In football, comebacks are among the most exciting parts, and it frequently seems impossible for a team to make a comeback after falling behind by a significant margin.
However, some teams have overcome the odds, winning despite huge point deficits, which is fantastic to watch and will be remembered for years.
There have only been nine NFL victories in more than a century, including four in the postseason, after falling behind by 25 points or more.
Moreover, comebacks from exactly 24 points behind have happened seventeen times, including twice in the playoffs.
Since it’s Colts week, here is the greatest comeback in NFL History in one minute. pic.twitter.com/OmNKKn1K6v
— 𝙆𝙖𝙨𝙚 (@verysadvikings) October 29, 2024
In the 2022 NFL season, the Vikings defeated the Colts 39-36 in overtime after rallying from a 33-0 third-quarter deficit to set the record for the biggest comeback in NFL history.
However, the Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Oilers AFC Wild Card game in 1992 is frequently regarded as the greatest comeback in NFL history.
After trailing by 32 points (35-3) and winning overtime, the Bills’ comeback is undoubtedly one of the most memorable.
Although a few records were set following the game, the Bills’ comeback is more well-known for the drama and playoff setting.
The NFL’s Top 6 Greatest Comebacks by Points Deficit
Throughout NFL history, there have been some incredible comebacks where teams have overcome the odds to steal victory from the jaws of defeat.
These are the top six biggest comebacks ever.
1. Minnesota Vikings vs Indianapolis Colts (2022): 33 Points
The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Indianapolis Colts on December 17, 2022, with a 33-0 deficit at halftime and a final score of 39, Colts 36 (OT).
Early on, the Colts dominated, taking advantage of the Vikings’ errors and scoring a defensive touchdown.
Additionally, Minnesota erased the deficit with five touchdowns in the second half, led by Kirk Cousins.
Interestingly, Dalvin Cook tied the score with a two-point conversion and a 64-yard catch-and-run touchdown. In overtime, Greg Joseph made the game-winning 40-yard field goal.
Furthermore, this game solidified its status as the greatest comeback in NFL history by surpassing the previous record (a 32-point comeback).
2. Buffalo Bills vs Houston Oilers (1992): 32 Points
On January 3, 1993, the NFL played a game called “The Comeback” or “The Choke” as part of the 1992–1993 NFL playoffs.
In overtime, the Buffalo Bills defeated the visiting Houston Oilers 41–38 after rallying from a 35–3 deficit, setting the previous NFL record for the biggest comeback.
Leading the Bills in this historic comeback was Frank Reich, who took Jim Kelly’s place as the injured starter.
Warren Moon and the Oilers led 35-3 in the third quarter after dominating the first two quarters.
With four touchdowns in just six minutes in the third quarter, the Bills scored 28 points in the second half.
Further, Scott Norwood made a 39-yard field goal in overtime to give the Bills the victory after the game was tied at 35-35.
Even though the Minnesota Vikings beat this record in 2022, the Bills’ 32-point comeback is still the biggest in postseason history and the second-largest overall.
Additionally, it was the first time an NFL team had lost a game after leading by at least thirty points.
3. San Francisco 49ers vs New Orleans Saints (1980): 28 Points
On the top third of the greatest comeback, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Saints 38-35 in overtime on November 16, 1980, trailing 35-7 at halftime.
In addition, the Saints, under the leadership of quarterback Archie Manning, dominated the first half and accumulated a 28-point lead.
With three touchdown passes in the second half, Joe Montana, who was only in his second NFL season, led an amazing comeback.
Amazingly, in the last few minutes of regulation, Ray Wersching’s field goal tied the score. With yet another Wersching field goal, the 49ers prevailed in overtime.
This served as Montana’s first career comeback and a sneak peek at his renowned NFL clutch plays.
4. Indianapolis Colts vs Kansas City Chiefs (2014): 28 Points
On January 4, 2014, the Colts defeated the Chiefs 45–44 despite having a 38–10 third-quarter deficit in the 2013 AFC Wild Card game.
Additionally, the Chiefs’ strong running game and Alex Smith led them to a 38-10 lead halfway through the third quarter.
With four touchdowns in the second half, Andrew Luck gave the Colts the upper hand.
Remarkably, Luck’s recovery of a fumble and subsequent touchdown to maintain the momentum was crucial.
In the closing minutes, the Colts took the lead thanks to a 64-yard touchdown pass to T.Y. Hilton.
Additionally, the Colts finished the comeback with Adam Vinatieri’s game-winning field goal from 43 yards out.
The fact that people still regard this as one of the best comebacks in NFL playoff history solidifies Andrew Luck’s position as a rising star.
5. Cleveland Browns vs Tennessee Titans (2014): 25 points
On October 5, 2014, the Cleveland Browns defeated the Tennessee Titans 29–28 in the NFL season’s fifth week.
Late in the second quarter, the Browns were behind 28-3, and it looked like the game was almost over.
However, Cleveland pulled off the biggest comeback in the team’s history at the time, scoring 26 points in a row in the second half.
Additionally, quarterback Brian Hoyer spearheaded the attack with two pivotal touchdown passes.
With just over one minute remaining, Travis Benjamin caught a 6-yard pass that resulted in the game-winning touchdown.
The Browns made the most significant road comeback in NFL history and the largest in franchise history when they came back from a 28-3 deficit.
Furthermore, the crew left in the second quarter to score 26 points in a row and win 29–28.
6. Miami Dolphins vs. New York Jets (1974): 24 Points
With a 24-0 deficit in the second quarter on December 15, 1974, the Dolphins were able to reverse the pattern and win with a final score of 28 to 24 against the Jets.
Additionally, the Jets dominated early thanks to quarterback Joe Namath and an outstanding defense, taking a 24-0 lead in the second quarter.
Interestingly, the Dolphins, led by running back Larry Csonka and quarterback Bob Griese, began to reduce the deficit with a potent running attack.
The Dolphins scored 28 points in the second half, dominating both the offense and defense.
While the offense took advantage of scoring opportunities, the Dolphins’ strong defense kept the Jets scoreless in the second half.
This return, still regarded as one of the largest regular-season turnarounds, played a crucial role in the Dolphins’ season.
The Greatest Comeback in NFL Super Bowl History
New England Patriots vs Atlanta Falcons: Super Bowl LI
With a final score of 34, 28 (OT), the Patriots defeated the Falcons in the February 5, 2017 Super Bowl final.
Furthermore, the Patriots erased a 28-3 deficit in the biggest comeback ever at the Super Bowl.
Early on, the Falcons dominated, taking a 28-3 lead in the third quarter before the Patriots rallied with 25 points in a row.
In overtime, James White scored the game-winning touchdown, and Julian Edelman’s incredible catch preserved a crucial drive.
It is interesting to note that this was the first Super Bowl to go into overtime.
Furthermore, this is still the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history, and it was a turning point for Brady and the Patriots.
Tom Brady was the MVP, with 466 yards and two touchdowns.
Additional Information
- In the greatest comeback tie ever, the Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills tied with 31 points in 1960, with the Bills leading 38–7.
- Tom Brady Set a Super Bowl Record – 466 passing yards in the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history.
- Following a 14-point deficit to the Denver Broncos in the 2012 AFC Divisional Playoffs, the Baltimore Ravens rallied for a 38-35 victory in overtime.
