What is the lowest scoring Super Bowl game in NFL history?

Over the years, NFL fans have seen thrilling comebacks, record-breaking performances and games packed with points. From shootouts that crossed the 70-point mark to last-minute touchdowns that decided champions, the NFL’s biggest stage rarely disappoints in terms of excitement.

On the other hand, not every Super Bowl turns into an offensive show. Sometimes, the focus is on defensive systems and field position battles instead of quarterbacks and wide receivers. One championship game stands noteworthy in history because the score was very low. It is still the Super Bowl with the fewest points scored, and it shocked millions of people around the world.

The record-setting low Super Bowl game

The lowest-scoring Super Bowl in NFL history was Super Bowl LIII, played on February 3rd 2019. In that game, the New England Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams by a score of 13-3. The two teams combined for just 16 total points, the fewest ever in a Super Bowl.



The game was held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Expectations were high heading into the contest. The Rams had one of the league’s most explosive offenses that season, while the Patriots were led by veteran quarterback Tom Brady. Many fans expected a high-scoring battle. Instead, they witnessed a defensive showdown.

Neither team scored a touchdown in the first three quarters. In fact, the score was just 3-3 late into the third quarter. It was the first Super Bowl in history where no touchdowns were scored through three quarters.

Finally, in the fourth quarter, Patriots running back Sony Michel scored on a short touchdown run to give New England the lead. A later field goal extended the advantage to 13-3. The Rams struggled to move the ball consistently, and their offense was unable to respond.



Wide receiver Julian Edelman was named Super Bowl MVP after recording 10 catches for 141 yards. Although there were no explosive scoring plays, his steady performance made the difference. Before Super Bowl LIII, the previous lowest total in a championship game was 21 points. The 16 point total in 2019 broke that record and set a new mark that still stands today.

While some fans called it boring, others appreciated the tactical battle between two strong defenses. It proved that even on the biggest stage, defence can take center stage and decide the outcome.

Super Bowl LIII may not be remembered for fireworks, but it will always be remembered for rewriting the record books in the most unexpected way.



Get the latest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 updates, including the full schedule, teams, live scores, points table, and key series stats such as top run-scorers and wicket-takers.