The biggest point spread in Super Bowl history is 18.5 points, a record set during Super Bowl XXIX.
This significant point spread occurred on January 29, 1995, when the San Francisco 49ers squared off against the San Diego Chargers in Super Bowl XXIX. The 49ers, led by Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young, were overwhelmingly favored to win. They ultimately secured a dominant victory with a final score of 49-26, easily covering the 18.5-point spread and solidifying their place in Super Bowl history for one of the most lopsided betting lines.
Understanding Super Bowl Point Spreads
A point spread is a handicap used in sports betting to balance the odds between two teams. The favored team must win by more than the specified point margin for a bet on them to "cover the spread." Conversely, the underdog "covers" if they lose by less than the spread or win the game outright. These lines are set by oddsmakers and can shift leading up to the game based on betting patterns, injuries, and other factors.
The Super Bowl often generates immense interest in its point spreads, with bettors analyzing every angle.
Record Point Spreads in Super Bowl History
While Super Bowl XXIX holds the record for the largest point spread, it's also insightful to look at the other end of the spectrum to understand the range of perceived competitiveness in Super Bowl matchups.
- Smallest Point Spread: In stark contrast to the 18.5-point spread, some Super Bowls have been predicted to be incredibly close, with the smallest spread being just 1 point. This indicates that oddsmakers viewed the teams as nearly perfectly matched. Notable instances include:
- Super Bowl LIV: Kansas City Chiefs (-1) vs. San Francisco 49ers
- Super Bowl XLIX: New England Patriots (-1) vs. Seattle Seahawks
Here's a summary of these notable Super Bowl point spread records:
Category | Point Spread | Super Bowl | Teams Involved | Final Score (Example for winner covering) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Biggest Point Spread | 18.5 points | XXIX | San Francisco 49ers vs. San Diego Chargers | San Francisco 49 - San Diego 26 |
Smallest Point Spread | 1 point | LIV | Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers | Kansas City 31 - San Francisco 20 |
Smallest Point Spread | 1 point | XLIX | New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks | New England 28 - Seattle 24 |