Nothing quite captivates the American people like the Super Bowl. Whether you are watching it for football, the halftime show, or the commercials, the big game pulls in record viewing numbers every single year, but how do the games stack up against each other? Here is an avid football and Patriots fan’s (hopefully) unbiased rankings of the top 5 Super Bowls since 2004. 

Honorable Mention: Super Bowl 38 (2004) – Patriots over Panthers (32-29)

It is hard to imagine that Tom Brady and the Patriots’ second title was almost thwarted by a young quarterback by the name of Jake Delhomme, but legendary kicker Adam Vinetari sent the Lombardi Trophy back to New England and Delhomme is now an afterthought in Super Bowl history. 

Number 5: Super Bowl 52 (2018) – Eagles over Patriots (41-33)

Everybody loves an underdog story, right? How about a backup quarterback in Nick Foles, leading his team to a Super Bowl win over the GOAT himself. It’s not everyday that Tom Brady will throw for 500 yards, throw three touchdown passes, and still lose, but the Eagles served the Patriots the “Philly Special,” and delivered a title to a championship-deprived Philadelphia. 

Number 4: Super Bowl 42 (2008) – Giants over Patriots (17-14)

New England was just minutes away from history. No team had ever finished an entire 19-game season (including playoffs) undefeated, and they would have done it if it wasn’t for those meddling Giants. Eli Manning and wide receiver David Tyree connected for one of, if not, the best moment in Super Bowl history when Tyree caught a deep ball with his hand and his helmet.

Number 3: Super Bowl 43 (2009) – Steelers over Cardinals (27-23)

2008 and 2009 brought football fans legendary back-to-back Super Bowls. The Steelers’ win over the Cardinals can be encapsulated in just two plays. A late first-half 100-yard interception return by James Harrison and a legendary 6-yard touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes that stunned football fans as much as the Cardinals defense, will go down as two of the most electrifying plays in Steelers and Super Bowl history. 

Number 2: Super Bowl 49 (2015) – Patriots over Seahawks (28-24)

Nervous and doubtful Patriots fans rejoiced when broadcaster Al Michaels yelled “pass is intercepted at the goal line!” from their television. A play call disaster by head coach Pete Carroll led to an incredible play by rookie corner Malcolm Butler and a fourth Super Bowl ring for Bill Belichek and the Patriots’ dynasty. This game is proof that football truly is a game of inches. 

Number 1: Super Bowl 51 (2017) – Patriots over Falcons (34-28)

Super Bowl 51, otherwise known as “Heartbreak in Houston,” is undoubtedly the greatest Super Bowl in football history. The city of Atlanta was preparing for a parade when the Patriots, led by legendary quarterback Tom Brady, marched back from a 25-point deficit in the second-half and overtime to steal the title away from the inexperienced Falcons team. A game that solidified the legacy of Brady as the GOAT, but will live in infamy for Falcons fans. (Sorry Dubs…. I had to do it!)