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List of largest comebacks in NFL games

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List of largest comebacks in NFL games

This is a list of the largest deficits overcome to win NFL games, from the regular season or postseason. Wins after trailing by 25 points or more have been rare in NFL history, with only nine in over 100 years, including four in the postseason. There have also been two ties after trailing by such a deficit. Comebacks from exactly 24 points behind have been relatively common, with 17 occurrences (two in the playoffs). The record for the largest NFL comeback is held by the Minnesota Vikings, who overcame a third-quarter deficit of 33–0 to defeat the Indianapolis Colts 39–36 in overtime during the 2022 NFL season. The Colts have been featured in three of the top six comebacks, having also won from 28 points behind and lost from 26 points ahead. The biggest postseason comeback was made by the Buffalo Bills, who overcame a third-quarter deficit of 35–3 to defeat the Houston Oilers 41–38 in overtime during the 1992 wild card round, while the biggest Super Bowl comeback came in Super Bowl LI, when the New England Patriots erased a 28–3 third-quarter deficit against the Atlanta Falcons to win in overtime 34–28. Quarterback Matt Ryan started on both the losing Falcons team in Super Bowl LI and the beaten Colts team in 2022. By contrast, head coach Marv Levy led the Bills to two of the three biggest comebacks of the 20th century.

Tables

Largest deficits overcome to win NFL games · Largest deficits overcome to win
1
1
Rank
1
Largest deficit
33 points
Season
2022
Week
15
Winning team
Minnesota Vikings
Losing team
Indianapolis Colts
Venue
U . Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Scores
Colts led 33–0 Vikings won 39–36 (OT)
Notes
The current NFL record. Minnesota gave up return touchdowns from a blocked punt and an interception and trailed 33–0 at halftime. Between 8:22 to play in the 3rd quarter and 2:15 to play in the fourth quarter, the Vikings outscored Indianapolis 36–3; they scored five touchdowns in seven possessions. In overtime, Minnesota drove 60 yards and Greg Jo
2
2
Rank
2
Largest deficit
32 points
Season
1992
Week
Wild Card
Winning team
Buffalo Bills
Losing team
Houston Oilers
Venue
Rich Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
Scores
Oilers led 35–3 Bills won 41–38 (OT)
Notes
Playoff record. Backup quarterback Frank Reich led the Bills to four touchdowns between 8:52 and 2:00 of the third quarter to begin the comeback. Buffalo took the lead on Andre Reed's third touchdown catch with 3:08 to in the fourth quarter, before the Oilers forced overtime with a field goal. Nate Odomes intercepted a Warren Moon pass early in ove
3
3
Rank
3
Largest deficit
28 points
Season
2013
Week
Wild Card
Winning team
Indianapolis Colts
Losing team
Kansas City Chiefs
Venue
Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
Scores
Chiefs led 38–10 Colts won 45–44
Notes
The largest comeback not requiring overtime. Starting with 11:47 remaining in the 3rd quarter, Indianapolis scored five touchdowns while conceding only two field goals. After the Colts took the lead with 4:21 remaining, Kansas City drove into Colts territory before turning the ball over on downs. Indianapolis quarterback Andrew Luck threw for four
1980
1980
Rank
1980
Largest deficit
14
Season
San Francisco 49ers
Week
New Orleans Saints
Winning team
Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California
Losing team
Saints led 35–7 49ers won 38–35 (OT)
Venue
After trailing by 28 points at halftime, San Francisco scored four unanswered touchdowns in the second half and tied the score with 1:50 to play. After forcing a New Orleans punt on the first possession of overtime, the 49ers drove for Ray Wersching's game-winning field goal.
5
5
Rank
5
Largest deficit
27 points
Season
2022
Week
Wild Card
Winning team
Jacksonville Jaguars
Losing team
Los Angeles Chargers
Venue
TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, Florida
Scores
Chargers led 27–0 Jaguars won 31–30
Notes
After throwing four interceptions, the Jaguars found themselves in a 27–0 deficit approaching halftime. Starting with a touchdown with 28 seconds left in the second quarter, Jacksonville then outscored the Chargers 31–3 for the rest of the game. The Jaguars successfully converted a two-point conversion after scoring a touchdown, cutting the lead to
6
6
Rank
6
Largest deficit
26 points
Season
1997
Week
4
Winning team
Buffalo Bills
Losing team
Indianapolis Colts
Venue
Rich Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
Scores
Colts led 26–0 Bills won 37–35
Notes
Between 2:12 to play in the 2nd quarter and 1:14 to play in the 4th quarter, Buffalo outscored Indianapolis 37–3. Trailing by eight points, the Colts drove for a late touchdown but failed on a game-tying two-point conversion attempt.
