How Many Super Bowls Did the Atlanta Falcons Win?

By Sarah Miller · August 27, 2050

The Atlanta Falcons have not won any Super Bowls in their franchise history. Despite appearing in two Super Bowl games (Super Bowl LI and Super Bowl XXXIII), they lost both, resulting in a 0-2 record in the championship game.

Atlanta Falcons' Super Bowl Appearances

The Atlanta Falcons, established in 1966, have made it to the NFL's biggest stage twice but have never captured a Super Bowl title. Their appearances came decades apart, each marked by heartbreak.

Super Bowl XXXIII (1999)

Date: January 31, 1999
Opponent: Denver Broncos
Final Score: Falcons 14 - Broncos 34
Location: Pro Player Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
MVP: John Elway (QB, Broncos)

The Falcons reached the Super Bowl for the first time after a breakout season led by quarterback Chris Chandler and running back Jamal Anderson. However, they were overpowered by a veteran Denver Broncos team led by Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway.

Super Bowl LI (2017)

Date: February 5, 2017
Opponent: New England Patriots
Final Score: Falcons 28 - Patriots 34 (OT)
Location: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
MVP: Tom Brady (QB, Patriots)

This game is infamous for the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. The Falcons held a 28-3 lead late in the third quarter, but the Patriots, led by Tom Brady, rallied to tie the game and win in overtime. This loss remains one of the most painful in NFL postseason history.

Falcons' Path to the Super Bowl

Reaching the Super Bowl is a significant achievement, requiring consistent performance and playoff success. The Falcons have had limited deep playoff runs.

Key Factors in Their Super Bowl Runs

1998 Season: Led by head coach Dan Reeves, the Falcons finished 14-2 and earned the NFC’s top seed. They defeated the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game.
2016 Season: Under head coach Dan Quinn, the Falcons went 11-5 and defeated the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship. Quarterback Matt Ryan had an MVP-caliber season.

Super Bowl	Date	Opponent	Score	Result	Venue	MVP
XXXIII	Jan 31, 1999	Denver Broncos	14–34	Loss	Miami Gardens, FL	John Elway
LI	Feb 5, 2017	New England Patriots	28–34	Loss	Houston, TX	Tom Brady

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows the Falcons’ two Super Bowl appearances with contrasting contexts. In Super Bowl XXXIII, they were outmatched throughout. In Super Bowl LI, they led comfortably before collapsing defensively. Both losses highlight challenges in closing out elite competition under pressure.

Why Haven't the Falcons Won a Super Bowl?

Several factors contribute to the Falcons’ lack of a championship:

Limited sustained excellence in the playoffs
Defensive struggles in high-pressure moments, especially in Super Bowl LI
Front office and coaching turnover affecting long-term development
Injuries during critical seasons post-2016

Despite having star players like Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, and Michael Vick earlier in their career, the team has not been able to maintain peak performance through multiple postseasons.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Atlanta Falcons and the Super Bowl

How many Super Bowls have the Atlanta Falcons won?

The Atlanta Falcons have won zero Super Bowls. They are 0-2 in Super Bowl appearances, losing to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXXIII and the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI.

When was the last time the Falcons played in the Super Bowl?

The Atlanta Falcons last played in the Super Bowl on February 5, 2017 (Super Bowl LI), where they lost to the New England Patriots in overtime after leading 28-3 late in the game.

Who did the Falcons lose to in Super Bowl LI?

The Falcons lost to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI. The Patriots completed a historic 25-point comeback, winning 34-28 in overtime.

Have the Falcons ever won an NFL championship?

No, the Falcons have never won an NFL championship at either the pre-Super Bowl or Super Bowl era. Their closest achievements are two NFC Championships (1998 and 2016 seasons).

What was the Falcons' best chance to win a Super Bowl?

Their best chance was Super Bowl LI in 2017, when they held a 28-3 lead late in the third quarter. With a dominant offense and momentum, they were widely expected to win before the Patriots’ historic comeback.