Have the Atlanta Falcons Ever Won a Super Bowl?

By Sarah Miller · September 17, 2044

The Atlanta Falcons have never won a Super Bowl. Despite reaching the big game twice in their history, they lost both appearances—Super Bowl LI to the New England Patriots and Super Bowl XXXIII to the Denver Broncos.

Atlanta Falcons' Super Bowl History

The Atlanta Falcons, established in 1966, are one of the NFL teams that have yet to claim a Super Bowl title. While they've enjoyed periods of strong performance and playoff success, a championship victory has remained elusive.

Super Bowl Appearances

Super Bowl LI (2017): Falcons vs. New England Patriots — Result: Lost 28–34 in overtime
Super Bowl XXXIII (1999): Falcons vs. Denver Broncos — Result: Lost 14–34

Key Moments in Falcons' Super Bowl Runs

Super Bowl LI: The Collapse Against the Patriots

In the 2016 season, the Falcons posted an 11–5 record and advanced through the NFC playoffs, defeating the Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers. Led by MVP quarterback Matt Ryan, Atlanta built a commanding 28–3 lead over the Patriots in the third quarter of Super Bowl LI.

However, New England mounted the largest comeback in Super Bowl history, tying the game and eventually winning 34–28 in overtime. This loss remains one of the most painful moments in franchise history.

Super Bowl XXXIII: First Appearance

The Falcons reached their first Super Bowl after a surprising 1998 season under head coach Dan Reeves. Quarterback Chris Chandler led a balanced offense, while Jamal Anderson powered the ground attack with his "Dirty Bird" run.

Facing John Elway and the defending champion Denver Broncos, Atlanta was overmatched. They scored early but failed to sustain momentum, losing 14–34. Elway was named Super Bowl MVP.

Franchise Achievements Beyond the Super Bowl

Although the Falcons haven't won the ultimate prize, they've had notable accomplishments:

NFC Championship Game appearances: 4 (1998, 2004, 2012, 2016)
Division titles: 6 (1980, 1998, 2004, 2010, 2012, 2016)
Pro Bowl selections: Over 50 players across decades
Notable players: Matt Ryan (MVP 2016), Julio Jones, Michael Vick, Deion Sanders

Super Bowl	Date	Opponent	Final Score	Falcons Points	Result
XXXIII	January 31, 1999	Denver Broncos	14–34	14	Loss
LI	February 5, 2017	New England Patriots	28–34 (OT)	28	Loss

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows the Falcons were competitive in both Super Bowl appearances, scoring at least 14 points each time. However, defensive breakdowns and inability to close out games—especially in Super Bowl LI—prevented them from securing a win. Their highest point total came in Super Bowl LI, yet they still fell short despite a historic lead.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Atlanta Falcons and the Super Bowl

Have the Atlanta Falcons ever won a Super Bowl?

No, the Atlanta Falcons have never won a Super Bowl. They have appeared in two Super Bowls (XXXIII and LI) but lost both games.

How many times have the Falcons been to the Super Bowl?

The Falcons have reached the Super Bowl twice: Super Bowl XXXIII in 1999 and Super Bowl LI in 2017.

Who did the Falcons lose to in Super Bowl LI?

The Falcons lost to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI with a final score of 28–34 in overtime. The Patriots completed the largest comeback in Super Bowl history.

What year did the Falcons go to their first Super Bowl?

The Atlanta Falcons made their first Super Bowl appearance on January 31, 1999, in Super Bowl XXXIII against the Denver Broncos.

Why haven't the Falcons won a Super Bowl?

While the Falcons have had strong teams, particularly in 1998 and 2016, they faced elite opponents in their Super Bowl runs and struggled with critical mistakes, defensive lapses, and inability to maintain leads under pressure.