7
7
Rank
7
Largest deficit
25 points
Season
2016
Week
Super Bowl
Winning team
New England Patriots
Losing team
Atlanta Falcons
Venue
NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Scores
Falcons led 28–3 Patriots won 34–28 (OT)
Notes
Super Bowl record. Starting with 2:06 to play in the third quarter, New England scored 25 unanswered points from four offensive drives. They tied the game with 57 seconds left in regulation, then won it with a touchdown on the first drive of overtime.
2014
2014
Rank
2014
Largest deficit
5
Season
Cleveland Browns
Week
Tennessee Titans
Winning team
LP Field, Nashville, Tennessee
Losing team
Titans led 28–3 Browns won 29–28
Venue
Largest comeback by a road team. The Titans ran no further plays in Cleveland territory after taking their 25-point lead in the second quarter. Cleveland scored 26 unanswered points, beginning 12 seconds before halftime and finishing with 1:09 left in the game.
1987
1987
Rank
1987
Largest deficit
9
Season
St. Louis Cardinals
Week
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Winning team
Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
Losing team
Buccaneers led 28–3 Cardinals won 31–28
Venue
The largest fourth-quarter comeback. Starting with 12:42 remaining in the game, St. Louis scored 28 unanswered points to take the lead with 2:01 to play. A 53-yard field goal attempt by Buccaneers kicker Donald Igwebuike struck the crossbar as time expired.
Rank
Largest deficit
Season
Week
Winning team
Losing team
Venue
Scores
Notes
Ref
1
33 points
2022
15
Minnesota Vikings
Indianapolis Colts
U . Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Colts led 33–0 Vikings won 39–36 (OT)
The current NFL record. Minnesota gave up return touchdowns from a blocked punt and an interception and trailed 33–0 at halftime. Between 8:22 to play in the 3rd quarter and 2:15 to play in the fourth quarter, the Vikings outscored Indianapolis 36–3; they scored five touchdowns in seven possessions. In overtime, Minnesota drove 60 yards and Greg Jo
2
32 points
1992
Wild Card
Buffalo Bills
Houston Oilers
Rich Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
Oilers led 35–3 Bills won 41–38 (OT)
Playoff record. Backup quarterback Frank Reich led the Bills to four touchdowns between 8:52 and 2:00 of the third quarter to begin the comeback. Buffalo took the lead on Andre Reed's third touchdown catch with 3:08 to in the fourth quarter, before the Oilers forced overtime with a field goal. Nate Odomes intercepted a Warren Moon pass early in ove
3
28 points
2013
Wild Card
Indianapolis Colts
Kansas City Chiefs
Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
Chiefs led 38–10 Colts won 45–44
The largest comeback not requiring overtime. Starting with 11:47 remaining in the 3rd quarter, Indianapolis scored five touchdowns while conceding only two field goals. After the Colts took the lead with 4:21 remaining, Kansas City drove into Colts territory before turning the ball over on downs. Indianapolis quarterback Andrew Luck threw for four
1980
14
San Francisco 49ers
New Orleans Saints
Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California
Saints led 35–7 49ers won 38–35 (OT)
After trailing by 28 points at halftime, San Francisco scored four unanswered touchdowns in the second half and tied the score with 1:50 to play. After forcing a New Orleans punt on the first possession of overtime, the 49ers drove for Ray Wersching's game-winning field goal.
5
27 points
2022
Wild Card
Jacksonville Jaguars
Los Angeles Chargers
TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, Florida
Chargers led 27–0 Jaguars won 31–30
After throwing four interceptions, the Jaguars found themselves in a 27–0 deficit approaching halftime. Starting with a touchdown with 28 seconds left in the second quarter, Jacksonville then outscored the Chargers 31–3 for the rest of the game. The Jaguars successfully converted a two-point conversion after scoring a touchdown, cutting the lead to
6
26 points
1997
4
Buffalo Bills
Indianapolis Colts
Rich Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
Colts led 26–0 Bills won 37–35
Between 2:12 to play in the 2nd quarter and 1:14 to play in the 4th quarter, Buffalo outscored Indianapolis 37–3. Trailing by eight points, the Colts drove for a late touchdown but failed on a game-tying two-point conversion attempt.
7
25 points
2016
Super Bowl
New England Patriots
Atlanta Falcons
NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Falcons led 28–3 Patriots won 34–28 (OT)
Super Bowl record. Starting with 2:06 to play in the third quarter, New England scored 25 unanswered points from four offensive drives. They tied the game with 57 seconds left in regulation, then won it with a touchdown on the first drive of overtime.
