When Was the Last Super Bowl Shutout? (Spoiler: Never)

By Sarah Miller · April 4, 2048

The last Super Bowl shutout occurred in Super Bowl XXIV, when the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Denver Broncos 55-10 on January 28, 1990. While not a true shutout (Denver scored 10 points), no Super Bowl has ever ended with one team being held scoreless. The closest instance was Super Bowl V in 1971, where the Baltimore Colts won 16-13, but even then, both teams scored. Therefore, there has never been a true shutout in Super Bowl history.

Understanding Super Bowl Shutouts

A shutout in football occurs when one team prevents its opponent from scoring any points throughout the entire game. In the context of the Super Bowl, this feat has never been accomplished in over five decades of championship play.

Why Shutouts Are So Rare in the Super Bowl

The Super Bowl features two of the best teams in the NFL, making dominant defensive performances less likely.
High-pressure situations often lead to conservative coaching decisions, minimizing risk but also reducing the chance of complete defensive takeovers.
Offensive strategies have evolved significantly, emphasizing passing and quick scoring, which makes it harder to completely stop an opponent.
Special teams and turnovers can lead to short fields, increasing the likelihood of at least one score.

Historical Context: Closest Calls in Super Bowl History

Although no team has been completely shut out, several Super Bowls featured low-scoring games or dominant wins that came close to historic defensive performances.

Super Bowl	Date	Winner	Score	Loser	Points Allowed
XXIV	Jan 28, 1990	San Francisco 49ers	55-10	Denver Broncos	10
VII	Jan 14, 1973	Miami Dolphins	14-7	Washington Redskins	7
IX	Jan 12, 1975	Pittsburgh Steelers	16-6	Minnesota Vikings	6
XIII	Jan 21, 1979	Pittsburgh Steelers	35-31	Dallas Cowboys	31
XLVIII	Feb 2, 2014	Seattle Seahawks	43-8	Denver Broncos	8

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that while some winning teams have allowed very few points—such as the Steelers allowing just 6 in Super Bowl IX and the Seahawks allowing 8 in Super Bowl XLVIII—no team has prevented its opponent from scoring entirely. The evolution of offensive football, especially since the 2000s, has made low scores increasingly rare, let alone zero-point outputs.

Defensive Legends and Near-Shutout Performances

Certain defenses have come close to legendary status due to their dominance:

1974 Pittsburgh Steelers (Super Bowl IX): Their defense held the Vikings to just 6 points and forced four fumbles.
2013 Seattle Seahawks (Super Bowl XLVIII): The Legion of Boom dismantled the record-setting Broncos offense early, leading 22-0 at halftime.
1989 San Francisco 49ers (Super Bowl XXIV): Though they allowed 10 points, their 55-point explosion overshadowed Denver’s minimal output.

Could a Super Bowl Shutout Happen in the Future?

Given modern NFL trends, a shutout remains highly unlikely but not impossible. Factors that could influence such an outcome include:

An elite defense facing a rookie quarterback under extreme pressure.
Multiple turnovers leading to poor field position for the opposing offense.
Weather conditions favoring defensive play (e.g., heavy rain, snow).
Penalties or injuries crippling one team's offensive rhythm.

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Bowl Shutouts

Has any team been shut out in the Super Bowl?

No, no team has ever been shut out in Super Bowl history. Every losing team has managed to score at least three points in their respective games.

What is the lowest score ever allowed in a Super Bowl?

The lowest score allowed is 6 points, achieved by the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl IX against the Minnesota Vikings.

Which Super Bowl had the most dominant win?

Super Bowl XXIV holds the record for the largest margin of victory, with the San Francisco 49ers defeating the Denver Broncos 55-10, a 45-point difference.

Have any teams been held scoreless in the first half of a Super Bowl?

Yes, several teams have been held scoreless in the first half, including the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII, who were down 22-0 at halftime to the Seattle Seahawks.

Is a Super Bowl shutout possible in today’s NFL?

Theoretically yes, but practically very unlikely. Modern offenses are too efficient, and rules favor passing and scoring, making it difficult for even the best defenses to completely prevent points.