 132 yards and scored two touchdowns. This marked the Bills’ fourth consecutive loss in the Super Bowl, a bittersweet distinction.
37. XL (40, 2005) Steelers 21, Seahawks 10
With this victory, Pittsburgh joined the ranks of five-time Lombardi winners. Jerome Bettis celebrated his career finale in his hometown of Detroit, while 23-year-old Roethlisberger became the youngest quarterback to win the Super Bowl despite a game filled with controversial officiating that negatively impacted the Seahawks.
38. 50 (2015) Broncos 24, Panthers 10
In the golden anniversary of the Super Bowl, MVP Von Miller (with 2½ sacks and 2 forced fumbles) relentlessly pressured league MVP Cam Newton, setting the tone for a stellar defensive performance. This allowed Peyton Manning to focus on game management as he clinched his highly anticipated second Super Bowl title in what would be his last game in the NFL.
39. XIX (19, 1984) 49ers 38, Dolphins 16
Fans eagerly awaited this clash between Joe Montana and Dan Marino, but excitement fizzled after the first quarter. MVP Montana (with 331 yards and 3 touchdowns) completely outperformed Marino in his only Super Bowl appearance, propelling the Niners to become the first team to achieve 18 wins in a season.
40. XI (11, 1976) Oakland Raiders 32, Minnesota Vikings 14
In bright sunshine at the Rose Bowl, the Raiders captured their first championship – and their only title with coach John Madden – by overpowering the Vikings, who faced defeat in their fourth Super Bowl appearance.
41. IX (9, 1974) Steelers 16, Vikings 6
After enduring 42 seasons without a title, the Steelers secured their first NFL championship. They achieved this victory thanks to their impenetrable defense and MVP Franco Harris’ record-setting 158 rushing yards.
42. XX (20, 1985) Bears 46, Patriots 10
The underdog Patriots briefly led 3-0, but the formidable 1985 Bears defense swiftly reversed the momentum, ultimately leading to a blowout that denied Hall of Famer Walter Payton his long-desired touchdown.
43. XXXIII (33, 1998) Broncos 34, Falcons 19
In John Elway’s retirement game, he solidified his legacy as an all-time great. Denver secured back-to-back victories thanks to an MVP performance from the 38-year-old quarterback, which included 336 passing yards, a touchdown pass, and a rushing touchdown.
44. XXVII (27, 1992) Cowboys 52, Bills 17
Dallas’s trio of MVP QB Troy Aikman (4 touchdown passes), RB Emmitt Smith (108 rushing yards, 1 touchdown), and WR Michael Irvin (114 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns) overpowered the Bills, who committed 9 turnovers. However, Buffalo WR Don Beebe’s notable defensive play prevented the Cowboys from establishing a new scoring record.
45. XV (15, 1980) Oakland Raiders 27, Eagles 10
In a Superdome adorned with yellow ribbons celebrating the return of American hostages from Iran, the Raiders brought the party down in New Orleans by becoming the first wild-card team to win the Super Bowl.
46. IV (4, 1969) Chiefs 23, Vikings 7
With a commanding performance, the Chiefs created a tied AFL-NFL rivalry history at 2-2 before the leagues merged. QB Len Dawson garnered MVP honors, redefining his legacy after being mistakenly linked to a gambling scandal prior to the game.
47. II (2, 1967) Packers 33, Oakland Raiders 14
The legendary Packers wrapped up the decade with their fifth and final championship, marking coach Vince Lombardi’s last game mentoring the franchise.
48. XVIII (18, 1983) Los Angeles Raiders 38, Washington 9
Despite entering the game as one of the greatest teams ever, Washington was soundly defeated by the Raiders, highlighted by MVP Marcus Allen’s record-setting 191 rushing yards and a spectacular 74-yard touchdown run.
49. XXIX (29, 1994) 49ers 49, San Diego Chargers 26
Against expectations, the Chargers stood little chance as the 49ers dominated the game. MVP Steve Young, breaking away from Joe Montana’s legacy, passed for a record-setting six touchdowns, leading the Niners to their fifth Super Bowl victory.
50. LV (55, 2020) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31, Chiefs 9
The anticipated duel between Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes, labeled as “The GOAT vs. The Kid,” fell flat. Brady excelled with 3 touchdown passes, enhancing his legacy with a seventh championship and a fifth Super Bowl MVP award. Mahomes struggled behind a battered offensive line, marking one of the worst performances of his career while the Buccaneers, propelled by a fierce defense, became the first team to win the Lombardi Trophy in their own stadium.
51. XXXVII (37, 2002) Buccaneers 48, Oakland Raiders 21
This Super Bowl is famously known as the “Jon Gruden Bowl,” following Gruden’s trade from the Raiders to Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers claimed their inaugural title, bolstered by a standout defense that returned three interceptions from MVP Rich Gannon for touchdowns.
52. XXIV (24, 1989) 49ers 55, Broncos 10
Joe Montana delivered his final Super Bowl performance, triumphing with his third MVP title while throwing for 297 yards and five touchdowns. The 49ers not only won back-to-back championships but also set records for points scored and victory margin in a Super Bowl.
53. XXVI (26, 1991) Washington 37, Bills 24
The game was less competitive than the score suggests. Washington claimed its third and final championship under coach Joe Gibbs, who uniquely had a different quarterback for each Super Bowl victory, including MVP Mark Rypien on this occasion.
54. XII (12, 1977) Cowboys 27, Broncos 10
This Super Bowl, the first held indoors at the Superdome, saw Dallas decisively defeat its former quarterback Craig Morton and a mistake-filled Denver team that committed eight turnovers. It’s also notable for being the only Super Bowl to feature co-MVPs, defensive linemen Harvey Martin and Randy White.
55. VIII (8, 1973) Dolphins 24, Vikings 7
MVP Larry Csonka marked a then-record 145 rushing yards in a game where quarterback Bob Griese completed just seven passes, leading Miami to another victory with a roster some consider even stronger than the undefeated 1972 squad.
56. XXXV (35, 2000) Ravens 34, Giants 7
With a historic defense on display, the Ravens held the Giants to only scoring via a kickoff return, achieving a dominating performance. Amid surrounding controversy, Ray Lewis was named MVP.
57. VI (6, 1971) Cowboys 24, Dolphins 3
Coach Tom Landry’s Cowboys finally shook off their reputation for underperforming in critical games, holding Miami to a mere field goal on a chilly 39-degree day at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans.
58. XLVIII (48, 2013) Seahawks 43, Broncos 8
The gap between the pre-game hype and the eventual outcome was likely the most pronounced in Super Bowl history. Seattle’s Legion of Boom defense utterly crushed a Peyton Manning-led offense that had set a league record by scoring 606 points during the regular season.