Top 5 Greatest Comebacks in NFL History
NFL history contains several games where teams overcame massive point deficits to secure victories. These contests are measured by deficit size, game context, statistical achievements, and lasting influence on the sport. The following five comebacks represent the largest rallies recorded in professional football through October 2025.
The Minnesota Vikings Shatter Records Against Indianapolis
On December 17, 2022, the Minnesota Vikings completed the largest comeback in NFL history. They trailed the Indianapolis Colts 33–0 with under two minutes remaining in the third quarter. The final score read 39–36 in overtime.
Kirk Cousins threw for 417 yards and four touchdowns during the game. Dalvin Cook added 95 total yards and caught a touchdown pass late in regulation. The Vikings defense held Indianapolis to three points over the final 34 minutes of play. Greg Joseph kicked a 40-yard field goal in overtime to complete the comeback.
The NFL recognizes this 33-point rally as the largest deficit overcome in league history. Kevin O’Connell, the Vikings coach, credited halftime adjustments and player determination for the turnaround. Veterans on the team stated they had never witnessed anything comparable in their careers.
Buffalo’s Playoff Miracle in Houston
The Buffalo Bills faced a 35–3 deficit against the Houston Oilers on January 3, 1993, during an AFC Wild Card playoff game. Backup quarterback Frank Reich replaced injured starter Jim Kelly and proceeded to throw for 289 yards and four touchdowns. Buffalo won 41–38 in overtime.
Andre Reed caught three touchdown passes in the second half. The Bills defense intercepted Warren Moon twice after halftime. Henry Jones grabbed one of those interceptions, setting up Steve Christie’s game-winning field goal. This 32-point comeback remains the largest in playoff history according to NFL records.
Frank Reich maintained composure throughout the rally. Marv Levy, Buffalo’s head coach, labeled it the greatest moment in franchise history. The Pro Football Hall of Fame preserves this game as one of football’s defining moments.
New England’s Championship Rally
Super Bowl LI featured the New England Patriots trailing the Atlanta Falcons 28–3 midway through the third quarter on February 5, 2017. Tom Brady completed 43 of 62 passes for 466 yards and two touchdowns. James White scored three touchdowns and converted a two-point attempt.
The Patriots defense forced critical turnovers. Dont’a Hightower stripped Matt Ryan of the football. Julian Edelman made a fingertip catch while surrounded by three defenders. New England converted two separate two-point conversions to tie the game. White scored the winning touchdown in overtime, completing a 25-point comeback.
Brady set Super Bowl records for passing yards and completions. The NFL documents this as the largest Super Bowl comeback ever recorded. Brady called his teammates “champions forever” during postgame celebrations.
San Francisco’s Playoff Escape
The San Francisco 49ers trailed the New York Giants 38–14 late in the third quarter during a Wild Card playoff game on January 5, 2003. Jeff Garcia passed for 331 yards and three touchdowns while adding a rushing score. The 49ers won 39–38.
Terrell Owens caught two touchdown passes in the comeback. Garcia connected with Tai Streets for a two-point conversion that gave San Francisco the lead. The Giants attempted a field goal in the final minute, but holder Matt Allen mishandled the snap. This 24-point rally ranks as the largest deficit overcome in NFC playoff history.
Garcia emphasized persistence in postgame interviews. NFL records classify this game as an instant classic due to the scoring swings and controversial ending.
Monday Night Football Produces Drama
The New York Jets trailed the Miami Dolphins 30–7 entering the fourth quarter on October 23, 2000. Vinny Testaverde completed 36 of 59 passes for 378 yards and five touchdowns. The Jets won 40–37 in overtime.
Testaverde threw three touchdown passes in the final 12 minutes of regulation. Offensive tackle Jumbo Elliott caught a touchdown pass to tie the game at 37. John Hall kicked the winning field goal in overtime. Wayne Chrebet and Laveranues Coles each exceeded 100 receiving yards.
The Jets defense forced turnovers in the fourth quarter and overtime to sustain the rally. Testaverde called it the craziest night of his career. The NFL classifies this among the largest fourth-quarter comebacks in regular-season history.
How Fans Bet on Comeback Scenarios
NFL comebacks generate intense betting interest when teams face large deficits. Sportsbooks offer live betting options that allow wagers on teams trailing by 14 or more points, with odds that fluctuate based on game flow and time remaining. The Vikings-Colts game in 2022 saw live odds reach +2500 for Minnesota when they trailed 33–0, while promotional offers like bonus codes for betmgm, FanDuel’s risk-free bets, and DraftKings’ odds boosts provide additional value during these situations.
Professional bettors track specific metrics when considering comeback bets: quarterback performance under pressure, defensive fatigue in the fourth quarter, and coaching tendencies in two-minute drills. The Patriots’ Super Bowl LI victory paid out at +650 for those who bet New England at halftime, demonstrating how large deficits create profitable opportunities for informed bettors who recognize momentum shifts early.
Patterns in Historic Rallies
Each comeback featured deficits of 24 points or greater. The Vikings’ 33-point rally tops all recorded comebacks. Fourth quarters and overtime periods produced the decisive scoring. Quarterbacks delivered career-defining performances under pressure, with Brady, Reich, Testaverde, and Garcia posting exceptional statistics.
Defensive plays altered momentum at key moments. Hightower’s strip-sack, Jones’s interception, and forced turnovers by the Jets defense all led directly to scoring opportunities. Special-teams contributions proved vital, from Joseph’s field goal to Hall’s overtime winner.
Statistical Achievements and League Recognition
The Vikings overcame 33 points, setting the all-time comeback record. Buffalo’s 32-point playoff rally remains unmatched in postseason play. New England’s 25-point Super Bowl comeback included four team records. San Francisco’s 24-point Wild Card victory and New York’s fourth-quarter heroics maintain top rankings in their respective categories.
NFL.com hosts official highlight videos for each game. The Pro Football Hall of Fame preserves artifacts and documentation from these contests. ESPN and NFL Network maintain archived interviews and analysis that capture player reactions and coaching decisions.
Conclusion
These five games represent the pinnacle of competitive resilience in professional football. The Vikings, Bills, Patriots, 49ers, and Jets each faced seemingly insurmountable deficits before mounting historic rallies. Official NFL records confirm the magnitude of each comeback through verified statistics and game documentation. Players like Brady, Reich, and Testaverde delivered performances that redefined what teams could accomplish when facing elimination. Coaches adjusted strategies mid-game to exploit opponent weaknesses. These comebacks continue to influence how teams approach large deficits, proving that no NFL game is decided until the final whistle sounds.
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