Has Any Team Not Scored in the Super Bowl?

By Sarah Miller · January 11, 2048

In the history of the Super Bowl, no team has ever failed to score a single point. Every participating team in the 58 Super Bowl games through February 2024 has recorded at least one score, whether through a touchdown, field goal, safety, or extra point.

Understanding Scoring in the Super Bowl

The Super Bowl, the annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL), features two teams competing for the title under standard NFL rules. Scoring is a fundamental part of football, and even in dominant defensive performances, some form of points are typically registered by both sides.

Why Has Every Team Scored?

NFL teams are highly skilled, with offenses capable of capitalizing on mistakes.
Field position and special teams often lead to at least a field goal.
Safeties, worth two points, can occur due to penalties or defensive pressure in the end zone.
Even losing teams usually score late in the game when trailing significantly.

Closest Instances: Lowest-Scoring Performances

While no team has been held scoreless, several have managed only a single field goal or safety. These represent the closest any team has come to being shut out.

Super Bowl	Team	Final Score (Team)	Opponent	Opponent Score	Year
XLVII	San Francisco 49ers	3	Baltimore Ravens	34	2013
L	Carolina Panthers	10	Denver Broncos	24	2016
XLIII	Arizona Cardinals	23	Pittsburgh Steelers	27	2009
LV	Kansas City Chiefs	9	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	31	2021
LI	Atlanta Falcons	28	New England Patriots	34	2017

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights some of the lowest-scoring performances in Super Bowl history. The 2013 San Francisco 49ers scored just 3 points, the fewest by any team in a Super Bowl. Despite this, they still avoided a shutout thanks to a first-half field goal. Even in lopsided games, such as Super Bowl LV where the Chiefs were limited to 9 points, scoring occurred via multiple field goal attempts.

Historical Context and NFL Dominance

The NFL's competitive balance, driven by salary caps, drafts, and extensive preparation, ensures that teams reaching the Super Bowl are among the best in the league. This high level of play makes complete offensive failures extremely rare.

Factors Preventing Scoreless Outcomes

Special Teams Contributions: Field goals and safeties provide low-risk scoring opportunities.
Momentum Shifts: Even if dominated, a turnover or long return can lead to quick points.
Game Strategy: Coaches prioritize avoiding historic embarrassments, focusing on at least minimal scoring.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scoring in the Super Bowl

Has any team been shut out in the Super Bowl?

No. As of Super Bowl LVIII in 2024, every team that has played in the Super Bowl has scored at least one point. The fewest points scored by a team is 3, achieved by the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII.

What is the lowest score ever in a Super Bowl?

The lowest total score by a single team is 3 points, recorded by the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII against the Baltimore Ravens. They managed only one field goal throughout the game.

Has a team ever scored a safety but no other points?

No team has scored solely via a safety without adding further points. However, safeties have contributed to final scores, such as the Dallas Cowboys recording a safety in Super Bowl XXVII, though they went on to win 52–17.

Which Super Bowl had the biggest blowout?

Super Bowl XXIV holds the record for the largest margin of victory: the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Denver Broncos 55–10. Despite the lopsided result, Denver still managed 10 points, demonstrating that even in overwhelming defeats, scoring occurs.

Could a team be held scoreless in a future Super Bowl?

Theoretically possible, but extremely unlikely. Modern NFL offenses are too efficient, and rule changes favor scoring. Additionally, strategic decisions like attempting field goals or benefiting from safeties make a zero-point outcome improbable, even in mismatched games.