The suspense of an outstanding comeback is unrivaled by the many unbelievable incidents that the National Football League (NFL) has encountered. Matches challenge players’ persistence, coaches’ diligence, and spectators’ trust. The biggest comebacks in NFL history will be reviewed here, including remarkable comebacks and historic triumphs.
10. Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers – 1972
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Year: 1972
- Key Features: NFC Divisional Playoff Game, 15-point deficit, backup quarterback heroics
The 1972 NFL Divisional Playoff Game that featured the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers is historic. The Cowboys preserved Roger Staubach in the final quarter, 15 points behind. For a victory, Staubach tossed a pair of touchdown passes with control and precision.
In the waning moments, Dallas’ defense secured a turnover for the title. With his “Captain Comeback,” Staubach established his stature. This match is an NFL playoff resilience standard.
9. Los Angeles Rams vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 1987
- Location: Tampa, Florida
- Year: 1987
- Key Features: Second-half rally, 21-point comeback, defense-driven performance
The 1987 Los Angeles Rams conquered a 21-point disadvantage to defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After a rugged initial quarter, the Rams hardened their line of defense and took over. The tide of play shifted in the third quarter as Jim Everett sacked two touchdown points.
Over the fourth quarter, the defensive line of the Rams accomplished crucial stops and forced an interception that came in of major significance. A triumph that was vied for a long time was finally sealed by an unexpected field goal. Offering the National Football League’s extensive and remarkable history of comebacks is another fascinating piece.
8. Philadelphia Eagles vs. Chicago Bears – 2010
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Year: 2010
- Key Features: 21-point comeback, fourth-quarter heroics, Michael Vick’s performance
Facing the Chicago Bears in 2010, the Philadelphia Eagles mounted a historic comeback, overturning a 21-point deficit to claim the game. The movement was launched by Michael Vick. The starting quarterback completed two passes for touchdowns and scored an additional touchdown on the playing field.
In the final quarter, the Eagles overtook the Bears and flipped back a lopsided outcome. The second-half defense broke down Chicago’s offensive, permitting Philadelphia to recuperate. Among of the biggest NFL comebacks ever happened by a last-minute touchdown.
7. Denver Broncos vs. San Diego Chargers – 2012
- Location: San Diego, California
- Year: 2012
- Key Features: 24-point comeback, Peyton Manning’s brilliance, dominant second half
Peyton Manning’s unparalleled skills made the Denver Broncos improve a 24-point disadvantage contrary to the San Diego Chargers in 2012. Despite lagging 24-0 in the second quarter, the Broncos recovered through numerous precise touchdowns. Manning’s four touchdown throws energized the fans and demoralized the Chargers.
The Broncos’ team generated recoveries and thwarted San Diego’s fourth-quarter attempts. The victory by Denver, ending 35-24, continues to be known as one of the biggest comebacks in the history of the National Football League. A testament to Manning’s leadership and the resiliency of the team.
6. New York Giants vs. San Francisco 49ers – 2003
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Year: 2003
- Key Features: 24-point comeback, NFC Wild Card Game, Eli Manning’s poise
The Giants eliminated the 49ers in the 2003 NFC Wild Card Game shortly after lagging 24 points. Despite a disappointing first quarter, Eli Manning’s Giants unleashed a determined offensive attack. In the third quarter, Manning threw two significant goals out of his four touchdown passes.
San Francisco was held blank in the last quarter owing in particular to the defense. The big win for New York was sealed by a field goal which was made out of breath in the last minute of play. Consequently, the turn around regarded as the most spectacular in NFL playoff history.
5. Cleveland Browns vs. Tennessee Titans – 2014
- Location: Nashville, Tennessee
- Year: 2014
- Key Features: 25-point comeback, third-quarter surge, Browns’ defensive resilience
The Cleveland Browns defeated the Titans of Tennessee by 25 points in 2014. The Browns pulled their act together after a terrible first half and performed much better in their second quarter. Quarterback Brian Hoyer scored on two occasions in the third quarter and trimmed the Titans’ edge.
Following forced punts and turnovers, the Browns’ fourth-quarter defense locked out Tennessee. Cleveland triumphed 29-28 with a late touchdown drive, another of history’s biggest NFL comebacks. The game proved an excellent case to demonstrate how powerful and driven the squad can be when matters get difficult.
