Super Bowl LX features two teams that are quite familiar with one another on the grandest stage.
The New England Patriots clashed with the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX back in 2015, a memorable game that the Patriots secured 28-24. Late in the fourth quarter, with a second-and-goal at New England’s 1-yard line, Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson was intercepted by Malcolm Butler, creating one of the most surprising moments in Super Bowl history.
The Seahawks haven’t reached the Super Bowl since that encounter until now. The Patriots triumphed again in 2016 and 2018, whereas Seattle has claimed victory in all three regular-season matchups with New England following Super Bowl XLIX.
This year marks the 10th repeat Super Bowl matchup and the fourth for the Patriots. especially, it’s the first occasion where three consecutive Super Bowls are rematches.
Here’s a summary of every Super Bowl rematch in NFL history.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Super Bowls: LVII and LIX
Kansas City and Philadelphia faced off in an unforgettable Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, Arizona, in 2023, where the Chiefs captured their first of back-to-back titles. With 5:12 remaining and the score tied, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes orchestrated a drive that culminated in a 27-yard winning field goal by Harrison Butker.
Two years later in New Orleans, the Eagles exacted their revenge, dominating with a 40-22 victory, thus halting the Chiefs’ quest for a three-peat. Philadelphia surged to a 34-0 lead, clinching its second Super Bowl title in franchise history.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers
Super Bowls: LIV and LVIII
The first Super Bowl victory for Mahomes in 2020 came against the 49ers, as the Chiefs rallied back with 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. especially, Kansas City commenced that period with an interception, yet their defense managed two consecutive punts, allowing the offense to respond with touchdowns to regain the lead.
Fast forward four years to Las Vegas, where the game required overtime to determine a champion. Mahomes again shone in a clutch moment, driving Kansas City down the field for a tying field goal with three seconds remaining. After San Francisco’s field goal in overtime, Mahomes completed a touchdown pass securing the victory for Kansas City.
New England Patriots vs. New York Giants
Super Bowls: XLII and XLVI
Some of the most unexpected Super Bowl outcomes have come from the same teams.
The first, back in 2008, halted New England’s pursuit of an undefeated season, a feat last achieved by the 1972 Miami Dolphins. Giants quarterback Eli Manning made a 32-yard connection with wide receiver David Tyree during the famously unforgettable “helmet catch” late in the fourth quarter. This was followed by Manning tossing a touchdown pass to put New York ahead, leading to a stunning upset.
In 2012, the 9-7 Giants achieved a similar feat, overcoming the Patriots. Trailing 17-15 with 3:46 left in the fourth, Manning guided New York down the field, culminating in a six-yard rushing touchdown by Ahmad Bradshaw, allowing the Giants to claim yet another remarkable Super Bowl win.
New England Patriots vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Super Bowls: XXXIX and LII
Whenever the Patriots met the Eagles in the championship, New England entered each time riding the momentum of a Super Bowl victory, but the outcomes varied.
The Patriots triumphed over the Eagles in February 2005, forcing four turnovers — three interceptions thrown by Donovan McNabb. although breaking his leg just seven weeks prior, Eagles wide receiver Terrell Owens recorded nine receptions for 122 yards. Tom Brady passed for 236 yards and two touchdowns, marking his third Super Bowl win in four years.
In a manner reminiscent of the Chiefs’ rematch, the Eagles bounced back emphatically in their second face-off with the Patriots. Backup quarterback Nick Foles threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns, even catching a touchdown himself in a memorable trick play. Meanwhile, Brady amassed 505 passing yards and three touchdowns but was stripped late in the fourth quarter, setting the stage for the Eagles’ winning drive.
New England Patriots vs. Los Angeles Rams
Super Bowls: XXXVI and LIII
The Patriots celebrated their first and, at least for the time being, most recent Super Bowl wins against the Rams, separated by 17 years.
“The Greatest Show on Turf” lived up to its name, amassing 427 total yards, but managed just 17 points against New England due to three turnovers. Rams quarterback Kurt Warner threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to equalize with 1:26 remaining, but the Patriots clinched victory with a 48-yard field goal by Adam Vinatieri.
The 2002 Super Bowl win heralded the beginning of a dominant dynasty, while Super Bowl LIII in 2019 could be seen as the perfect exclamation point. New England suffocated Los Angeles in a 13-3 win, marking its NFL record-tying sixth championship.
Buffalo Bills vs. Dallas Cowboys
Super Bowls: XXVII and XXVIII
The first meeting saw a commanding 52-17 win for Dallas, followed by a tighter contest the next year, where the Bills held a 13-6 halftime lead, but the Cowboys scored 24 unanswered points for another championship.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. San Francisco 49ers
Super Bowls: XVI and XXIII
Joe Montana’s first and third Super Bowl victories came against the Cincinnati Bengals.
He earned the Super Bowl MVP title during their initial clash in 1982 after passing for 157 yards and one touchdown, while also rushing for another. Montana then surpassed himself six years later with 357 passing yards and two touchdown passes.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Dallas Cowboys
Super Bowls: X, XIII, XXX
The Steelers’ dominance during the 1970s included two Super Bowl victories over the Cowboys.
Pittsburgh edged out Dallas 21-17 in 1976 for its second consecutive title, with Terry Bradshaw throwing for 209 yards and two touchdowns. Conversely, Roger Staubach had a challenging game, with three interceptions despite 204 passing yards and two touchdowns.
The sequel in 1979 was similarly matched but ended more decisively with the Steelers winning 35-31. They led 35-17 entering the fourth quarter before the Cowboys made a comeback with two touchdown drives. While Super Bowl X marked a second consecutive title for Pittsburgh, Super Bowl XIII kicked off their back-to-back victories. These teams later met again in Super Bowl XXX in 1996, a game won by Dallas.
Washington Commanders vs. Miami Dolphins
Super Bowls: VII and XVII
Aiming for a perfect season, the Dolphins succeeded against Washington with a 14-7 victory at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in 1973. Larry Csonka tallied 112 rushing yards for Miami, alongside Jim Click’s singular rushing touchdown.
Washington avenged its earlier loss in 1983, claiming a 27-17 victory for its inaugural Super Bowl title. After trailing 17-10 at halftime, they mounted a comeback with 17 unanswered points in the second half, initiating a stretch of three Super Bowl victories over the next nine years.
