What was the lowest-scoring Super Bowl ever? A historic outlier
- - What was the lowest-scoring Super Bowl ever? A historic outlier
Jacob Camenker, USA TODAYFebruary 8, 2026 at 10:31 PM
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What was the lowest-scoring Super Bowl ever? A historic outlier
The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks are set to square off in Super Bowl 60. The matchup could end up being a low-scoring one, as both teams sport excellent defenses.
Seattle's year-long defensive performance has been stellar, as the team ranks No. 2 overall in defensive EPA per play, per the NFL's Next Gen Stats. Meanwhile, New England has allowed a league-low 8.7 points per game across three playoff games, and will look to continue its defensive hot streak in Super Bowl 60.
Even if Super Bowl 60 is of the lower-scoring variety, it won't be easy for it to match the lowest-scoring Super Bowl in NFL history. That occurred just seven years ago, the last time the Patriots participated in the Big Game.
Here's what to know about the lowest-scoring Super Bowl of the NFL's first 59.
Super Bowl VII (Dolphins 14, Washington 7): Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Manny Fernandez (75) tackles Washington running back Larry Brown (43) in Super Bowl VII at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Dolphins completed a 17-0 undefeated season with the win.
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Super Bowl VII (Dolphins 14, Washington 7): Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Manny Fernandez (75) tackles Washington running back Larry Brown (43) in Super Bowl VII at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Dolphins completed a 17-0 undefeated season with the win.
">Super Bowl VII (Dolphins 14, Washington 7): Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Manny Fernandez (75) tackles Washington running back Larry Brown (43) in Super Bowl VII at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Dolphins completed a 17-0 undefeated season with the win.
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Super Bowl XVI (49ers 26, Bengals 21): San Francisco 49ers defensive back Ronnie Lott (42) celebrates a goal line stand against the Cincinnati Bengals during Super Bowl XVI at the Silverdome.
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Super Bowl XVI (49ers 26, Bengals 21): San Francisco 49ers defensive back Ronnie Lott (42) celebrates a goal line stand against the Cincinnati Bengals during Super Bowl XVI at the Silverdome.
">Super Bowl XVI (49ers 26, Bengals 21): San Francisco 49ers defensive back Ronnie Lott (42) celebrates a goal line stand against the Cincinnati Bengals during Super Bowl XVI at the Silverdome.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/oiacdQYWwAO1.6iaV7c1BA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzk0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9fd6a1fc6419cf0dcdf6cc28836dfde1 class=caas-img>Super Bowl XVII (Washington 27, Dolphins 17): Washington running back John Riggins (44) breaks loose from Miami Dolphins defensive back Don McNeal (28) on a 43-yard touchdown run during Super Bowl XVII at the Rose Bowl.
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Super Bowl XVII (Washington 27, Dolphins 17): Washington running back John Riggins (44) breaks loose from Miami Dolphins defensive back Don McNeal (28) on a 43-yard touchdown run during Super Bowl XVII at the Rose Bowl.
">Super Bowl XVII (Washington 27, Dolphins 17): Washington running back John Riggins (44) breaks loose from Miami Dolphins defensive back Don McNeal (28) on a 43-yard touchdown run during Super Bowl XVII at the Rose Bowl.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0QgdaSE2_fLjuPrkyB2_lg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzk0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/44e1f070fd7e76350ebdd3b6471f8e59 class=caas-img>Super Bowl XVIII (Raiders 38, Washington 9): Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) carries the ball against Washington safety Mark Murphy (29) during Super Bowl XVIII at Tampa Stadium.
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Super Bowl XVIII (Raiders 38, Washington 9): Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) carries the ball against Washington safety Mark Murphy (29) during Super Bowl XVIII at Tampa Stadium.
">Super Bowl XVIII (Raiders 38, Washington 9): Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) carries the ball against Washington safety Mark Murphy (29) during Super Bowl XVIII at Tampa Stadium.
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Super Bowl XXII (Washington 42, Broncos 10): Washington quarterback Doug Williams (17) looks to throw against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XXII at Jack Murphy Stadium.
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Super Bowl XXII (Washington 42, Broncos 10): Washington quarterback Doug Williams (17) looks to throw against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XXII at Jack Murphy Stadium.
">Super Bowl XXII (Washington 42, Broncos 10): Washington quarterback Doug Williams (17) looks to throw against the Denver Broncos during Super Bowl XXII at Jack Murphy Stadium.
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Super Bowl XXIV (49ers 55, Broncos 10) : San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig (33) celebrates with teammates against the Denver Broncos at the Superdome. The 55 points scored by the 49ers remains a Super Bowl record.