4. New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons – 2017
- Location: Houston, Texas
- Year: 2017
- Key Features: Super Bowl LI, 25-point deficit, Tom Brady’s heroics
New England Patriots defeated Atlanta Falcons by 25 points in Super Bowl LI, which ranks among the most historic NFL games. Tom Brady prompted a near-flawless resurgence after a 28-3 third-quarter disadvantage. New England got revived in the game thanks to two fourth-quarter touchdown passes from Brady.
The Falcons’ front disintegrated as the Patriots took full advantage of every second-half opportunity. Patriots won an overtime coin toss and won the title with a running touchdown. It remains to be the greatest Super Bowl comeback ever and an important period in Brady’s legacy.
3. St. Louis Cardinals vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 1987
- Location: Tampa, Florida
- Year: 1987
- Key Features: Western Conference Playoff Game, 28-point deficit, Lomax’s leadership
In the 1987, Western Conference Playoffs, the St. Louis Cardinals shockingly obliterated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Neil Lomax stormed back after falling 28 points behind in the second half. A chaotic rally erupted when Lomax carried out two touchdown passes in the third quarter.
Towards the end of the game, the Cardinals’ effort pushed Tampa Bay into blunders and three-and-outs. The action culminated with a fourth-quarter touchdown for the winner. Devotion and dedication rendered this playoff game among the most outstanding.
2. Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Oilers – 1993
- Location: Buffalo, New York
- Year: 1993
- Key Features: Historic AFC Divisional Playoff Game, 32-point deficit, led by a backup quarterback
Among the biggest NFL playoff comebacks was the 1993 Buffalo Bills’ AFC Divisional Playoff Game victory against the Houston Oilers. Bills’ hopes were slim early on in the third quarter, behind 32 points. Frank Reich, the reserve quarterback, motivated the team through four second-half touchdown passes.
Buffalo’s defense buckled down, holding the Oilers to a field goal and inducing errors. Reich guided a fourth-quarter rush that prompted overtime. The NFL’s biggest postseason comeback, a field goal, established the Bills’ immortal status.
1. Minnesota Vikings vs. Indianapolis Colts – 2022
- Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Year: 2022
- Key Features: Largest comeback in NFL history, overtime thriller, 33-point deficit
In 2022, the Minnesota Vikings recorded the biggest NFL comeback. The Vikings were 33 points falling behind the Indianapolis Colts halfway through, thereby rendering them close to impossible to overcome. Kirk Cousins threw a total of four touchdown passes in the second half, featuring pivotal fourth-quarter plays, triggering a wild recovery.
After the second quarter, the defensive line hampered the Colts and generated fumbles. With about two minutes left, the Vikings wrapped the game toward overtime. The field goal in the extra period completed the victory, exhibiting perseverance and dedication.
Conclusion
The biggest NFL comebacks illustrate that no advantage is guaranteed. From exhilarating second-half rallies to unbelievable fourth-quarter valor, these matches embody the NFL’s soul and vitality. They highlight athletes’ resilience, coaches’ tactics, and football’s captivating unpredictable conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the biggest NFL comeback in history?
After a 33-point second-half disadvantage against the Indianapolis Colts, the Minnesota Vikings completed the largest NFL comeback in 2022. Kirk Cousins’ four touchdown throws ultimately led the Vikings to a 39-36 overtime victory.
What is the greatest comeback in football history?
Buffalo Bills’ 1993 AFC Divisional Playoff triumph against the Houston Oilers is regarded as the greatest football comeback. Though behind by 32 points in the third quarter, reserve quarterback Frank Reich influenced the Bills to a 41-38 comeback in overtime via four touchdown passes.
Has there ever been a 100-point NFL game?
No NFL team has reached 100 points, but aggregate scores have exceeded that. The 1966 Washington Redskins 72-41 New York Giants tally set an all-time high 113 points. A single team amassing 100 points is unfathomable.
What is the largest comeback in NFL history playoffs?
The Buffalo Bills won the Houston Oilers in the 1993 AFC Divisional Playoffs with their greatest NFL playoff comeback. Frank Reich, the backup quarterback, shot four touchdown passes that carried the Bills to a 41-38 overtime win despite lagging by 32 points in the third quarter of the game.
What is the highest halftime deficit in NFL history?
The highest halftime deficit in NFL history occurred in 2022 when the Indianapolis Colts led the Minnesota Vikings by 33 points at the break. The Vikings mounted an astonishing second-half rally, scoring relentlessly in the third and fourth quarters to force overtime and ultimately win 39-36, setting a record for the biggest comeback in NFL history.