In these Super Bowl tilts, defense did win championships, as the games' participants struggled to find the end zone on the biggest stage in football.

The Super Bowl is a showcase of the best teams in pro football every year. Sometimes that means high-flying offenses captivating fans in the final game of the season. But it can also mean suffocating defenses that dominate opposing offenses, creating a different sort of entertainment. This list of lowest-scoring Super Bowls ever played proves the old adage "defense wins championships."
What Is the Lowest Scoring Super Bowl Of All Time?
Super Bowl LIII between the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams finished with a 13-3 final score in favor of the Patriots, becoming the lowest scoring game in Super Bowl history. Setting the record for the fewest points in a Super Bowl is noteworthy, but it's even more interesting when you consider the teams involved. Both the Patriots and Rams had elite offenses that season, with one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history Tom Brady leading the Pats, while Sean McVay's potent Rams offense was near the top of the NFL in rushing yards, passing yards and scoring that season.

5 Lowest-Scoring Super Bowls in NFL History
1. Super Bowl LIII: Patriots 13, Rams 3
While Super Bowl LIII was low-scoring, it was competitive throughout, making it an entertaining game despite the lack of offensive fireworks. The teams were tied at 3-3 until the fourth quarter, when the Patriots finished the game with 10 unanswered points. Sony Michel scored the lone touchdown of this Super Bowl, plunging into the end zone from two yards out to give New England a 10-3 lead they never relinquished. Fortunately for Rams fans, the club got back to the big game and won Super Bowl LVI just three seasons later.
2. Super Bowl VII: Dolphins 14, Redskins 7
Less sophisticated offenses and rules allowing defenses to be more physical often made early Super Bowls into defensive slugfests. Super Bowl VII was the poster child of such affairs, as the teams ground out 325 combined rushing yards and leaned on their defenses all day long. Washington’s only score in this game came on a blocked kick, while the Dolphins made the most of three Redskins turnovers.
3. Super Bowl IX: Steelers 16, Vikings 6
When both defenses have their own iconic nickname, rest assured you’re in for a low-scoring game. Pittsburgh’s Steel Curtain took on Minnesota's Purple People Eaters in Super Bowl IX, treating fans to a brutal display of bone-crunching hits and nearly as much scoring from the defenses as the offenses. This game featured a safety, blocked kick, defensive TD, 13 punts and seven turnovers. In the end, Pittsburgh's offense stole the show, as Terry Bradshaw threw a TD pass and Franco Harris rushed for another to give the Steelers their first of many Super Bowl wins.
4. Super Bowl III: Jets 16, Colts 7
Super Bowl III is known for Joe Namath's famous guarantee that the Jets would beat the Colts despite being 19.5-point underdogs. It's sometimes overlooked, however, as a game in which both offenses were less than sharp. Despite his bravado, Namath wasn’t overly impressive in the game — he threw for 206 yards and no touchdowns. But he avoided turning the ball over and managed the game effectively while his defense shut down the Colts and forced five turnovers, giving New York a legendary victory.
5. Super Bowl VI: Cowboys 24, Dolphins 3
Super Bowl VI showcased a relentless defensive performance by the Dallas Cowboys, who stifled the Miami Dolphins' typically potent offense, allowing only a single field goal. The Cowboys forced three turnovers and held Miami to just 185 total yards. Dallas complemented their defensive brilliance with a steady offensive showing, rushing for more than 250 yards while QB Roger Staubach threw two touchdown passes to help secure the dominant victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the lowest scoring Super Bowl ever?
The lowest score in Super Bowl history came from Super Bowl LIII in 2019 between the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams. That game saw 16 total points scored, with the Patriots winning 13-3.
Has there ever been a scoreless Super Bowl?
There has never been a Super Bowl in which either team was held scoreless.
What factors contribute to low-scoring Super Bowl games?
The quality of the defenses on the field is the primary contributor to Super Bowls with low point totals. Turnovers and special teams errors are also a common ingredient in such games. The lowest scoring games mentioned above involved some of the all-time greatest defenses, coached by elite defensive minds.
What was the highest-scoring Super Bowl of all time?
On the flip side, the highest score in a Super Bowl came in Super Bowl XXIX between the San Francisco 49ers and San Diego Chargers. The Niners won that game 49-26 with 75 total points being scored.
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