Few things are more exciting in sports than a big underdog pulling off a major upset. Throughout NFL history, seemingly unbeatable teams have been brought down by underdogs who refused to follow the script.
We've already seen some big upsets in the 2026 season. The most notable occurred when the Cardinals stunned the Rams in Week 6 as a 13.5-point underdog, per DraftKings Sportsbook.
But what are the biggest upsets in NFL history by point spread? These games proved any team can be beaten on any given day. Here's a list of the biggest NFL upsets in the Super Bowl era, by point spread.
Oct. 15, 1967 - Vikings (+20) at Packers
In Week 5 of 1967, the Vikings upset Vince Lombardi and the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers 10-7 at Lambeau Field despite entering as 20-point underdogs. Minnesota passed for just 25 yards but forced three turnovers in the win. It remains tied for the largest upset by point spread in the Super Bowl era.
Sept. 29, 1968 - Bills (+20) vs. Jets
The Bills matched the largest upset in the Super Bowl era in Week 4 of 1968, when they upset the eventual Super Bowl champion Jets 37-35 as 20-point underdogs. Buffalo intercepted five passes by future Super Bowl MVP Joe Namath, including two that were returned for touchdowns in the win.
Sept. 22, 1974 - Chargers (+20) at Bengals
The Chargers were 20-point underdogs in Week 2 of 1974 against the Bengals, but a rushing touchdown by quarterback Dan Fouts in the fourth quarter won the game 20-17. The Chargers remain one of three teams in the Super Bowl era to win outright at 20-point dogs.
Nov. 6, 1977 - Bills (+18.5) at Patriots
The 1-6 Bills went into New England in Week 8 of 1977 as 18.5-point underdogs and were missing running back O.J. Simpson. It didn't matter as they held Steve Grogan to 9-of-27 passing with four interceptions and pulled off a 24-14 upset.
Jan. 12, 1969 - Super Bowl III - Jets (+18) vs. Colts
In arguably the greatest upset in NFL history, Joe Namath guaranteed victory for his 18-point underdog Jets in Super Bowl III and delivered. New York beat the mighty Baltimore Colts 16-7 in what remains the largest upset in the Super Bowl.
Dec. 3, 1995 - Washington (+17.5) at Cowboys
In Week 14 of the 1995 season, Washington pulled off its greatest upset in the Super Bowl era. Facing the trio of Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin as 17.5-point underdogs, Washington managed a 24-14 victory. It remains tied for the largest upset loss for the Cowboys in the Super Bowl era.
Nov. 10, 1968 - Giants (+17.5) at Cowboys
The Giants' largest upset win in the Super Bowl era came in Week 9 of 1968, when they beat the Cowboys 27-21 as 17.5-point underdogs. Future Hall of Fame QB Fran Tarkenton led the way, throwing for a pair of touchdowns and rushing for a third.
Oct. 20, 1968 - Browns (+17.5) at Colts
The Cleveland Browns upset the Baltimore Colts as 17.5-point underdogs in Week 6 of 1968, still the largest upset by point spread in the Super Bowl era in franchise history.
Nov. 6, 1966 - Broncos (+17.5) at Patriots
The 1966 Denver Broncos finished a forgettable 4-10, but Week 10 against the Patriots provided a game to remember. Entering the game with a 1-7 record and as 17.5-point underdogs, the Broncos held the Pats to just 110 total yards and pulled off a 17-10 upset.