Lowest Scoring Super Bowl Ever: LIII Patriots 13-3 Rams

By Sarah Miller · January 10, 2032

The lowest scoring Super Bowl in NFL history was Super Bowl LIII, played on February 3, 2019, between the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams. The final score was 13–3, making it the only Super Bowl to end with a combined total of 16 points or fewer.

What Was the Lowest Scoring Super Bowl?

Super Bowl LIII holds the record for the lowest-scoring championship game in NFL history. The New England Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13–3 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. This defensive battle featured minimal offensive production, with neither team scoring a touchdown until late in the fourth quarter.

Key Facts About Super Bowl LIII

Date: February 3, 2019
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Final Score: Patriots 13, Rams 3
MVP: Julian Edelman (Patriots WR)
Combined Points: 16 (lowest in Super Bowl history)
Turnovers: 0
Touchdowns: Only one (by Sony Michel, Patriots, 4th quarter)

Why Was Super Bowl LIII So Low-Scoring?

This game defied expectations of a high-powered offensive showdown. Several factors contributed to the historically low scoring output.

Poor Offensive Execution

Both teams struggled to sustain drives. The Rams' offense, led by Jared Goff and head coach Sean McVay, failed to adapt under pressure. Tom Brady, despite winning MVP honors for his overall performance, completed just 21 of 35 passes for 262 yards with no touchdowns and one interception.

Dominant Defensive Performances

The Patriots' defense stifled the Rams’ high-scoring regular-season attack. L.A. managed only three field goals and never reached the end zone. New England’s secondary blanketed receivers, forcing Goff into poor decisions under duress.

Field Position and Strategy

Aggressive punting and conservative play-calling limited scoring opportunities. The game featured six punts and no turnovers, highlighting risk-averse strategies from both coaching staffs.

Super Bowl	Teams	Score	Combined Points	Date
LIII	Patriots vs Rams	13–3	16	Feb 3, 2019
VII	Dolphins vs Redskins	14–7	21	Jan 14, 1973
IX	Steelers vs Vikings	16–6	22	Jan 12, 1975
XXV	Bills vs Giants	20–19	39	Jan 27, 1991
XLIX	Seahawks vs Patriots	28–24	52	Feb 1, 2015

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights that Super Bowl LIII stands alone with just 16 combined points, significantly below even the second-lowest total. The lack of touchdowns and reliance on field goals underscored the offensive inefficiency. Historical context shows most early Super Bowls had lower scores, but none matched LIII's defensive dominance.

Historical Context: Other Low-Scoring Super Bowls

While Super Bowl LIII is the lowest, several other games featured tight defenses and limited scoring.

Super Bowl VII (1973): Dolphins Complete Perfect Season

The Miami Dolphins defeated Washington 14–7, finishing a perfect 17–0 season. Their defense forced two turnovers, including a famous fake punt turned touchdown by Jake Scott.

Super Bowl IX (1975): Steelers' Defense Shines

Pittsburgh beat Minnesota 16–6, with the Vikings scoring only a safety and a late touchdown after the outcome was decided. The Steelers' defense recorded two safeties and held Minnesota to 119 total yards.

Comparison to Modern Era Trends

In contrast to today’s pass-heavy offenses, older Super Bowls often emphasized running and defense. However, LIII’s score was an outlier in the modern era, where average combined scores exceed 45 points.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Lowest Scoring Super Bowl

What was the final score of the lowest scoring Super Bowl?

The final score of Super Bowl LIII was New England Patriots 13, Los Angeles Rams 3, totaling just 16 combined points.

When did the lowest scoring Super Bowl happen?

The lowest scoring Super Bowl occurred on February 3, 2019. It was Super Bowl LIII, played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.

Why was Super Bowl LIII so low scoring?

Super Bowl LIII was low-scoring due to strong defensive performances, particularly by the Patriots, poor offensive execution by the Rams, and conservative play-calling. Neither team scored a touchdown until late in the fourth quarter.

Has any Super Bowl ended with a shutout?

No Super Bowl has ever ended in a shutout. The closest was Super Bowl IX, where the Steelers won 16–6 over the Vikings, and Super Bowl LIII (13–3), both featuring single-digit losing scores.

Who was named MVP in the lowest scoring Super Bowl?

Julian Edelman, wide receiver for the New England Patriots, was named MVP of Super Bowl LIII. He recorded 10 receptions for 141 yards, providing the most consistent offensive threat during the game.