5 most surprising Super Bowl wins in NFL history
Every NFL team has different expectations heading into a new season. Some of them are favorites to make a run at a Super Bowl title, while others are considered long shots. Many factors contribute to a team’s outlook, including the strength of the overall roster and previous performances.
Being a favorite doesn't guarantee success, while at the same time massive underdogs still have a chance to win it all. Each NFL season features surprise teams from both ends of the spectrum. This includes teams that are significantly better or worse than originally projected.
On many occasions, one of the favorites lived up to expectations and ended the season by earning a Super Bowl ring. But there have also been many surprises throughout history as well. Here are five times an NFL team shocked the football world by winning a Super Bowl ring, despite being considered serious underdogs.
#1 - 1968 New York Jets
Prior to the start of the 1966 season, the AFL and NFL officially merged to form a league with one championship. This would become known as the Super Bowl. Many believed that the NFL was a superior league to the AFL, and the Green Bay Packers backed that up by winning the first two Super Bowls.
53 years ago today, Joe Namath made good on his guarantee as the Jets beat the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III.
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The Baltimore Colts entered Super Bowl III as heavy favorites over the New York Jets. Many feared that if the AFL didn't win on this occasion, the merger may have a hard time remaining permanent.
Jets quarterback Joe Namath personally guaranteed victory despite his team being a massive underdog. Shockingly, he delivered on his promise and the Jets won 16-7, potentially saving the modern version of the league.
#2 - 2017 Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles were considered underdogs prior to the start of the 2017 season. Quarterback Carson Wentz had a breakout year, earning the Eagles the top seed in the NFC.
But their underdog looked set to come to an end when Wentz got injured late in the season. This forced Nick Foles to take over as the starting quarterback for their playoff run.
Despite being the top seed, the Eagles were underdogs on the betting line for all of their playoff games that season. They overcame the odds in a big way, which concluded with a 20-14 victory over the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. It was a magical run for Foles, who has mostly been a back-up throughout his career. Foles won the Super Bowl MVP after throwing for 373 yards, three touchdowns and catching a touchdown pass too.