In the National Football League, the clock is always the biggest enemy. However, sometimes a few historic teams do not treat time as their enemy. But they bend, stretch and control time until it's the final call. Nothing in the sports industry quite matches the drama when a team comes back during the NFL. Think of it as a simple, rare stir in the stadium. Then, a single move turns into an unstoppable wave of momentum that ultimately rolls down the opponent's team.
Fans love to be a part of these historic moments when a team usually pushes against the statistical model where they have less than a one-in-thousand chance to win. Those fans who, out of regret and depressed figures, leave the stadium early suddenly stop to hear the distant crowd roars they left behind.
From the chilling Buffalo winds to the electrifying atmosphere of Indianapolis and some intense drama in Chicago, these turnaround matches redefine legacies and leave the losing side shaken.
This article covers the biggest comebacks NFL history. These are not just some random games. They are the revival movements. Games where victory was pulled back from the opponent's jaws. We will look at the shortfall runs, the heroes and the unforgettable madness of the top 20 comebacks the league has ever seen before.
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What Counts as a "Biggest Comeback"?
Before hopping on to the rankings, it's better to know how sports legends set the parameters to be called one of the biggest comeback matches. Usually in the NFL, people consider a comeback by the total number of points a team overcomes to win the overall match. But these raw scores do not tell you the full story.
The Context of the Deficit: Climbing onto a 21-point deficit during the first quarter match is notable. But imagine you have to cover this gap only when there are 8 minutes left in the fourth quarter. Seems miraculous? Time makes this challenge a lot harder, as the less time that remains, the more flawless your team must be to execute their strategy.
Regular Season vs. Postseason: The bets matter! A comeback in Week 5 is, though, exciting. But what if it happens during the playoff matches? When a loss ends your team's journey in the season, while the other secures the top place in history. The postseason pressure when players define their careers adds an extra psychological burden that makes the comeback more challenging.
The "It" Factor: Some comebacks build gradually. While others are abrupt. The most unforgettable game changer moments often include chaotic event series where one successful onside kick, a defensive smart strategy, or some unbelievable catch turns the game upside down.
The Top 20 Biggest Comebacks in NFL History
Here are the 20 most incredible rallies and super comebacks in league history, ranked by the sheer magnitude of the turnaround and the shockwaves they sent through the NFL.
1. Vikings vs. Colts (2022) – The Impossible 33–0
- The Deficit: 33 points (33–0 at Halftime)
- The Result: Vikings win 39–36 (OT)
This game is one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history. Kirk Cousins and the Vikings team were set back off the field at halftime chasing the 33 points at their home ground. This major upside down game changer was a dream come true. The Vikings needed five second half touchdowns to beat the lead.
A 64-yard screen pass to Dalvin Cook and Greg Joseph's 40-yard field goal in time brought a victory to their team, defying all the logical explanations. It felt as if history and reality both had momentarily slipped out of hand! For more than 30 years, this game has stood out as one of the most recognized, undisputed comeback benchmarks.
2. Bills vs. Oilers (1993 Playoffs) – "The Comeback"
- The Deficit: 32 points (35–3 in the 3rd Quarter)
- The Result: Bills win 41–38 (OT)
For more than 30 years, this game has stood out as one of the most recognized, undisputed comeback benchmarks. With starting quarterback and future Hall of Famer Jim Kelly sidelined, backup Frank Reich led the team. Warren Moon's Oilers dominated Buffalo until Reich courageously reversed their plan.
The Bills scored 35 consecutive points - featuring a disputed recovery of a kickoff that appeared to go out of bounds. To this day, it is called a groundbreaking record for the greatest postseason comeback ever. This comeback highlights the everlasting tribute of the Buffalo Bills team's determination in the early 1990s.
3. Patriots vs. Falcons (Super Bowl LI, 2017) – "28–3"
- The Deficit: 25 points (28–3 in the 3rd Quarter)
- The Result: Patriots win 34–28 (OT)
The "28–3" scoreline ranks in sports history as the most iconic of all time. The Atlanta Falcons managed to portray a flawless game during the first three quarters on football's grandest stage. Then, out of nowhere, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick destroyed their gameplay. For the win, the team needed two crucial two-point conversions.
