Comeback Kings: The Top 5 Largest Comebacks in NFL History
Comeback wins in any sport are always thrilling, but in the NFL, they can be particularly hard and dramatic. The nature of the game usually requires several play calls and technicalities that make a comeback from a significant deficit difficult to achieve.
However, when a team is able to overcome these obstacles and come back to win, it can be a truly unforgettable moment for fans and players alike. Some teams have managed to overcome large points deficits to pull off some of the greatest comebacks in NFL history.
These games are forever remembered by the fans who were fortunate enough to witness them. It's also a testament to the resilience of the teams and players involved, and it serves as a reminder that anything is possible in the game of football.
Here, we outlined the top 5 largest comeback wins in NFL history. These games showcase the determination, skill, and resilience of the teams and players involved.
It doesn't matter if it was achieved at the last minute or if it was an out-of-the-box play call. They are all historic and were a thrilling experience for the fans.
#1 Indianapolis Colts vs. Minnesota Vikings (December 17th, 2022)
On December 17th, 2022, the Minnesota Vikings pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history in their game against the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts dominated the first half of the game, scoring four field goals and three touchdowns, including a one-off 17-yard interception return for a touchdown.
The Colts held a commanding 33-0 lead at halftime, but the Vikings refused to give up. They came out in the second half with renewed vigor, scoring four consecutive touchdowns to tie the game at 36-36.
The Vikings then kicked a game-winning field goal with only seconds remaining on the clock, securing a 39-36 victory and earning the title for the largest comeback in NFL history, surpassing the record set by the Buffalo Bills in the 1992 season.
It was a remarkable display of determination by the Vikings, who never gave up even when it seemed impossible to come back from such a huge deficit. It was a truly unforgettable moment for the team, the fans, and NFL history.
#2 Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Oilers (January 3rd, 1993)
The Bills' comeback against the Houston Oilers in the 1992 AFC Wild Card game held the record for the largest comeback in over 20 years. This was surpassed by the Vikings in December 2022.
The Bills were down 35-3 in the third quarter but managed to score 38 consecutive points to win the game 41-38 in overtime. This was led by quarterback Frank Reich, who threw for four touchdowns in the second half and overtime.
Reich's performance was instrumental in this historic game, as he rallied his team and inspired them to never give up.
The game is still remembered as one of the most iconic moments in NFL history. Reich's name is forever written in stone in NFL history.
Tied #3 Indianapolis Colts vs. Kansas City Chiefs (January 4th, 2014)
The game was played at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on January 4th, 2013. It was a regular-season game, and the Chiefs were up 38-10 in the third quarter, but the Colts rallied and scored 35 points to win the game, 45-44.
Colts quarterback Andrew Luck had a remarkable game in which he threw for 443 yards and four touchdowns. It is tied for the third-largest comeback win in Playoff history.
ANDREW LUCK'S TOP 5 NFL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
5. 4x Pro-Bowler
4. NFL Passing TDs Leader in 2014
3. Led Colts to the 2nd largest playoff comeback in NFL history against the Kansas City Chiefs
2. 2018 Comeback POTY
1. FOOLED THE WORLD INTO THINKING @Ebron85 CAN ACTUALLY CATCH THE BALL https://t.co/cZdrfxwWmI
It was a historic moment for the Colts and Luck, who had a career game, showing his ability to lead his team to victory.
Tied #3 San Francisco 49ers vs. New Orleans Saints (December 7th, 1980)
The 49ers were trailing the Saints 35-7 in the third quarter. The Saints dominated most of the game up until the third quarter, when the 49ers had a resurgence of form. The 49ers started the comeback with two touchdowns.
The fourth quarter saw the 49ers score two more touchdowns to take the game to overtime. In overtime, the 49ers scored a field goal to win the game and achieved what was then the largest comeback win in NFL history.
It was a historic moment for the 49ers and their fans, who never gave up hope even when their team was down by 28 points.
The game is still remembered as one of the most exciting moments in NFL history. The 49ers team of that game will forever be remembered as the team who pulled off one of the greatest victories in NFL history.
Jaguars 27 point comeback vs the Chargers in 2 minutes https://t.co/J0yZOzqrCo
# 5 Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Los Angeles Chargers (January 14th, 2023)
The Wild Card round playoff game between the Jaguars and the Chargers was played at the Jaguars' home stadium. The game saw the Jaguars trailing by 27 points in the second quarter, but they rallied to score 31 points in the second half of the game to win by a score of 31-30.
Despite having a turnover in the game, the Jaguars managed to win, making it the first time a team with a turnover differential of +5 lost a game. This is the third-largest comeback win in the postseason in NFL history.