The 10 Biggest NFL Comebacks in History
The National Football League (NFL) has a storied history of delivering some of the most thrilling and unforgettable moments in American sports. From unbelievable catches to record-breaking performances, the league is never short on drama. But there is perhaps no moment more electrifying than a jaw-dropping comeback.
Here, we dive into the 10 greatest comebacks in NFL history, reliving the astonishing game-changing moments and plays that allowed underdogs to transform into champions and heroes to be born.
No Data1. Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Oilers, 1993 AFC Wild Card
Final Score: Bills 41, Oilers 38 (OT)
Known as “The Comeback,” the Bills faced a 35-3 deficit early in the third quarter. Backup quarterback Frank Reich, stepping in for the injured Jim Kelly, orchestrated what remains the largest comeback in NFL history. Four straight touchdowns in the second half, and another in overtime, culminated in a 41-38 win for Buffalo, forever etching this game in sports folklore.
2. Indianapolis Colts vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 2013 AFC Wild Card
Final Score: Colts 45, Chiefs 44
Andrew Luck and the Colts trailed by 28 points early in the third quarter. In a virtuoso performance, Luck threw for over 400 yards and four touchdowns. The defining moment came when he recovered a Donald Brown fumble and dove into the end zone, leading the Colts to a one-point win in one of the greatest postseason games ever.
3. New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons, Super Bowl LI
Final Score: Patriots 34, Falcons 28 (OT)
No list would be complete without mentioning the greatest Super Bowl comeback of all time. The Patriots trailed 28-3 with just over 8 minutes left in the third quarter. Tom Brady’s sheer brilliance and a series of stunning plays, including Julian Edelman’s incredible catch, helped New England force the game into overtime and eventually win, 34-28.
4. San Francisco 49ers vs. New Orleans Saints, 2002 NFC Wild Card
Final Score: 49ers 39, Saints 38
The 49ers trailed by 24 points in the second quarter but rallied to take a fourth-quarter lead. The game culminated in a dramatic last-second victory when Jeff Garcia connected with Terrell Owens for the winning score, capping a thrilling 39-38 win for the 49ers.
5. Cleveland Browns vs. Tennessee Titans, 2014 Regular Season
Final Score: Browns 29, Titans 28
Down 28-3 near the end of the first half, the Browns, led by Brian Hoyer, engineered the greatest regular-season comeback by a road team in NFL history. Hoyer threw for over 200 yards and three touchdowns in the second half alone to secure a one-point victory for Cleveland.
6. Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants, 2010 Regular Season
Final Score: Eagles 38, Giants 31
Dubbed the “Miracle at the New Meadowlands,” the Eagles were down 31-10 with under 8 minutes left in the game. A series of quick touchdowns and a miraculous punt return by DeSean Jackson as time expired capped a 28-point fourth-quarter explosion for Philadelphia.
7. New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins, 2000 Regular Season
Final Score: Jets 40, Dolphins 37 (OT)
Known as “The Monday Night Miracle,” the Jets were down 30-7 at the end of the third quarter. Led by Vinny Testaverde, who threw for five touchdowns, the Jets scored 30 points in the fourth quarter, forcing the game into overtime where John Hall kicked the game-winning field goal.
8. Denver Broncos vs. Cleveland Browns, 1987 AFC Championship
Final Score: Broncos 23, Browns 20 (OT)
The “Drive” featured John Elway leading the Broncos 98 yards to tie the game in the closing moments of the fourth quarter, eventually resulting in a Denver victory in overtime. This heartbreaking loss for the Browns became one of Elway’s defining moments.
9. Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers, 1983 Regular Season
Final Score: Vikings 28, 49ers 21
The Vikings were down 21-0 at halftime but stormed back with 28 unanswered points in the second half. Tommy Kramer threw for over 450 yards, and Ted Brown scored the game-winning touchdown, completing a remarkable turnaround.
10. Washington Football Team vs. Dallas Cowboys, 2005 Regular Season
Final Score: Washington 14, Dallas 13
This may not be a massive comeback in terms of points, but the emotional impact was immense. Washington scored two touchdowns in the final 3:46 of the game, both on long passes from Mark Brunell to Santana Moss, defeating their arch-rivals in a dramatic fashion.
The NFL has a rich history of delivering unforgettable comebacks that capture the essence of why we love sports: the unpredictability, the drama, and the sheer spectacle of human achievement. These are the games that become legends, not only for the players involved but for the fans who witness them. They are a testament to the indomitable will to win and a reminder that in sports, as in life, it’s never over until it’s over.