Super Bowl 2025 had all the hype leading up to the big game, but the action on the field didn’t quite live up to expectations. Unlike past Super Bowls with dramatic finishes, this year’s matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs lacked suspense. By halftime, the Eagles had a 24-0 lead, and their win probability exceeded 95%, making the rest of the game feel like a formality.
Using a play-by-play excitement model, Super Bowl 2025 ranked as the second least exciting Super Bowl of the century, trailing only Super Bowl 48’s blowout between the Seahawks and Broncos. Let’s take a closer look at why this year’s game fell flat compared to recent Super Bowls.
Super Bowl 2025: A One-Sided Matchup
NFL fans have been treated to some thrilling Super Bowl games in recent years. Last year, the Chiefs and 49ers took the game to overtime, with a walk-off touchdown deciding the winner. In 2023, the Chiefs narrowly defeated the Eagles with a last-minute field goal. And in 2022, the Rams staged a dramatic comeback against the Bengals.
This year’s game was the complete opposite. The Eagles dominated early, scoring 24 unanswered points in the first half. By the third quarter, the Chiefs had just a 0.5% chance of winning, based on win probability models from nflfastR. Unlike previous Super Bowls, there were no last-minute heroics or game-changing plays—just a clear, decisive victory.
How Super Bowl 2025 Ranks Among the Least Exciting Games
A game’s “excitement level” can be measured by how often the win probability shifts during the game. More lead changes and close scores create a higher excitement score, while one-sided games have lower scores.
Based on this metric, Super Bowl 2025 ranks as the second least exciting Super Bowl since 2000, behind only:
- Super Bowl 48 (Seahawks vs. Broncos, 43-8) – The game was over from the first snap when a bad hike led to a safety for Seattle.
- Super Bowl 59 (Eagles vs. Chiefs, 40-22) – Eagles took control early, and the Chiefs never had a chance.
- Super Bowl 55 (Buccaneers vs. Chiefs, 31-9) – Patrick Mahomes was pressured all game, making it a one-sided contest.
- Super Bowl 37 (Buccaneers vs. Raiders, 48-21) – The Buccaneers’ defense intercepted Rich Gannon five times.
- Super Bowl 35 (Ravens vs. Giants, 34-7) – The Giants failed to score an offensive touchdown.
Why the NFL and Fox Aren’t Too Concerned
While Super Bowl 2025 lacked excitement, it still broke viewership records with 126 million people tuning in. For networks like Fox, which sold advertising spots months in advance, the actual gameplay doesn’t impact revenue. Similarly, the NFL’s $100 billion TV deal ensures steady profits regardless of whether the game is a thriller or a blowout.
Fans can only hope that Super Bowl 2026 will bring back the drama and excitement that makes the event must-watch TV.
Super Bowl 2025 will likely be remembered for all the wrong reasons—a one-sided game with little suspense or excitement. The Eagles dominated early, leaving the Chiefs no real chance to come back. While the game still pulled in record-breaking viewership, it ranks as one of the least exciting Super Bowls in recent history. Fortunately, the NFL has seen plenty of close, thrilling championship games over the years, and fans can look forward to more edge-of-your-seat action in the future.
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