Julian Edelman's miraculous shoestring catch and James White's determined, game-winning effort in overtime. Along with them, the team's counterattack pulled them a historic win, making Tom Brady the greatest of all time. Also, on that day, the Patriots left a permanent scar on the Falcons franchise that still flinches today.
4. Colts vs. Chiefs (2013 Playoffs) – The Andrew Luck Game
- The Deficit: 28 points (38–10 in the 3rd Quarter)
- The Result: Colts win 45–44
In a high-scoring duel, Andrew Luck's three first-half interceptions buried the Colts confidence in a deep deficit. However, he backed his team with a legendary second-half performance to prove his redemption.
The game and possibly Luck's career's most iconic moment came when he recovered a fumble from his own running back. He then jumped in Superman style across the goal line. T.Y. Hilton's 64-yard touchdown reception put a cherry on top of the match, completing what stands as the second-greatest playoff rally in NFL history.
5. Chargers vs. Jaguars (2022 Playoffs) – The Tale of Two Trevors
- The Deficit: 27 points (27–0 in the 2nd Quarter)
- The Result: Jaguars win 31–30
Trevor Lawrence's playoff debut felt like it'd end before it truly began with messed up four first-half interceptions. However, the Jaguars did'nt hitched for a single second. Lawrence threw four second-half touchdowns and a bold 4th-and-1 decision.
All this was backed up by the head coach Doug Pederson, who positioned the team for such a decisive field goal. The performance was a masterstroke to reset and move forward from early mistakes.
6. 49ers vs. Cowboys (1972 Playoffs) – Captain Comeback
- The Deficit: 18 points (21–3 entering the 4th Quarter)
- The Result: Cowboys win 30–28
Roger Staubach was a substitute player in this game. Yet, living up to his "Captain Comeback" title, he devised two touchdown drives in the last minutes. Just as fans thought the 49ers were victorious in this game, Staubach's onside kick gave Ron Sellers the game-winning opportunity with less than a minute remaining. This moment marked the legend's true spirit and resilience.
7. Colts vs. Patriots (2006 Playoffs) – Manning's Exorcism
- The Deficit: 18 points (21–3 in the 2nd Quarter)
- The Result: Colts win 38–34
In this AFC Championship match, Peyton Manning at last overcame his greatest hurdle. Bill Belichick's Patriots managed early control, building a strong lead with defensive touchdowns. The Colts steadily counterattacked, eventually tying the game on a trick-play touchdown to centre Jeff Saturday.
But when Marlin Jackson intercepted Tom Brady in the final minute, the tables turned around. The Colts were pushed to the Super Bowl, and the stadium experienced a deafening roar that had never been heard within the RCA Dome.
8. Titans vs. Chiefs (2017 Playoffs) – The Self-Pass
- The Deficit: 18 points (21–3 at Halftime)
- The Result: Titans win 22–21
On a rainy day at Arrowhead Stadium, the Titans looked dead as the game slipped out of their hands. Marcus Mariota had his pass deflected back into his own hands, which he then caught and dove into the end zone for a touchdown.
This throwing and catching his own scoring pass shifted the momentum. Derrick Henry's powerful runs brought them a win, ultimately quieting the roaring Kansas City crowd.
9. Bengals vs. Chiefs (2021 Playoffs) – Burrow Cool
- The Deficit: 18 points (21–3 in the 2nd Quarter)
- The Result: Bengals win 27–24 (OT)
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs were dominant through the first half of the AFC Championship Game. However, after halftime, Joe Burrow and the Bengals implemented key defense adjustments after halftime. It ultimately deployed the eight-man coverage scheme to disrupt Mahomes' rhythm. This defensive shift limited Kansas City to a mere three points lead in the entire second half. Over time, setting the stage for Evan McPherson's game-winning field goal that took Cincinnati to the Super Bowl.
