From 28-3 to Mahomes’ magic: the biggest comebacks in Super Bowl history

As we head into Super Bowl LX this Sunday, we’re taking a look back at the historic drama the NFL’s biggest game has delivered over the years. While championships are often decided in the clutch, a special few have featured legendary comebacks that defied logic.

Here’s a look back at the most remarkable comeback victories in Super Bowl history.

Biggest comebacks in Super Bowl history

1. Super Bowl LI - Patriots beat Falcons 34–28 in overtime

The gold standard of all Super Bowl comebacks came on February 5, 2017, when the New England Patriots erased a 25-point deficit, the largest comeback in the game’s history.

Trailing the Atlanta Falcons 28–3 late in the third quarter, Tom Brady orchestrated one of the greatest rallies football has ever seen. The Patriots scored 31 unanswered points, forced overtime, and capped the feat with a James White touchdown run, completing the improbable win in the NFL’s first-ever Super Bowl OT game. No team had ever overcome more than a 10-point deficit in a Super Bowl before this stunning comeback.

This game is so ingrained in NFL history that the scoreline “28-3” has become shorthand for improbable comeback possibility as well as legendary Falcons heartbreak.

2. Super Bowl LIV - Chiefs beat 49ers 31–20

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs delivered another modern classic in Super Bowl LIV in 2020. Down 20–10 late in the third quarter, the Chiefs rallied behind explosive offense to outscore the San Francisco 49ers 21-0 down the stretch.

The comeback showcased Mahomes’ clutch improvisation and mature poise, helping Kansas City secure its first Super Bowl title in 50 years. While not as large as the Patriots’ historic rally, this comeback ranks among the most impressive in recent memory.

3. Super Bowl XLIX - Patriots beat Seahawks 28–24

In arguably one of the most memorable finishes in Super Bowl history, the 2015 Patriots erased a 10-point deficit to outlast the Seattle Seahawks.

While trailing 24–14 in the fourth quarter, New England touchdowns gave them a late lead, and a goal-line interception by Malcolm Butler sealed the victory. It wasn’t just a comeback, but one of the most analyzed plays in football history. And with these two teams back in the Super Bowl this weekend, it’s one that will be talked about a lot this week.

4. Super Bowl LVII - Chiefs beat Eagles 38–35

Another Mahomes-led rally occurred in Super Bowl LVII in 2023, a slugfest with the Philadelphia Eagles. Kansas City trailed 24–14 at halftime before mounting a second-half push, ultimately scoring a late go-ahead touchdown in a game decided by just three points.

While not as dramatic as a 20-plus-point swing, it was nevertheless one of the most thrilling back-and-forth championships in recent league history.

5. Super Bowl XLIV - Saints beat Colts 31–17

Going further back, Super Bowl XLIV in 2010 saw the New Orleans Saints rally from a 10–0 halftime deficit against the Indianapolis Colts.

This turnaround was significant at the time. Prior to Brady’s historic rally, overcoming a double-digit Super Bowl hole was rare. The Saints’ comeback helped deliver the franchise’s first ever championship and remains a beloved moment in New Orleans history.

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