Starting with the When the New England Patriots arrived at Super Bowl XLII, they were already billed as the greatest team in NFL history. Technically, the game had little significance, since both teams had already clinched their respective spots in the playoffs. New England Patriots 32 vs. Carolina Panthers 29 on February 1st, 2004 - Full team and player stats and box score But Denver's defense forced another three-and-out for the third straight time. On 3rd and 8, Favre dropped back to pass and Denver's defense blitzed, leaving Packers receiver Robert Brooks to face one-on-one coverage deep. The Patriots were not only competing for a fourth Super Bowl title since the 2001 season; they were aiming to become the first team in NFL history to achieve a 19–0 record.

Green Bay Packers 24 vs. Denver Broncos 31 on January 25th, 1998 - Full team and player stats and box score First, Brady set the NFL record for completion percentage in a single game (92.9%) with 26 of 28 completions for 268 yards and three touchdowns in their 31–20 win over the New England was heavily favored to win the game and become the first NFL team to go through a 16-game regular season and postseason undefeated. Although they recorded a 12–4 regular season record, they finished in second place behind the 13–3 On defense, the major acquisition to the team prior to the season was former Chiefs defensive lineman The halftime show was titled "A Tribute to Motown's 40th Anniversary" and featured The Broncos responded with a touchdown of their own. With a short punt of only 33 yards, the Packers took possession with good field position, having 1st-and-10 at their own 48-yard line. This was Denver's first league championship after suffering four previous Super Bowl losses, and snapped a 13-game losing streak for AFC teams in the Super Bowl (the previous being the The game was close throughout much of the contest.



The Broncos defense would stop the Packers on the next four downs. 1. Favre finished the drive with two completions to Freeman: the first one for 13 yards, and the second one a 22-yard touchdown pass t… Leaders; ... 32-of-39, 288 yards, 2 TDs: XLV: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay :

Following an errant pass attempt by Brady, Giants’ rookie defensive tackle Manning completed 19 of his 34 passes for 255 yards, including a mark of 9-of-14 for 152 yards and two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, with one interception, to be named the game's With this game, the Giants set a record with 11 consecutive victories away from home in a single season.

Since 2000, the AFC has won 13 of the 20 Super Bowls in that span, with the Patriots winning six of those games.