4 highest-scoring games in Super Bowl history
The New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons are set to face off in Super Bowl LI on Feb. 5, and everybody is expecting fireworks.
Both teams boast outstanding offenses, top-tier quarterbacks, talented play-callers, and an abundance of weapons. Those factors have contributed to an over/under of 59.5 - a Super Bowl record.
The problem is that if we're hoping for a great game and lots of points, history isn't on our side. Here are the four highest-scoring Super Bowls of all time, only one of which ended in a one-score game.
4. Super Bowl XIII - Steelers 35, Cowboys 31
Jan. 21, 1979
Total points: 66
Offensive stars: (PIT) Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, Lynn Swann, John Stallworth - (DAL) Roger Staubach, Tony Dorsett, Drew Pearson
Widely considered one of the best Super Bowls ever, the Steelers' close victory over the Cowboys was the exception - not the rule - when it comes to high-scoring Super Bowls. Pittsburgh's dominating defense had begun to slip, so the game became a shootout between two offenses stacked with Hall of Fame talents. Big plays were plentiful, highlighted by Lynn Swann's now-legendary leaping catch. It took some time for the scoring to get going, however, with the teams combining for 28 points in the fourth quarter.
2*. Super Bowl XXXVII - Buccaneers 48, Raiders 21
*Tied for second place
Jan. 26, 2003
Total points: 69
Offensive stars: (TB) Brad Johnson, Keyshawn Johnson - (OAK) Rich Gannon, Jerry Rice, Tim Brown
Of the 69 points scored in the "Jon Gruden Bowl," 27 were by defenses or special teams units. Three of Rich Gannon's five interceptions were returned for touchdowns by the Bucs, while the Raiders gave themselves a glimmer of hope at the start of the fourth quarter by returning a blocked punt to bring the score to 34-15. But in the end, the game wasn't close. Oakland's top-ranked offense was stymied by Tampa Bay's defense, aided by Gruden's knowledge of his former team's offense.
2*. Super Bowl XXVII - Cowboys 52, Bills 17
*Tied for second place
Jan. 31, 1993
Total points: 69
Offensive stars: (DAL) Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin - (BUF) Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Andre Reed
Just like Patriots-Falcons, Super Bowl XXVII featured an embarrassment of riches on the offensive side of the ball. Both teams were able to score any way they wanted, but it was Dallas' triplets who stole the day. Troy Aikman threw four touchdowns, Michael Irvin caught two, and Emmitt Smith rushed for over 100 yards and a score in a dominating display. The Cowboys blew the Bills away in the fourth quarter, scoring three touchdowns and sealing Buffalo's third straight Super Bowl loss. It's the joint-third-highest margin of victory in Super Bowl history.
1. Super Bowl XXIX - 49ers 49, Chargers 26
Jan. 29, 1995
Total points: 75
Offensive stars: (SF) Steve Young, Jerry Rice, Ricky Watters - (SD) Natrone Means
On the back of a record-setting performance from Steve Young, the 49ers and Chargers combined for 10 total touchdowns, the most in NFL history. Young threw six of them and remains the only quarterback to achieve the feat. Few believed the Chargers were capable of an upset before the game, and they never seriously threatened the 49ers. San Francisco jumped to an 18-point lead at halftime and never looked back in one of the least competitive Super Bowls ever.