What are the biggest comebacks in Super Bowl history?

Super Bowl history is full of unforgettable moments, but few thrill fans like a jaw-dropping comeback. From improbable fourth-quarter rallies to last-minute heroics, the NFL’s biggest stage has seen teams defy the odds in spectacular fashion.

With Super Bowl LX set between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, let’s revisit the biggest comebacks in the game’s history.

What is the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history?

The New England Patriots trailed 28-3 in the third quarter against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI on Feb. 5, 2017, before mounting the biggest comeback in the game’s history.

Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady threw 466 yards and a game-record 43 completions on 62 attempts as the Patriots earned their fifth Super Bowl title. 

“Tom has had a lot of great ones. Tonight was one of them,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said.

Atlanta hasn’t advanced past the divisional round since. 

What are the second-biggest comebacks in Super Bowl history?

After the 25-point comeback, the next-biggest comeback in Super Bowl history is 10 points, shared by four different teams.

The first came at Super Bowl XXII on Jan. 31, 1988, when Washington erased a 10-0 deficit against the Denver Broncos with 42 unanswered points, including 35 in a 19-play stretch in the second quarter.

In Super Bowl XLIV on Feb. 7, 2010, the New Orleans Saints erased an early 10-0 deficit to the Indianapolis Colts, sparked by a surprise onside kick in the second half. New Orleans outscored Indianapolis 25-7 after halftime and rolled to a 31-17 win.

In Super Bowl XLIX between New England and Seattle on Feb. 1, 2015, defensive back Malcolm Butler’s interception at the goal line sealed the win for the Patriots with 20 seconds left. New England trailed 24-14 heading into the fourth quarter. 

The Kansas City Chiefs have erased 10-point deficits to win three times in the Super Bowl — the first time in Super Bowl LIV against the San Francisco 49ers on Feb. 2, 2020. In a 31-20 win, game MVP Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs to 21 straight points in the final six minutes and 13 seconds. 

The Chiefs also pulled off a 10-point comeback in Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12, 2023, against the Philadelphia Eagles, who led 24-14 at halftime. 

In the fourth quarter, game MVP Mahomes threw for touchdowns to Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore, and Harrison Butker booted a 27-yard field goal to seal the 38-35 win with eight seconds left. 

Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11, 2024, saw Kansas City fall into an early 10-0 hole against the 49ers. A three-yard touchdown pass by game MVP Mahomes to Mecole Hardman in overtime gave the Chiefs a 25-22 win and back-to-back Super Bowl titles.