
The Thrill of NFL Super Bowl Rematches: Ranking the Top 11 Showdowns
2025-09-11
Author: Ken Lee
Is there anything more electrifying in the NFL than a rematch of the last Super Bowl? This Sunday, fans will witness the highly anticipated showdown between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, airing as America's Game of the Week on FOX at 4:25 p.m. ET, with the legendary Tom Brady lending his commentary expertise.
In a remarkable twist of fate, this marks the third consecutive year that the league features a Super Bowl rematch, a feat rarer than one might expect with only three such clashes occurring over the previous 25 seasons. With the introduction of a 17th game into the schedule, the odds of this matchup skyrocketing to a near 50-50 chance in years when both Super Bowl teams end up winning their divisions is worth celebrating.
Traditionally, there have only been 10 notable Super Bowl rematches, with a mere singular instance in 58 attempts where the two teams faced off again in the Super Bowl the very next year. To add some flavor to this exciting time, we’re ranking all 11 Super Bowl rematches, considering the quality of the games rather than historical significance.
11. 1977: Oakland Raiders 35, Minnesota Vikings 13
The legendary John Madden’s Raiders dominated the Vikings in their 1976 Super Bowl encounter, winning 32-14. This rematch was equally one-sided, with the Raiders storming to a 21-0 lead in the first quarter. Quarterback Ken Stabler threw three touchdowns on just 15 completions, while running back Mark van Eeghen rumbled for 112 yards and a touchdown.
10. 2017: New England Patriots 23, Atlanta Falcons 7
Following their breathtaking Super Bowl comeback from a 28-3 deficit, the Patriots faced the Falcons again with much less drama. New England took an early 17-0 lead, and despite a last-minute touchdown from Matt Ryan to Julio Jones, the Falcons fell short, struggling on crucial third and fourth downs.
9. 1997: Green Bay Packers 28, New England Patriots 10
After beating the Patriots 35-21 in the Super Bowl, the Packers continued their dominance in the Week 9 rematch. Though New England led at halftime, Brett Favre shone with three touchdown passes, leading to an effortless Green Bay victory.
8. 2024: Kansas City Chiefs 28, San Francisco 49ers 18
Patrick Mahomes had an unconventional showing in this rematch, relying on his legs to secure victory. The game hovered close until the fourth quarter when Mahomes and Mecole Hardman capitalized on their scoring chances. Notably, the 49ers’ star player, Christian McCaffrey, was sidelined due to injury.
7. 1979: Pittsburgh Steelers 14, Dallas Cowboys 3
This matchup showcased the fierce defensive skills of the Steelers, who stifled the Cowboys to just three points. Terry Bradshaw may not have put up flashy numbers, but Franco Harris’s two decisive touchdowns sealed the win.
6. 1970: Minnesota Vikings 27, Kansas City Chiefs 10
The Vikings triumphed in this rematch of Super Bowl IV, winning handily in a season opener. Quarterback Gary Cuozzo, who had an impressive year, guided Minnesota to victory, while the defense shone with a memorable interception from Paul Krause.
5. 1994: Dallas Cowboys 30, Buffalo Bills 13
In a rare instance where the same teams faced each other consecutively in Super Bowls, the Cowboys managed to tie the game ahead of a dominant second half featuring Emmitt Smith's heroic performance.
4. 2023: Philadelphia Eagles 21, Kansas City Chiefs 17
In an intense Week 11 clash, the Eagles came back from a halftime deficit to secure a victory with two rushing touchdowns by Jalen Hurts. Despite Mahomes struggling with his performance, Kansas City had late opportunities but couldn't capitalize.
3. 2016: Denver Broncos 21, Carolina Panthers 20
The rematch was a nail-biter, with the Broncos sneaking away with the win after trailing in the fourth quarter. A missed field goal by Carolina’s Graham Gano saw Denver escape triumphantly.
2. 1993: Buffalo Bills 13, Dallas Cowboys 10
In an emotional victory for the Bills, they clinched a win after a late-game interception sealed the deal. Although the Cowboys would rebound, this match holds a special place in Super Bowl rematch history.
1. 2014: Seattle Seahawks 26, Denver Broncos 20
The Week 3 rematch offered more fireworks than the previous Super Bowl when the Seahawks dramatically pulled ahead but still had to fend off the Broncos’ late-game push. An overtime victory fueled by Marshawn Lynch underscored Seattle’s resilience.