Which Team Has Lost Most Super Bowls?

By Sarah Miller · May 21, 2044

The team that has lost the most Super Bowls is the New England Patriots, with five losses in the championship game.

Understanding Super Bowl Appearances and Losses

The Super Bowl, the annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL), has been contested since 1967. Teams that reach this stage have navigated a tough playoff path, but not all emerge victorious. While winning cements legacy, frequent appearances—even with losses—highlight sustained excellence.

The New England Patriots stand alone with the most Super Bowl losses in NFL history. Their five defeats came in:

Super Bowl XX (1986)
Super Bowl XXXI (1997)
Super Bowl XLII (2008)
Super Bowl XLVI (2012)
Super Bowl LII (2018)

Despite these setbacks, the Patriots also boast six Super Bowl wins, making them one of the most successful franchises overall, particularly during the Tom Brady-Bill Belichick era.

Teams with Multiple Super Bowl Losses

Several franchises have experienced multiple Super Bowl defeats. These teams often represent dynasties in the making or consistent contenders who fell just short on football's biggest stage.

Key Contenders with Repeated Super Bowl Heartbreak

Denver Broncos: Five losses (tied for most with Patriots before their 2016 win broke the tie in victories, but they still share the loss record).
Minnesota Vikings: Four losses (all in the 1970s).
Buffalo Bills: Four consecutive losses (1991–1994).
Los Angeles Rams: Four losses across different eras.

Team	Super Bowl Losses	Super Bowl Wins	Total Appearances	Last Loss
New England Patriots	5	6	11	Super Bowl LII (2018)
Denver Broncos	5	3	8	Super Bowl XLVIII (2014)
Minnesota Vikings	4	0	4	Super Bowl XIX (1985)
Buffalo Bills	4	0	4	Super Bowl XXVIII (1994)
Los Angeles Rams	4	2	6	Super Bowl 53 (2019)
Kansas City Chiefs	3	4	7	Super Bowl I (1967)
Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders	3	3	6	Super Bowl XXXVII (2003)

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos are tied with the most Super Bowl losses at five each. However, the Patriots have more total appearances and wins, reflecting greater long-term success despite the losses. The Vikings and Bills remain the only teams with four or more appearances and zero wins.

Historical Context Behind the Record

The Patriots' five losses occurred over three decades, illustrating both longevity and the difficulty of winning under pressure. Notably, two of their defeats—Super Bowls XLII and XLVI—came against the New York Giants, disrupting potential perfect seasons and repeat championships. These games are considered among the greatest upsets in NFL history.

While the Bills’ four consecutive losses remain a unique and painful footnote, the Patriots’ combination of high stakes, star power, and narrow margins in defeat amplifies their record in public memory.

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl Losses

Which team has lost the most Super Bowls?

The New England Patriots and Denver Broncos are tied with five Super Bowl losses each, the most in NFL history.

Have the New England Patriots lost more Super Bowls than they’ve won?

No. The Patriots have six Super Bowl wins and five losses, giving them an overall winning record in the championship game.

Which team has lost four Super Bowls in a row?

The Buffalo Bills lost four consecutive Super Bowls from 1991 to 1994 (XXV through XXVIII), the only team to suffer such a streak.

Who has lost more Super Bowls: the Rams or the Vikings?

Both the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings have lost four Super Bowls. The Rams have since won two titles, while the Vikings remain without a championship.

Have any teams lost three or more Super Bowls?

Yes. Besides the Patriots and Broncos with five, and the Vikings, Bills, and Rams with four, several teams including the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders have lost three Super Bowls.