Historic Shockers from the Sixties
Unexpected victories have always provided great stories in American football. The 1960s saw several huge surprises that left fans stunned. In Week 5 of the 1967 season, the Minnesota Vikings went to Lambeau Field and defeated Vince Lombardi and his Green Bay Packers 10-7. Minnesota managed only 25 passing yards in that match, but they forced three turnovers to secure the win against the defending Super Bowl champions.
Another famous game occurred in Week 4 of the 1968 season. The Buffalo Bills upset the New York Jets 37-35. The Jets eventually won the Super Bowl that season, but Buffalo picked off five passes thrown by Joe Namath. Two of those interceptions were returned all the way for touchdowns. Later that same season, in Week 6, the Cleveland Browns earned a memorable victory over the Baltimore Colts.
Super Bowl III and Big Seventies Upsets
The most famous surprise outcome took place on January 12, 1969, at Super Bowl III. Quarterback Joe Namath guaranteed a win for his New York Jets against the powerful Baltimore Colts. The Jets backed up his words by taking a 16-7 victory over Baltimore, creating a classic moment in football history.
The 1970s brought more remarkable results. In Week 2 of the 1974 season, the San Diego Chargers defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 20-17. Quarterback Dan Fouts scored a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter to secure the victory. A few years later, on November 6, 1977, Buffalo faced New England in Week 8 without running back O.J. Simpson. Buffalo still won 24-14 after holding Steve Grogan to 9 of 27 passing with four interceptions.
Memorable Defeats for Strong Favorites
Denver provided another major surprise back on November 6, 1966. The Broncos entered Week 10 with just one win in eight games, but they held the New England Patriots to only 110 total yards in a 17-10 victory. Denver went on to finish that season with four wins and ten losses.
Dallas experienced two notable upset losses in franchise history. In Week 9 of the 1968 season, the New York Giants beat the Cowboys 27-21. Future Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton led the Giants by throwing two touchdown passes and running for a third score. Years later, on December 3, 1995, Washington beat Dallas 24-14 in Week 14, overcoming the star trio of Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin. Surprise results remain a feature of the sport today, as seen in Week 6 of the 2026 season when the Arizona Cardinals surprised the Los Angeles Rams.
Read next
- Football predictions today
- Jackpot predictions this week
- NFL and every other league
- NFL official website
Good to know: We are not paid for any link on this page.
Be the first to comment
Tell us who you think wins and why. Keep it friendly. Links are removed on their own.
Note: comments are the writer own opinion, not ours, and never a tip from us.
18+Read this before you bet
- There are no sure bets. Every tip on this page is a chance worked out from data about the next game. A tip at 70 percent still loses about three times in ten. Anyone selling a sure bet or a fixed match is lying.
- Betting is not income. Never bet to pay rent, school fees or a loan, and never borrow to bet, including from mobile loan apps.
- 18 and over only. Betting under 18 is illegal in Kenya.
- Use licensed bookmakers. Only bet with operators licensed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya. Prices here can change before you bet, so check them first.
- Gambling can be addictive. If it stops being fun, stop. Read our responsible betting page or visit Responsible Gaming Federation of Kenya.
Good to know: We are not a bookmaker and we do not take bets. Full details are in our disclaimer.
