Let’s be honest, the most exciting games are always the ones with the most dramatic comebacks. And when the stakes are at their highest — a playoff game or even the Super Bowl itself — a dramatic comeback quickly becomes the thing of legends.
These are the 15 greatest comebacks in NFL playoff history. How many of these games had you at the edge of your seats?
15. Jacksonville’s Stunning Rally: Jaguars vs. Chargers (2023)
In one of the most recent dramatic comebacks, the Jacksonville Jaguars overcame a 27-0 deficit against the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2023 AFC Wild Card game. Trevor Lawrence, after throwing four first-half interceptions, led an incredible rally. He threw four touchdown passes in the second half as Jacksonville scored on its final five possessions. The Jaguars completed the third-largest comeback in NFL playoff history with a last-second field goal, winning 31-30 and leaving the football world in awe.
14. The Philly Special: Eagles vs. Patriots (Super Bowl LII, 2018)
While not a traditional comeback, the Philadelphia Eagles’ victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII was filled with dramatic moments. The Eagles, led by backup quarterback Nick Foles, traded blows with Tom Brady and the Patriots throughout the game. The “Philly Special” trick play on fourth down before halftime epitomized the Eagles’ gutsy performance, as they held on for a 41-33 victory, denying the Patriots another championship.
13. Luck Does It Again: Colts vs. Bengals (2014)
Andrew Luck proved his comeback prowess once again, this time against the Cincinnati Bengals. Down 13-0 at halftime, Luck led the Indianapolis Colts to 26 unanswered points in the second half. The Colts’ defense stifled the Bengals, and Indy walked away with a 26-13 victory, showcasing Luck’s ability to rally his team.
12. The Minneapolis Miracle’s Prelude: Vikings vs. Saints (2018)
Before the famous “Minneapolis Miracle,” the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints engaged in a back-and-forth battle. The Vikings blew a 17-0 lead, falling behind 21-20 in the fourth quarter. Case Keenum led a late drive, setting up Stefon Diggs’ miraculous game-winning touchdown as time expired, giving Minnesota a 29-24 victory.
11. The Ice Bowl Sequel: Packers vs. Cowboys (2015)
In a game reminiscent of the famous “Ice Bowl,” the Green Bay Packers rallied from a 21-3 deficit against the Dallas Cowboys. Aaron Rodgers, playing on an injured calf, threw for 316 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Packers took their first lead with just 9 minutes left and held on for a thrilling 26-21 victory.
10. Montana’s Finest Hour: 49ers vs. Eagles (1989)
Joe Montana showed why he was called “Joe Cool” in this divisional playoff game. Down 28-17 in the fourth quarter, Montana led three scoring drives in the final period. His touchdown pass to John Taylor with just over 2 minutes left gave the San Francisco 49ers a 30-28 victory, showcasing Montana’s clutch gene.
9. The Immaculate Reception’s Revenge: Raiders vs. Steelers (1976)
Four years after the controversial “Immaculate Reception,” the Oakland Raiders exacted revenge on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Trailing 28-14 in the fourth quarter, Ken Stabler led two touchdown drives to tie the game. The Raiders won on a last-second field goal, ending Pittsburgh’s quest for a third straight Super Bowl.
8. Elway’s Drive: Broncos vs. Browns (1987 AFC Championship)
John Elway cemented his legacy with “The Drive” against the Cleveland Browns. Trailing 20-13 with 5:32 left, Elway led the Denver Broncos 98 yards for the game-tying touchdown. The Broncos won in overtime, crushing Cleveland’s Super Bowl dreams in dramatic fashion.
7. The Monday Night Miracle: Jets vs. Dolphins (2000)
While not technically a playoff game, this regular-season comeback was so dramatic it deserves mention. The New York Jets trailed the Miami Dolphins 30-7 entering the fourth quarter on Monday Night Football. Vinny Testaverde led an incredible rally, throwing four touchdown passes in the final period. The Jets tied the game on a last-second touchdown and won 40-37 in overtime, leaving fans and commentators alike in shock.
6. Kaepernick’s Coming Out Party: 49ers vs. Packers (2013)
In his playoff debut, Colin Kaepernick led the San Francisco 49ers back from a 17-0 deficit against the Green Bay Packers. Kaepernick’s dynamic running and passing overwhelmed the Packers defense as the 49ers stormed back for a 45-31 victory. Kaepernick set an NFL record for rushing yards by a quarterback in any game with 181 yards.
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5. Music City Miracle’s Revenge: Titans vs. Bills (2000)
One year after the infamous “Music City Miracle,” the Tennessee Titans found themselves on the other side of a dramatic comeback. The Buffalo Bills, seeking revenge, erased a 16-point deficit in the final quarter. Rob Johnson led two touchdown drives, and Steve Christie’s last-second field goal gave the Bills a stunning 22-16 victory, silencing the Nashville crowd.
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4. The Catch II: 49ers vs. Giants (2003)
In a wild NFC Wild Card game, the San Francisco 49ers overcame a 24-point deficit against the New York Giants. Trailing 38-14 in the third quarter, Jeff Garcia led a furious 49ers comeback. The game culminated in a controversial play where Garcia hit Terrell Owens for the game-winning touchdown with just seconds remaining, giving San Francisco an improbable 39-38 victory.
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3. The Miracle in Atlanta: Patriots vs. Falcons (Super Bowl LI, 2017)
Super Bowl LI witnessed the greatest comeback on the biggest stage. The New England Patriots, led by Tom Brady, erased a 28-3 deficit against the Atlanta Falcons in the second half. Brady threw for a Super Bowl record 466 yards as the Patriots scored 31 unanswered points, including a game-tying drive in the final minutes of regulation. In the first-ever Super Bowl overtime, the Patriots completed the stunning 34-28 victory, leaving the football world in disbelief.
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2. Luck’s Masterpiece: Colts vs. Chiefs (2014)
Andrew Luck cemented his status as a clutch performer in the 2014 AFC Wild Card game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Down 38-10 early in the third quarter, Luck led the Indianapolis Colts on a furious comeback. He threw for 443 yards and 4 touchdowns, including a memorable fumble recovery that he took into the end zone himself. The Colts completed the second-largest playoff comeback in NFL history, winning 45-44 on a 64-yard touchdown pass from Luck to T.Y. Hilton with just over 4 minutes remaining.
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1. The Greatest Comeback: Bills vs. Oilers (1993)
In what is widely considered the greatest comeback in NFL history, the Buffalo Bills erased a seemingly insurmountable 32-point deficit against the Houston Oilers in the 1993 AFC Wild Card game. Trailing 35-3 early in the third quarter, backup quarterback Frank Reich orchestrated a miraculous rally, throwing four touchdown passes in the second half. The Bills scored an astounding 35 unanswered points to take the lead before ultimately winning 41-38 in overtime. This epic comeback, known simply as “The Comeback,” remains etched in NFL lore as a testament to never giving up.
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