March 11th, 2025
The NFL is packed to the rafters with excitement, skill, and jaw-dropping moments. Over the years, fans have seen unforgettable games where underdogs shocked everyone by upending the hopes of favorites. These upsets are part and parcel of what makes football so exciting to watch.
From proving "unbeatable" teams wrong, to showing the strength of smaller teams, these games teach us about unexpected wins and never giving up. Let’s look back at four of the biggest NFL upsets and what made them so noteworthy.
Super Bowl III (1969): Jets Sink the Colts
Few upsets are as iconic as Super Bowl III, when Joe Namath and the New York Jets stunned the heavily favored Baltimore Colts. The Jets were the underdogs by a whopping 18 points and came from the upstart AFL, which many doubted could compete with the NFL’s top-tier teams.
Namath’s infamous “guarantee” that his Jets would win was initially dismissed as bravado. But backed by a strong defensive performance, he led New York to a 16-7 victory, shocking the football world and earning the AFL much-needed respect.
This wasn’t just a win for the Jets—it was a victory for the league itself and played no small part in the eventual full AFL-NFL merger. It’s also a reminder to bettors that successful betting on NFL games can come down to much more than the numbers - sometimes even the most outlandish bet can provide returns (but research is still key).
And the takeaway? Never underestimate a confident quarterback and a fired-up defense.
Patriots vs. Rams (Super Bowl XXXVI, 2002): The Birth of a Dynasty
The St. Louis Rams—nicknamed “The Greatest Show on Turf” boasted one of the most effective offenses in NFL history. Led by MVP Kurt Warner, the Rams entered the 2002 Super Bowl as 14-point favorites, and with good reason. They had dominated the season with speed, creativity, and power.
Enter a young Tom Brady and his New England Patriots—a team most football fans saw as nothing more than placeholders - far from serious contenders.. But the Patriots’ defense stifled the Rams' explosive plays, and Brady delivered in the clutch, setting up Adam Vinatieri’s game-winning field goal as time expired.
This shocking 20-17 victory not only crowned the Patriots as champions but also marked the beginning of what would become the Brady-Belichick dynasty. It’s a case study in perseverance and strategy—two factors that allow teams to defy even the most stacked rosters and prove NFL news headlines wrong.
Giants Ruin Perfection (Super Bowl XLII, 2008): 18-1 Belongs to NY
The 2007 New England Patriots were trying to make history. They entered Super Bowl XLII with an unblemished 18-0 record and had shattered offensive records all season. They were poised to be crowned the greatest team in NFL history.
But the New York Giants, led by Eli Manning, had other plans. Clinging to a strategy of relentless defense and just enough offense, the Giants pulled off one of the most exhilarating finishes in football history. Manning’s miraculous escape-and-heave to David Tyree (the now-famous “Helmet Catch”) will forever epitomize this upset. Final score? 17-14.
Jaguars Shock the Broncos (1996 Divisional Round)
Back in ’96, the Jacksonville Jaguars were just a second-year franchise, and nobody expected a deep playoff run. Facing the Denver Broncos in the AFC Divisional game, sportsbooks had the Broncos favored by a hefty 12 points, supported by Hall-of-Fame quarterback John Elway.
But the Jaguars stunned the Mile High crowd with an impressive 30-27 win, led by quarterback Mark Brunell’s escapability and a calm rushing attack. Up until that game, the Jaguars weren’t even considered contenders.
This game solidified their place in franchise history as giant slayers and proved that anything is possible, even for an inexperienced squad. For NFL fans, it was an awe-inspiring moment that had the league buzzing for weeks.
The Magic of the Underdog
What makes these upsets so compelling is the unpredictability of the NFL. On any given Sunday—or Super Bowl day—the unthinkable can happen. Underdogs might lack elite rosters, but football is a game where grit, strategy, and inspired play often triumph over sheer talent.
For sports enthusiasts, NFL insights help us learn from these historic moments. For bettors, such games highlight that calculated risks can result in incredible stories and even better returns.
Which game stands out in your memory as the ultimate underdog moment? Share your favorite upsets in the comments below, and if you’re considering your next wager, remember—the most exciting bets are often on the unexpected.