Every Super Bowl starts with analysts and sportsbooks creating a comprehensive script to establish who will be favored in the contest and which teams have minimal chances of winning. Super Bowl odds establish specific outcomes by predicting winning and loser teams. But in all its chaos and glory, football has a way of shredding that script to pieces. This sport sometimes demonstrates more dedication through determination and courage rather than mathematical probability. The history of the big game includes moments when underdog teams produced unexpected victories, like when the New York Giants defeated the undefeated Patriots in 2008, and Joe Namath delivered both the prophecy and then achieved the win during Super Bowl III. History records these extraordinary stories about enduring unimaginable difficulties to achieve breakthroughs that shape the unpredictable narrative of sports.
St. Louis Rams (1999)
With the management of Dick Vermeil, the St. Louis Rams underwent a sudden transformation when they added Marshall Faulk while developing Torry Holt, and Kurt Warner emerged during Trent Green’s knee injury recovery. Warner managed the offensive gameplan for the “Greatest Show on Turf” team, earning him MVP at Super Bowl XXXIV after defeating the Titans 23-16 to secure the first championship in 1949.
Cincinnati Bengals (2021)
When Joe Burrow returned to play, and Ja’Marr Chase established rookie record highs, the 2021 Cincinnati Bengals team moved from extreme underdog status to postseason potential in preseason predictions. While facing defensive line issues throughout their exceptional season, they managed to secure 13 victories, beating the Chiefs during crucial second-half periods to become a historical underdog success story of the NFL.
Carolina Panthers (2003)
Preseason bookmakers had no faith in the 2003 Carolina Panthers, who achieved astonishing success under the guidance of John Fox despite their +10000 odds. Delhomme stepped up as the surprising quarterback, and Smith made crucial touchdown plays that included a playoff victory comeback. The determined Panthers reached Super Bowl XXXVIII, where they lost against the Patriots by a slim margin in a 32-29 final score.
San Diego Chargers (1994)
A season’s betting probability of +7500 positioned the 1994 San Diego Chargers as unexpected challengers. Junior Seau controlled this team with defensive excellence and offensive reliability during their surprise run to the playoffs. The team’s perfect 6-0 late autumn beginning turned into dramatic playoff triumphs against the Dolphins and then Steelers before their fairy tale run ended in Super Bowl XXIX against the 49ers powerhouse.
Atlanta Falcons (2016)
With the creative offense designed by Kyle Shanahan, the 2016 Atlanta Falcons set NFL records by scoring 33.8 points per game, which secured Matt Ryan his MVP title. Facing the Seahawks along with the Packers in earlier matches, the Atlanta Falcons built a commanding 28-3 Super Bowl LI lead over the Patriots, which later disappeared in overtime. The devastating defeat came to be seen as a turning point because the group could never restore their offensive supremacy afterward.
Cincinnati Bengals (1981)
During 1981, the +6000 pre-season betting odds were shattered after Ken Anderson won the MVP award at age 32, leading the Bengals to victory as team leader Anderson guided the Bengals toward their first division victory, followed by a “Freezer Bowl” victory over the Chargers then a historic first-ever appearance in the Super Bowl. Despite their defeat by the 49ers, the team achieved legendary status and an unlikely rise from the ranks.
New England Patriots (2001)
Tom Brady took over for Drew Bledsoe after an injury because the 2001 New England Patriots were coming off their 5-11 record during the previous season. With Bill Belichick leading the defense and Brady providing team leadership, the Patriots earned 11 victories and conquered the Rams for the Super Bowl XXXVI championship. Brady began his professional journey through this exceptional year as the Patriots established their path to becoming a dynasty.
Atlanta Falcons (1998)
The 1998 Atlanta Falcons defeated +6000 preseason betting odds expectations to establish a spectacular 14-2 record by effectively having Jamal Anderson become an All-Pro and Chris Chandler throw. The Falcons clinched their spot in franchise annals by defeating the Minnesota Vikings 15-1 in NFC Championship overtime but eventually lost to the Broncos in Super Bowl XXXIII.
New York Giants (2000)
The New York Giants followed a remarkable underdog transformation throughout their 2000 season. The Giants adjusted their outlook to twelve wins and four losses after head coach Jim Fassel took over, along with the success of quarterback Kerry Collins and rushers Tiki Barber and Ron Dayne. Their dominant postseason ended when the Ravens defeated them in Super Bowl XXXV after their 41-0 victory in the NFC Championship finals. Thus started a new chapter in team history.
Carolina Panthers (2015)
During the 2015 season, the Carolina Panthers created a heartwarming tale of sports upsets. The Panthers reached an impressive 15-1 record while Cam Newton earned MVP recognition to lead them through an NFC Championship victory. Despite their Super Bowl 50 loss to Denver’s elite defense, the season is pivotal in franchise history.
San Francisco 49ers (1981)
In 1981, the San Francisco 49ers established their doom under Bill Walsh as Joe Montana blossomed into stardom through the implementation of his West Coast Offense. The three legendary players, Ronnie Lott, Fred Dean, and Dwight Clark, joined forces to establish a powerhouse team that earned their 26-21 Super Bowl XVI win against the Bengals.
Arizona Cardinals (2008)
During the 2008 season, the Arizona Cardinals delivered an inspiring win against all odds. The Cardinals succeeded when Kurt Warner returned to the field with Larry Fitzgerald setting postseason records while the team fought past their 28th-ranked defense to reach Super Bowl XLIII. Although their campaign ended short of victory, the Cards achieved a remarkable spot in team history through their improbable run.
Cincinnati Bengals (1988)
Following their challenging 1987 performance, the Cincinnati Bengals achieved significant success during the 1988 season. Under the leadership of MVP quarterback Boomer Esiason and head coach Sam Wyche, they became the AFC’s number-one seed before reaching Super Bowl XXIII. The season is a historic achievement for the Cincinnati Bengals, even though they lost to the 49ers.
San Francisco 49ers (2019)
San Francisco 49ers delivered a remarkable season change from their initial 4-12 record to their final 13-3 record. Their playoff run began with a perfect combination of rookie star Nick Bosa and Jimmy Garoppolo’s balanced offense, which led them to the NFC’s number one spot. The 49ers approached Super Bowl LIV with dominance during playoff action, yet Patrick Mahomes engineered a late-game rally that finished their pursuit.
Washington (1982)
The 1982 season of Washington became an inspirational tale of defeating expectations because of their speedy scoring offense led by Charlie Brown and their superior defensive system. A historic championship victory occurred after John Riggins set postseason records in addition to his famous Super Bowl XVII touchdown with Miami as their opponent.