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10. Packers vs. Bears (2025 Playoffs) – The Soldier Field Miracle
- The Deficit: 18 points (21–3 at Halftime)
- The Result: Bears win 31–27
Earlier this month, a match reshaped the storied history of the NFL's longest running rivalry. The Packers controlled the opening half session, leaving the Chicago crowd quiet. Yet, the heroic gesture from Caleb Williams in the fourth quarter, the team delivered three touchdown passes within just eight minutes.
The decisive throw to DJ Moore with 1:43 minutes left on the clock completed a 28-point second half. Finally, it put an end to the generations of heartbreak for Bears fans due to the Packers.
11. 49ers vs. Giants (2002 Playoffs) – The Botched Snap
- The Deficit: 24 points (38–14 in the 3rd Quarter)
- The Result: 49ers win 39–38
Jeff Garcia is one of the most renowned furious rally handlers, handling nearly 300 yards in the second-half session of the game. But, this game is not known for its furious, terrific performance.
Fans remember this game for its chaotic final showdown, where the Giants were one step away from winning the game with the final goal. But a fumbled, desperate and field pass brought the 49ers a historic win as the time expired on the clock.
12. Lions vs. Cowboys (2011) – Megatron's Day
- The Deficit: 24 points (27–3 in the 3rd Quarter)
- The Result: Lions win 34–30
Tony Romo's highly professional two interceptions catches helped the Lions climb back into the game. Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson captured this golden opportunity. Overall, Johnson pulled two touchdown receptions.
One was a remarkable catch amid three defenders there. This sent a strong message that even a 24-point lead isn't enough against Detroit's offense.
13. Broncos vs. Chargers (2012) – The MNF Miracle
- The Deficit: 24 points (24–0 at Halftime)
- The Result: Broncos win 35–24
This was Peyton Manning's first defining moment with the Broncos. Trailing 24–0 in San Diego, the Broncos appeared to be a sluggish, aging team. But after the halftime, Manning delivered a jaw-dropping performance, engineering a 35-point unanswered rally. The game is known as one of the most dramatic "tale of two halves" performances ever seen on Monday Night Football.
14. Browns vs. Titans (2014) – The Road Rally
- The Deficit: 25 points (28–3 in the 2nd Quarter)
- The Result: Browns win 29–28
Led by the unlikeliest of heroes in quarterback Brian Hoyer, the Browns planned a stunning game reversal. The team looked disorganized until a crucial safety put their momentum on fire. Travis Benjamin secured two touchdowns, including the game-winner with just one minute remaining. This victory is one of the greatest comebacks ever seen in NFL history.
15. Broncos vs. Giants (2025) – Bo Nix's Arrival
- The Deficit: 19 points (19–0) and 18 points (26–8)
- The Result: Broncos win 33–32
During Week 7 of the 2025 season, the Giants were dominating the Broncos at MetLife Stadium. After a slow start, quarterback Bo Nix brought an explosive fourth-quarter comeback.
The Broncos scored 33 consecutive points inlcudng a run with a safety and a defensive touchdown. Ultimately, surviving a wild finale by a single point. The victory highlighted the young quarterback's ability to perform under pressure.
16. Eagles vs. Giants (2010) – Miracle at the New Meadowlands
- The Deficit: 21 points (31–10 with 8 minutes left)
- The Result: Eagles win 38–31
Michael Vick scored three touchdowns in just 5 minutes 2 secure a win for their team. But unfortunately, when DeSean Jackson walked off as the clock hit zero. This is the one and only moment in NFL history where a game ended on a walk-off punt return. Also, fans have not forgotten the Giants coach Tom Coughlin's flushed face with fury to date.
17. Raiders vs. Browns (2018) – The Baker Debut (Almost)
- The Deficit: 14 points (Trailed 42–34 late/Down 8)
- The Result: Raiders win 45–42 (OT)
The headline of this game was specifically Baker Mayfield's electrifying debut for the Browns. It was the Raiders who ultimately stole the game. Facing an 8-point deficit in the final minutes, Derek Carr decided on a last-second drive to force overtime.