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Super Bowl XXIV (49ers 55, Broncos 10) : San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig (33) celebrates with teammates against the Denver Broncos at the Superdome. The 55 points scored by the 49ers remains a Super Bowl record.
">Super Bowl XXIV (49ers 55, Broncos 10) : San Francisco 49ers running back Roger Craig (33) celebrates with teammates against the Denver Broncos at the Superdome. The 55 points scored by the 49ers remains a Super Bowl record.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/_KP.Wj6F25jqHM2qjBpeSw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03ODE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4ef1ec8befbeb46b035dba90223acba3 class=caas-img>
Super Bowl XXVI (Washington 37, Bills 24): Washington cornerback Alvoid Mays (20) hits Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly (12), causing him to fumble during Super Bowl XXVI at the Metrodome.
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Super Bowl XXVI (Washington 37, Bills 24): Washington cornerback Alvoid Mays (20) hits Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly (12), causing him to fumble during Super Bowl XXVI at the Metrodome.
">Super Bowl XXVI (Washington 37, Bills 24): Washington cornerback Alvoid Mays (20) hits Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly (12), causing him to fumble during Super Bowl XXVI at the Metrodome.
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Super Bowl XL (Steelers 21, Seahawks 10): Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward jumps in the air and scores after catching a 43-yard touchdown pass from fellow wideout Antwaan Randle El.
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Super Bowl XL (Steelers 21, Seahawks 10): Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward jumps in the air and scores after catching a 43-yard touchdown pass from fellow wideout Antwaan Randle El.
">Super Bowl XL (Steelers 21, Seahawks 10): Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward jumps in the air and scores after catching a 43-yard touchdown pass from fellow wideout Antwaan Randle El.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/KAE955wRx.IwuR5hAKpHzg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NTA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a1714991d0fc88dd3a7e1c9451443955 class=caas-img>
Super Bowl 51 (Patriots 34, Falcons 28 - OT): New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman hauls in a catch off a deflected pass that would help New England mount the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. The game also featured the first ever overtime in a Super Bowl.
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Super Bowl 51 (Patriots 34, Falcons 28 - OT): New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman hauls in a catch off a deflected pass that would help New England mount the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. The game also featured the first ever overtime in a Super Bowl.
">Super Bowl 51 (Patriots 34, Falcons 28 - OT): New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman hauls in a catch off a deflected pass that would help New England mount the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. The game also featured the first ever overtime in a Super Bowl.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/nVulejD3RYoro_cHkMA..A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04OTU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c7cfad24b8450f1dea645e14a4d4b2fe class=caas-img>
Super Bowl 53 (Patriots 13, Rams 3): Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore makes a pivotal interception in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With the win, the Patriots tied the Steelers for most Super Bowl victories (six).
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3t__HJNhdrZCTHsKefVJfA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NjI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d66687de9253ee18f98b6aa829ac22b5 class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl photos: Most memorable moments from Super Sunday" data-caption="
Super Bowl 53 (Patriots 13, Rams 3): Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore makes a pivotal interception in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With the win, the Patriots tied the Steelers for most Super Bowl victories (six).
">Super Bowl 53 (Patriots 13, Rams 3): Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore makes a pivotal interception in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. With the win, the Patriots tied the Steelers for most Super Bowl victories (six).
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3t__HJNhdrZCTHsKefVJfA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05NjI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d66687de9253ee18f98b6aa829ac22b5 class=caas-img>Super Bowl 55 (Buccaneers 31, Chiefs 9): Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski spikes the football after catching a touchdown pass during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/e.gM_1u8YqJ5EcyfbcveqA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2a334f084d771f502e1ada85f46ca34a class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl photos: Most memorable moments from Super Sunday" data-caption="
Super Bowl 55 (Buccaneers 31, Chiefs 9): Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski spikes the football after catching a touchdown pass during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium.
">Super Bowl 55 (Buccaneers 31, Chiefs 9): Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski spikes the football after catching a touchdown pass during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/e.gM_1u8YqJ5EcyfbcveqA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/2a334f084d771f502e1ada85f46ca34a class=caas-img>Super Bowl 56 (Rams 23, Bengals 20): Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp catches the game-winning touchdown pass as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple defends at SoFi Stadium.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8_hMZwURbetl8Ts7PPEFvw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNTcw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/50427da23e68bba8ae529429f9e634d6 class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl photos: Most memorable moments from Super Sunday" data-caption="
Super Bowl 56 (Rams 23, Bengals 20): Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp catches the game-winning touchdown pass as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple defends at SoFi Stadium.
