Over the last decade, the Super Bowl has experienced iconic comebacks, rising dynasties, dominant performances and unforgettable plays that continue to shape how fans remember each season.
While every Super Bowl crowns a champion, not every game delivers the same level of excitement or historical significance. Each game had its own unique storyline, but some simply failed to reach the level of excitement fans have come to expect from the NFL’s most watched event.
10) Super Bowl LIII (2019): New England Patriots def. Los Angeles Rams 13-3
Starting at the bottom of the ranking is a game I remember more for its defensive dominance than its entertainment value.
Although defensive battles can be strategically impressive, Super Bowl LIII struggled to captivate me due to its extremely low scoring output.
The game set the record for the lowest-scoring Super Bowl in history. Both the Patriots’ and Rams’ defensive games deserve recognition, but the limited action and absence of dramatic moments makes this the least entertaining Super Bowl of the last decade.
9) Super Bowl LV (2021): Tampa Bay Buccaneers def. Kansas City Chiefs 31-9
Super Bowl LV included some of the most hype for a Super Bowl in history as it featured Tampa Bay’s Tom Brady — widely known as the “Greatest of All Time” after retiring with seven Super Bowl rings, more than any single NFL franchise — against this generation’s greatest player, the Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes, who has been in the Super Bowl five times in his nine-year career. The matchup placed two generational talents frequently mentioned in GOAT discussions on the same field.
However, the game itself failed to live up to expectations, as Tampa Bay’s dominant defensive performance completely shut down Kansas City’s offense, leading to a one-sided result. While historically notable for Brady winning his seventh Super Bowl ring, the lack of competitive balance reduces this game’s entertainment ranking.
8) Super Bowl LIX (2025): Philadelphia Eagles def. Kansas City Chiefs 40-22
Super Bowl LIX had a greater amount of scoring compared to the last two in the rankings. But despite the high final score, this game lost competitiveness early, as the Philadelphia Eagles dominated most of the matchup.
The Eagles built a 40-6 lead over the Chiefs, removing much of the suspense that typically defines great Super Bowls. While the offensive production was impressive, the lack of sustained tension and late-game drama limits the overall entertainment value compared to closer championship contests.
7) Super Bowl LX (2026): Seattle Seahawks def. New England Patriots 29-13
Super Bowl LX included the second-highest scoring offense, the New England Patriots, with the highest-scoring defense, the Seattle Seahawks, for the 2026 season. This matchup carried intrigue due to the historic franchises involved, especially the last Super Bowl the teams played against each other in 2015 with the iconic interception at the 1-yard line.
The Seahawks’ strong defensive performance carried the game, channeling six sacks, three turnovers and a touchdown. There was no drama or momentum shifts in this game, preventing it from ranking higher.
While still a respectable championship performance, especially from Seahawks kicker Jason Myers setting a record of five field goals in a single Super Bowl, it lacked the suspense or iconic moments seen in higher-ranked Super Bowls, like the game-tying drive catch by Patriots’ Julian Edelman.
6) Super Bowl LIV (2020): Kansas City Chiefs def. San Francisco 49ers 31-20
While the previous matchups each had some memorable moments about them, the remaining Super Bowls consistently delivered excitement and more iconic moments that fans hoped to see from a championship game.
This game marked the true arrival of Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes as the NFL’s next dominant superstar as he collected his first Super Bowl ring.
The Chiefs’ comeback victory over the 49ers demonstrated Kansas City’s offensive explosiveness and resilience. Trailing by 10 entering the fourth quarter, the Chiefs scored 21 unanswered points to secure the championship.
While the early portion of the game was slower-paced, the dramatic final quarter solidified its place among the more memorable recent Super Bowls.
5) Super Bowl LII (2018): Philadelphia Eagles def. New England Patriots 41-33
One of the biggest storylines in this Super Bowl was Eagles’ backup quarterback Nick Foles filling in for Carson Wentz late in the 2017-2018 season to lead the Eagles to win their first Super Bowl in franchise history.
Super Bowl LII was defined by offensive creativity and fearless decision-making, and introduced one of the most iconic trick plays in the “Philly Special.” The game featured constant scoring, creating one of the most exciting shootouts I have seen on football’s biggest stage.
4) Super Bowl LVII (2023): Kansas City Chiefs def. Philadelphia Eagles 38-35
The next three Super Bowls in my ranking could be interchangeable. They were all close and extremely entertaining to watch.
Both offenses in Super Bowl LVII operated at an elite level, producing a constant stream of scoring drives that kept me engaged from start to finish.
The game ultimately came down to a last-minute field goal by Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker with eight seconds remaining, making it feel like a game that really was between the two best teams in the NFL and perfect for championship football.
3) Super Bowl LVI (2022): Los Angeles Rams def. Cincinnati Bengals 23-20
Super Bowl LVI stands out because it marked the first championship game without Tom Brady or Patrick Mahomes in five years, allowing new stars to head into the spotlight. The Los Angeles Rams’ Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp delivered in crucial moments, while the Cincinnati Bengals’ Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase represented a new generation of American Football Conference contenders.
The game ended with Kupp receiving a touchdown with 1:25 remaining in the fourth quarter, giving the Rams the 23-20 win. The competitive nature of the game, combined with its transition into a new NFL era, makes it one of the most memorable championships in recent history.
2) Super Bowl LVIII (2024): Kansas City Chiefs def. San Francisco 49ers 25-22 (OT)
Super Bowl LVIII continued the dynasty storyline of Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs while delivering another dramatic overtime finish.
This game was constantly back-and-forth between the Chiefs and 49ers, showcasing elite quarterback play, strong defensive adjustments and clutch late-game execution.
The Chiefs’ ability to consistently perform in high-pressure moments reinforced Mahomes’ growing legacy and gave fans another instant classic expected from Super Bowls.
1) Super Bowl LI (2017): New England Patriots def. Atlanta Falcons 34-28 (OT)
There is no debate for the top spot, the matchup that didn’t just decide a champion, but redefined what fans believe is possible on football’s biggest stage.
Super Bowl LI between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons delivered the most iconic comeback in NFL history, with the Patriots overcoming a 28-3 deficit to defeat the Falcons 34-28 in the first overtime game in Super Bowl history.
The game completely shifted how fans view momentum in football, as Patriots’ Tom Brady led one of the most methodical and clutch second-half performances ever. Beyond the numbers, this game became a cultural sports moment that is still referenced a decade later, cementing its place as the greatest Super Bowl of the last decade.
Ultimately, the Super Bowl represents the peak of the NFL season, where storylines, legacies and unforgettable moments collide under the brightest spotlight in sports. Over the past decade, fans have witnessed legendary comebacks, the rise of new superstars and dominant championship performances that will be remembered for generations.
As the NFL continues to evolve, future championship matchups will look to add their own chapter to the growing legacy of the biggest game in the nation.
Reagan Boschulte can be reached at bosc3829@stthomas.edu.
