The top 10 biggest playoff comebacks in NFL History

August 2024 ยท 3 minute read

The NFL playoffs have witnessed some of the most exhilarating and unforgettable moments in American sports history.

Among these moments are the remarkable comebacks that have left fans in awe and players etching their names in the annals of football folklore. 

1. Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Oilers (1993)

The wild card game between the Buffalo Bills and the Houston Oilers in 1993 stands as one of the most epic comebacks in NFL history.

The Bills, led by quarterback Frank Reich, overcame a 32-point deficit to secure a 41-38 victory in overtime. This remarkable feat remains the largest comeback in NFL playoff history.

2. Indianapolis Colts vs. Kansas City Chiefs (2014)

In a 2014 AFC Wild Card matchup, the Indianapolis Colts orchestrated an incredible comeback against the Kansas City Chiefs. T

railing by 28 points in the third quarter, the Colts, led by quarterback Andrew Luck, rallied to claim a 45-44 victory, marking the second-largest comeback in NFL playoff history.

3. Dallas Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers (1972)

The 1972 NFC Divisional Playoff game between the Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers showcased an unforgettable comeback.

The Cowboys, behind quarterback Roger Staubach, erased a 28-point deficit to defeat the 49ers with a final score of 30-28.

4. New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons (2017)

Super Bowl LI witnessed an astonishing comeback by the New England Patriots against the Atlanta Falcons.

Trailing 28-3 in the third quarter, the Patriots, led by quarterback Tom Brady, engineered a historic rally to tie the game and eventually secure a 34-28 overtime victory, marking the largest comeback in Super Bowl history.

5. Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins (1990)

The AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins in 1990 showcased the Bills' resilience as they overturned a 21-point deficit to emerge victorious with a 44-34 win. 

6. San Francisco 49ers vs. New York Giants (2003)

The 2003 NFC Wild Card game between the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Giants featured an extraordinary comeback by the 49ers. Overcoming a 24-point deficit, the 49ers, with quarterback Jeff Garcia at the helm, secured a stunning 39-38 victory.

7. Tennessee Titans vs. Kansas City Chiefs (2018)

In the 2018 AFC Wild Card game, the Tennessee Titans staged an impressive comeback against the Kansas City Chiefs. Trailing by 21 points at halftime, the Titans, led by quarterback Marcus Mariota, orchestrated a remarkable rally to claim a 22-21 victory, showcasing their resilience and determination on the playoff stage.

8. Miami Dolphins vs. Cleveland Browns (1985)

The 1985 AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Miami Dolphins and the Cleveland Browns witnessed a remarkable comeback by the Dolphins. Overturning a 21-point deficit, the Dolphins secured a thrilling 24-21 victory, showcasing their ability to overcome adversity in high-stakes playoff action.

9. Seattle Seahawks vs. Green Bay Packers (2015)

The 2015 NFC Championship game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers remains etched in NFL history for the Seahawks' dramatic comeback. Overcoming a 16-point deficit in the final minutes of regulation, the Seahawks forced overtime and clinched a 28-22 victory, showcasing their resilience in the face of adversity.

10. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Houston Oilers (1992)

The 1992 AFC Wild Card game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Oilers featured an extraordinary comeback by the Chiefs. Trailing by 18 points in the third quarter, the Chiefs staged a remarkable rally to claim a 28-20 victory.

 

The NFL playoffs have been the stage for some of the most incredible comebacks in sports history, showcasing the resilience, determination, and skill of the teams and players involved.

These top 10 biggest playoff comebacks in NFL history stand as testaments to the enduring spirit of competition and the electrifying drama that defines the NFL postseason

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