The Super Bowl. It’s the pinnacle of American football, a cultural phenomenon, and a betting bonanza. Beyond the thrilling touchdowns and halftime spectacle, the point spread adds another layer of excitement and intrigue. For bettors and casual fans alike, understanding the point spread is key to engaging with the big game. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and examine the point spreads from the last 10 Super Bowls, analyzing which teams not only won but also “covered the spread,” along with the final scores.
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What is the Point Spread?
Before diving into the numbers, a quick explanation of the point spread is in order. The point spread, also known as the line, is a handicap used by oddsmakers to even the playing field between two teams of perceived unequal strength. The favored team “gives” points, represented by a negative number, while the underdog “gets” points, shown as a positive number. For a bet on the favorite to win, they must win by more points than the spread. For a bet on the underdog to win, they can either win the game outright or lose by fewer points than the spread.

Recent Super Bowl Point Spreads, Outcomes, and Final Scores
Here’s a breakdown of the Super Bowl point spreads, results, and final scores from the past 10 years:
- Super Bowl LVIII (2024): San Francisco 49ers (-2) vs. Kansas City Chiefs. Final Score: KC 25 – SF 22. The Chiefs won, covering the spread as underdogs. This exciting matchup saw the Chiefs emerge victorious, defying the odds and rewarding those who bet on them.
- Super Bowl LVII (2023): Philadelphia Eagles (-1.5) vs. Kansas City Chiefs. Final Score: KC 38 – PHI 35. The Chiefs won again, covering the spread as underdogs for the second straight year. A nail-biting contest saw the Chiefs edge out the Eagles, proving their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
- Super Bowl LVI (2022): Los Angeles Rams (-4.5) vs. Cincinnati Bengals. Final Score: LAR 23 – CIN 20. The Rams won thanks to a late, go-ahead score., but the Bengals covered the spread as underdogs. In a great back-and-forth battle, it was Los Angeles that came away with the hard-fought win, though Cincinnati nearly pulled off the upset.
- Super Bowl LV (2021): Kansas City Chiefs (-3) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Final Score: TB 31 – KC 9. The Buccaneers won, covering the spread as underdogs. Tom Brady and the Buccaneers delivered a stunning upset, dismantling the Chiefs’ high-powered offense and securing a decisive victory.
- Super Bowl LIV (2020): Kansas City Chiefs (-1.5) vs. San Francisco 49ers. Final Score: KC 31 – SF 20. The Chiefs won and covered the spread in a thrilling comeback. This game solidified the Chiefs’ status as a championship-caliber team, highlighting their offensive explosiveness and clutch performances.
- Super Bowl LIII (2019): New England Patriots (-2.5) vs. Los Angeles Rams. Final Score: NE 13 – LAR 3. The Patriots won and covered the spread, showcasing their experience and championship pedigree. The Patriots’ victory cemented their dynasty, demonstrating their ability to adapt and execute on the biggest stage.
- Super Bowl LII (2018): New England Patriots (-4.5) vs. Philadelphia Eagles. Final Score: PHI 41 – NE 33. The Eagles won, covering the spread as underdogs in a historic upset. The Eagles’ triumph marked their first Super Bowl victory, showcasing their grit and determination.
- Super Bowl LI (2017): New England Patriots (-3) vs. Atlanta Falcons. Final Score: NE 34 – ATL 28 (OT). The Patriots won and covered the spread in an epic comeback. This game will forever be remembered for the Patriots’ improbable comeback from a 28-3 deficit, showcasing their resilience and never-say-die attitude.
- Super Bowl L (2016): Carolina Panthers (-4.5) vs. Denver Broncos. Final Score: DEN 24 – CAR 10. The Broncos won, covering the spread as underdogs. The Broncos’ victory was a testament to their strong defense, which stifled the Panthers’ potent offense.
Trends and Takeaways
Looking back at these results, a few trends emerge. Underdogs have often proven to be a good bet in recent Super Bowls, demonstrating that the perceived gap between teams isn’t always as wide as the point spread suggests. Upsets happen, and the Super Bowl is no exception. Analyzing past performance against the spread can offer valuable insights, but ultimately, each Super Bowl is a unique event with its own set of circumstances.
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Understanding the point spread adds a fascinating dimension to the Super Bowl experience. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a casual observer, grasping this concept enhances your appreciation for the strategy, the drama, and the excitement of the biggest game in football. So, as you settle in to watch the next Super Bowl, remember the point spread and its role in shaping the narrative of this iconic sporting event.
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