In the 
NFL world, or even just sports in general, it’s long been said that defense wins championships, as fans can appreciate the strategic prowess of defensive-minded coaches and the physicality of elite defensive players.
However, when it comes to the Super Bowl, the narrative often takes a turn toward the high-flying, explosive world of offense. And it’s likely safe to say that most NFL fans, while acknowledging the importance of a stout defense, find themselves clamoring for the excitement that comes with explosive offensive plays in the biggest game of the season.
The allure of record-breaking touchdowns, long bombs, and daring plays typically tends to overshadow the gritty defensive battles. Again, while fans can respect the strategic mastery of defensive units, it’s the offensive fireworks that, for the most part, tend to create the most magical and memorable moments in Super Bowl history.
With that in mind, here’s a look at the five highest-scoring Super Bowls in NFL history.
Biggest Comebacks in Super Bowl History
The biggest comeback in Super Bowl history will likely never be matched.
1
75 points, Super Bowl 29: 49ers 49, Chargers 26
Super Bowl 29, which was played at the end of the 1994 season, featured the 
San Francisco 49ers taking on the San Diego Chargers and remains the highest-scoring Super Bowl to date. The two teams combined to score a record 75 points, with the 49ers dominating the Chargers by a score of 49-26.
Quarterback Steve Young, who’d taken NFL MVP honors for the second time in three years, delivered a performance for the ages, setting a Super Bowl record with six touchdown passes, three of which went to Jerry Rice. Two went to running back Ricky Watters, who also found the end zone on the ground, and another went to rookie fullback William Floyd.
As for the Chargers, their three touchdowns were scored by Natrone Means on a 1-yard rush, Andre Coleman on a 98-yard kickoff return, and Tony Martin on a 30-yard pass from Stan Humphries. Tack on a John Carney field goal and an extra point and a pair of two-point conversions, and you’ve got your 26 points.
Young’s historic performance earned him Super Bowl MVP honors, and the victory marked the 49ers’ fifth Super Bowl title, at the time the most in NFL history.
2
74 points, Super Bowl 51: Eagles 41, Patriots 33
Super Bowl 52, the final contest of the 2017 campaign, delivered an exhilarating showdown between the 
Philadelphia Eagles and the 
New England Patriots, culminating in a memorable shootout featuring an unlikely hero. The contest featured a total of 74 points, as offensive fireworks were supplied by both franchises.
Eagles quarterback Nick Foles, stepping in for the injured Carson Wentz, delivered a stellar performance, outdueling the legendary Tom Brady. Foles threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns, earning Super Bowl MVP honors, and the Eagles’ offensive strategy, including the iconic “Philly Special” trick play in which Foles caught a TD pass, showcased creativity and fearlessness.
Despite the Patriots’ efforts, which included a Super Bowl record 505 passing yards from TB12 and a late-game surge, the Eagles emerged victorious with a final score of 41-33. The back-and-forth nature of the game, highlighted by critical defensive plays and offensive brilliance, solidified Super Bowl 52 as one of the most thrilling in history.
3
73 points, Super Bowl 57: Chiefs 38, Eagles 35
To close out the 2022 season, the 
Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles put on an instant classic in Super Bowl 57, combining to score 73 points in one of the highest-scoring Super Bowls of all time.
The highly anticipated matchup showcased stellar performances from high-profile players on both sides, most notably Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts, who not only finished 1-2 in the NFL MVP race but also made history, as the Super Bowl had never before featured two Black starting quarterbacks.
Hurts accounted for four total touchdowns on the day, three on the ground and one through the air, the first three of which came in the first half as he helped the Eagles to a 24-14 halftime lead.
But just as he did in the MVP vote, Mahomes got the better of Hurts, leading four scoring drives in the second half and throwing a pair of touchdown passes in the fourth quarter to lead his team to a 38-35 victory, giving Kansas City its second championship in four years.
4
69 points, Super Bowl 27: Cowboys 52, Bills 17
Super Bowl 27, which followed the 1992 campaign, made its mark as one of the biggest blowouts in Super Bowl history, with the 
Dallas Cowboys overwhelming the 
Buffalo Bills in a resounding 52-17 victory.
The game not only boasted a combined total of 69 points but also emphasized the sheer dominance of the Cowboys on both sides of the ball.
Led by head coach Jimmy Johnson and a star-studded roster featuring the famed “Triplets” trio of quarterback Troy Aikman, running back Emmitt Smith, and wide receiver Michael Irvin, the Cowboys unleashed an offensive onslaught.
Aikman’s four touchdown passes, coupled with Smith’s 108-yard, one-touchdown effort, exemplified the efficiency of the Cowboys’ offensive machine.
Defensively, Dallas proved equally formidable, capitalizing on turnovers and showcasing their prowess in disrupting the Bills’ offensive game plan. Buffalo struggled all day to find its footing, plagued by a Super Bowl record nine turnovers and an inability to contain the Cowboys’ multifaceted attack.
The 52-17 final score not only secured the Cowboys’ third Super Bowl title overall but also began the Dallas dynasty of the ’90s, as this was the first of three titles in four years for America’s Team.
5
69 points, Super Bowl 37: Buccaneers 48, Raiders 21
Super Bowl 37, which was contested at the conclusion of the 2002 season, stands out not only for the 69 combined points scored but also for the dominant performance of the 
Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ defense. The matchup against the Oakland Raiders witnessed an extraordinary defensive display that significantly contributed to the game’s high-scoring nature.
Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden, who was traded to Tampa from the Raiders the previous February, engineered a defensive masterpiece, as his team intercepted Raiders’ quarterback Rich Gannon five times, with three of those interceptions returned for touchdowns.
Cornerback Dwight Smith emerged as one of the biggest defensive heroes with two interception returns for touchdowns, adding to the Buccaneers’ scoring spree en route to a 48-21 victory. The defense’s ability to convert turnovers into points underscored their dominance throughout the game.
While the offense, led by quarterback Brad Johnson, who threw for 215 yards and a pair of touchdowns, obviously helped out, it was the Buccaneers’ defense that will best be remembered in this high-scoring affair.
All stats courtesy of Pro Football Reference unless stated otherwise.
5 Biggest Blowouts in Super Bowl History
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