New England Patriots' Super Bowl Losses

A look at the five times the Patriots fell short in the big game

Feb. 8, 2026 at 4:39am

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The New England Patriots have been one of the most successful NFL franchises of the 21st century, winning six Super Bowls. However, they have also suffered five Super Bowl losses over the years. This article examines those five defeats, including losses to the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants (twice), and Philadelphia Eagles.

Why it matters

The Patriots' Super Bowl losses are an important part of the team's history and legacy. While they have enjoyed tremendous success, these defeats serve as a reminder that even the best teams can falter on the biggest stage. Understanding the context and details around these losses provides insight into the challenges the Patriots have faced over the years.

The details

In Super Bowl XX, the Patriots were overmatched by the dominant Chicago Bears defense, losing 46-10. In Super Bowl XXXI, the Patriots fell to Brett Favre's Green Bay Packers 35-21. The Patriots then lost two close games to the New York Giants, first in Super Bowl XLII when the Giants ended the Patriots' bid for a perfect season, and again in Super Bowl XLVI. Most recently, the Patriots lost Super Bowl LII to the Philadelphia Eagles, despite Tom Brady throwing for a Super Bowl-record 505 yards.

  • The Patriots' first Super Bowl appearance was in Super Bowl XX in 1986.
  • The Patriots lost to the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXI in 1997.
  • The Patriots lost to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII in 2008 and Super Bowl XLVI in 2012.
  • The Patriots lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII in 2018.

The players

Tony Eason

The Patriots' starting quarterback in Super Bowl XX who was injured during the game.

Steve Grogan

The veteran quarterback who finished the Super Bowl XX game for the Patriots after Eason's injury.

Brett Favre

The starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXI.

Tom Brady

The legendary Patriots quarterback who started in their Super Bowl XLII, XLVI, and LII losses.

Eli Manning

The Giants quarterback who led his team to victories over the Patriots in Super Bowls XLII and XLVI.

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The takeaway

The Patriots' five Super Bowl losses, while disappointing, are an important part of the team's storied history. These defeats serve as a reminder that even the most dominant teams can be toppled on the biggest stage, and highlight the challenges the Patriots have faced in their pursuit of NFL supremacy.