">Super Bowl 56 (Rams 23, Bengals 20): Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp catches the game-winning touchdown pass as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple defends at SoFi Stadium.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8_hMZwURbetl8Ts7PPEFvw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNTcw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/50427da23e68bba8ae529429f9e634d6 class=caas-img>Super Bowl 57 (Chiefs 38, Eagles 35): The Chiefs' Kadarius Toney (19) is tackled by the Philadelphia Eagles' Nakobe Dean (17) and Arryn Siposs (8) after a Super Bowl-record 65-yard punt return at State Farm Stadium.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ern4KjFwGhKTIsMntEnIug--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a22d6ed89474dd3d0749f4c0d9661d64 class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl photos: Most memorable moments from Super Sunday" data-caption="
Super Bowl 57 (Chiefs 38, Eagles 35): The Chiefs' Kadarius Toney (19) is tackled by the Philadelphia Eagles' Nakobe Dean (17) and Arryn Siposs (8) after a Super Bowl-record 65-yard punt return at State Farm Stadium.
">Super Bowl 57 (Chiefs 38, Eagles 35): The Chiefs' Kadarius Toney (19) is tackled by the Philadelphia Eagles' Nakobe Dean (17) and Arryn Siposs (8) after a Super Bowl-record 65-yard punt return at State Farm Stadium.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ern4KjFwGhKTIsMntEnIug--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a22d6ed89474dd3d0749f4c0d9661d64 class=caas-img>Super Bowl 58 (Chiefs 25, 49ers 22, OT): Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. (12) celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the San Francisco 49ers.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/dB_mQZy1IsJdwFMAleH5ow--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/fb9af975a9d88ddc82a06603e289d79c class=caas-img data-headline="Super Bowl photos: Most memorable moments from Super Sunday" data-caption="
Super Bowl 58 (Chiefs 25, 49ers 22, OT): Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. (12) celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the San Francisco 49ers.
">Super Bowl 58 (Chiefs 25, 49ers 22, OT): Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman Jr. (12) celebrates with quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) after the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the San Francisco 49ers.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/dB_mQZy1IsJdwFMAleH5ow--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/fb9af975a9d88ddc82a06603e289d79c class=caas-img>
1 / 58Super Bowl photos: Most memorable moments from Super SundaySuper Bowl I (Packers 35, Chiefs 10): Green Bay Packers running back Jim Taylor (31) follows the blocks of Jerry Kramer (64), Marv Fleming (81) and Forrest Gregg (75) against the Kansas City Chiefs at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.What was the lowest-scoring Super Bowl ever?
Super Bowl 53 was the lowest-scoring Super Bowl in NFL history. The New England Patriots won their sixth Lombardi Trophy by beating the Los Angeles Rams 13-3 during a game where just one touchdown was scored.
The lone touchdown came in the fourth quarter and broke a 3-all tie. Sony Michel punched in the lone score on a 2-yard touchdown run after a 29-yard connection between Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski gave New England a red-zone opportunity.
Despite Super Bowl 53's lack of offense, an offensive player still won MVP. Julian Edelman earned the honors after making 10 catches for 141 yards, accounting for more than half of Tom Brady's 262 passing yards.
Speaking of Brady, Super Bowl 53 marked the only of his 10 Super Bowl appearances during which he failed to record a touchdown. He completed 21 of 35 passes for 262 yards and an interception while losing two yards on two kneel-downs at the end of regulation.
Meanwhile, the Rams became just the second team in Super Bowl history not to score a touchdown in the defeat, joining the Miami Dolphins, who also managed just a single field goal in their 24-3 Super Bowl 6 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. They have since been joined by the Kansas City Chiefs, who only notched field goals in their 31-9 Super Bowl 55 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Lowest-scoring Super Bowls
The Patriots vs. Rams Super Bowl broke a 46-year-old record, as the Super Bowl 7 clash between Miami and Washington was previously the lowest-scoring.
Below is a look at the five lowest-scoring Super Bowls in NFL history:
Super Bowl 53: New England Patriots 13, Los Angeles Rams 3 (16 total points)
Super Bowl 7: Miami Dolphins 14, Washington Redskins 7 (21 total points)
Super Bowl 9: Pittsburgh Steelers 16, Minnesota Vikings 6 (22 total points)
Super Bowl 3: New York Jets 16, Baltimore Colts 7 (23 total points)
Super Bowl 6: Dallas Cowboys 24, Miami Dolphins 3 (27 total points)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lowest-scoring Super Bowl: Which game featured the least points
Source: “AOL Sports”