The Raiders were named winners with a field goal. Totally, spoiling the rookie's celebration in a shootout that produced 90 total points.
18. Chiefs vs. Chargers (2016) – The Alex Smith Opener
- The Deficit: 17 points (27–10 in the 4th Quarter)
- The Result: Chiefs win 33–27 (OT)
In the tournament opener, the Chargers were in full control against the Chiefs. However, Alex Smith defying his "game manager" title sparked a dramatic late-game gush.
The Chiefs pushed the contest into overtime, where Smith himself ran in the game-winning touchdown on a quarterback keeper. This stunned the Chargers in their own stadium in Arrowhead.
19. Colts vs. Lions (2012) – Luck's Rookie Magic
- The Deficit: 12 points (Trailed 33–21 with 4 minutes left)
- The Result: Colts win 35–33
This game marked another legendary entry in Andrew Luck's rookie chronicle. Trailing by two scores in the final minutes, Luck first threw a touchdown pass. After his defense at a critical stop, he drove the offense down the field again.
As time went on, he connected with Donnie Avery on a slant route for the game-winning touchdown, leaving the stunned Ford Field crowd in a state of disbelief.
20. Saints vs. Redskins (2017) – 15 Points in 3 Minutes
- The Deficit: 15 points (31–16 with 3:00 left)
- The Result: Saints win 34–31 (OT)
The Redskins, now called Commanders, thought they had won. Drew Brees, however, refused to concede. He delivered a touchdown pass, the defense held firm for a stop, and then Brees threw another. A successful two-point conversion by Alvin Kamara tied the game. The Saints ultimately won the game in time, expanding their eight-game match winning streak with a stunning finish.
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What Makes a Comeback Legendary?
Why do people remember the 28–3 game more than a 45–0 complete failure? Human psychology loves nail biting performance. When both competitors want to win the game, the match becomes super fun.
Mental Toughness and Resilience: When a football team is down by 20+ points. The inner instinct of every human asks you to quit. It's a natural phenomenon; our body wants to look into the next events planned for the upcoming days. A comeback in such a scenario is a mere disbelief. Everybody thinks it could never be done until it is, and the reactions are totally worth it.
Coaching Adjustments: Examples like Bill Belichick's defensive schemes against Atlanta. Or the Bengals dropping eight defenders into coverage against Patrick Mahomes. These comebacks are like those chess matches. They often hinge on a coach who smartly evaluates the opponent's growing complacency and exploits their weakness.
Fun Stats & Trivia
- Most Comeback Wins (Career): Tom Brady has the record for most 4th-quarter comebacks in NFL history. His 45 win all along the career are truly speechless.
- The "Safe" Lead: Nobody could believe a team could snatch victory from their opponent with a 25-point lead until Tom Brady and the Patriots broke this myth in Super Bowl LI.
- Team Records: The Minnesota Vikings (2022) proudly have the record for the largest regular-season comeback with 33 points. The Buffalo Bills, in their 1992 season/1993 playoffs, hold the postseason record of 32 points.
- Playoff Volatility: Teams losing by 17+ points during the playoff matches have a winning percentage of less than 4%. But when it happens, victories from the Jaguars, Colts, and 49ers are remembered for years to come.
Conclusion
A football match is a 60 minutes long game. But a comeback during these most crucial minutes stays forever with the fans. All these upside down matches are a hope for fans who stand right beside their favorite teams even during unpredictable situations. The impossible scores, the drama and unimaginable victories, everything proves fruitful during the NFL matches.
Whether it's Frank Reich in the snow, Tom Brady playing in the biggest stadiums, or Caleb Williams introducing a new era in 2026, all these games prove that as long as there is some time over the clock, the hope is still there.
What is your favorite NFL comeback memory? Do you hopelessly turn off the TV during 28–3 matches only to find a miracle happened on the next morning? Share your favorite NFL comeback stories with us in the comments section below.
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