Biggest comeback in NFL history: Kirk Cousins and Vikings create history vs. Colts
Matt Ryan and the Indianapolis Colts created some unwanted history on Saturday as they blew a 33-point lead against the Minnesota Vikings. The Colts led 33-0 at halftime but were outscored 36-3 in the second half, which sent the game into overtime.
The Colts couldn't put together a good drive in overtime, and in the final 90 seconds, Kirk Cousins did what Ryan couldn't and drove the Vikings into field goal range before Greg Joseph hit the game-winning kick to create history.
Where does the Vikings' 33-point comeback rank in NFL history?
5 Biggest comebacks in NFL history
#T5 - New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons, Super Bowl 51, 2017 - 25 points
Three teams have mounted a 25-point comeback in NFL history, but none is more famous than Tom Brady and the New England Patriots' 25-point comeback in Super Bowl 51 against the Atlanta Falcons. Coincidentally, Matt Ryan was the quarterback on the receiving end of an improbable loss.
5 years ago today, Tom Brady and the @Patriots were down 28-3 with 2:15 left in the 3rd quarter.
We all know how it ended. 🐐 https://t.co/VDRQ7XPEr5
The Patriots aren't the only team to come back from 28-3 down in the NFL. During the 1997 regular season, the St. Louis Cardinals mounted a 25-point comeback to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-28. In 2014, the Cleveland Browns also rallied from a 28-3 deficit to beat the Tennessee Titans 29-28.
#4 - Buffalo Bills vs. Indianapolis Colts, 1997 - 26 points
During a regular-season game in 1997, the Colts built a 26-0 lead over the Buffalo Bills at halftime. Quarterback Todd Collins, who was in his first season as the Bills' starter under center after replacing Jim Kelley, helped his team mount a mammoth comeback to win 37-35.
#3 - San Francisco 49ers vs. New Orleans Saints, 1980 - 28 points
In his second year with the San Francisco 49ers, Joe Montana delivered a performance that made him a household name in America. The 49ers trailed by 28 points in the third quarter before Montana led a comeback that helped the team force overtime. San Francisco kicked a game-winning field goal to complete the comeback and win the game.
#2 - Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Oilers, 1993 - 32 points
During the 1993-94 playoffs, the Buffalo Bills engineered a 32-point comeback in a game now known as 'The Choke' or 'The Comeback.' Early in the second half, the Bills trailed 35-3 before scoring 35 unanswered points, 28 in the third quarter, to take the lead. The Oilers kicked a field goal to force overtime, but the Bills managed to score the win with a field goal of their own.
#1 - Minnesota Vikings vs. Indianapolis Colts, 2022 - 33 points
The Vikings' 33-point comeback on Saturday against the Colts is the largest in NFL history. Indianapolis led 33-0 at halftime but a 14-3 third quarter in favor of Minnesota saw them go into the fourth trailing by 22. The Vikings managed to score 22 unanswered points in the final quarter to force overtime.
THE @VIKINGS CAP OFF THE LARGEST COMEBACK IN NFL HISTORY.
FROM 33-0 DOWN TO 39-36. #INDvsMIN https://t.co/p4vtjhuPY7
Neither team could score a touchdown on their opening possession in overtime, but late in overtime, Cousins led the Vikings down the field to set up a 40-yard game-winning field goal for kicker Greg Joseph, who converted to complete the greatest comeback in NFL history.