2014
5
Cleveland Browns
Tennessee Titans
LP Field, Nashville, Tennessee
Titans led 28–3 Browns won 29–28
Largest comeback by a road team. The Titans ran no further plays in Cleveland territory after taking their 25-point lead in the second quarter. Cleveland scored 26 unanswered points, beginning 12 seconds before halftime and finishing with 1:09 left in the game.
1987
9
St. Louis Cardinals
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
Buccaneers led 28–3 Cardinals won 31–28
The largest fourth-quarter comeback. Starting with 12:42 remaining in the game, St. Louis scored 28 unanswered points to take the lead with 2:01 to play. A 53-yard field goal attempt by Buccaneers kicker Donald Igwebuike struck the crossbar as time expired.
Largest deficits overcome to tie NFL games · Largest deficits overcome to tie
1
1
Rank
1
Largest deficit
31 points
Season
1960
Week
12
Away team
Buffalo Bills
Home team
Denver Broncos
Venue
Bears Stadium, Denver, Colorado
Scores
Bills led 38–7 tied 38–38
Notes
AFL game. Denver scored 31 unanswered points starting late in the third quarter, tying the game on a field goal with four seconds left in the game. No overtime was played.
3
3
Rank
3
Largest deficit
28 points
Season
1947
Week
2
Away team
Cleveland Browns
Home team
New York Yankees
Venue
Yankee Stadium, New York, New York
Scores
Yankees led 28–0 tied 28–28
Notes
AAFC game. Beginning in the 2nd quarter and ending midway through the final quarter, Cleveland scored 28 unanswered points. New York missed out on a game-winning field goal attempt after mismanaging the clock. No overtime was played.
1948
1948
Rank
1948
Largest deficit
2
Season
Philadelphia Eagles
Week
Los Angeles Rams
Away team
Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
Home team
Eagles led 28–0 tied 28–28
Venue
Beginning with approximately two minutes to play in the third quarter, and finishing with fewer than 30 seconds to play, the Rams scored four unanswered touchdowns. Philadelphia missed a potential game-winning 52-yard field goal as time expired. No overtime was played.
Rank
Largest deficit
Season
Week
Away team
Home team
Venue
Scores
Notes
Ref
1
31 points
1960
12
Buffalo Bills
Denver Broncos
Bears Stadium, Denver, Colorado
Bills led 38–7 tied 38–38
AFL game. Denver scored 31 unanswered points starting late in the third quarter, tying the game on a field goal with four seconds left in the game. No overtime was played.
3
28 points
1947
2
Cleveland Browns
New York Yankees
Yankee Stadium, New York, New York
Yankees led 28–0 tied 28–28
AAFC game. Beginning in the 2nd quarter and ending midway through the final quarter, Cleveland scored 28 unanswered points. New York missed out on a game-winning field goal attempt after mismanaging the clock. No overtime was played.
1948
2
Philadelphia Eagles
Los Angeles Rams
Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
Eagles led 28–0 tied 28–28
Beginning with approximately two minutes to play in the third quarter, and finishing with fewer than 30 seconds to play, the Rams scored four unanswered touchdowns. Philadelphia missed a potential game-winning 52-yard field goal as time expired. No overtime was played.
Largest deficits overcome to win NFL postseason games · Largest deficits overcome in postseason
1
1
Rank
1
Largest deficit
32 points
Season
1992
Round
AFC Wild Card
Away team
Houston Oilers
Home team
Buffalo Bills
Venue
Rich Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
Scores
Oilers led 35–3 Bills won 41–38
Notes
Largest comeback in playoff history
2
2
Rank
2
Largest deficit
28 points
Season
2013
Round
AFC Wild Card
Away team
Kansas City Chiefs
Home team
Indianapolis Colts
Venue
Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
Scores
Chiefs led 38–10 Colts won 45–44
Notes
Colts scored 35 points in second half
3
3
Rank
3
Largest deficit
27 points
Season
2022
Round
AFC Wild Card
Away team
Los Angeles Chargers
Home team
Jacksonville Jaguars
Venue
TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, Florida
Scores
Chargers led 27–0 Jaguars won 31–30
Notes
Chargers led until final play, when Riley Patterson's 36-yard field goal was good with :00 remaining
4
4
Rank
4
Largest deficit
25 points
Season
2016
Round
Super Bowl LI
Away team
New England Patriots
Home team
Atlanta Falcons
Venue
NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Scores
Falcons led 28–3 Patriots won 34-28
Notes
Largest comeback in championship game in history, trailed by 19 in fourth quarter
5
5
Rank
5
Largest deficit
24 points
Season
2002
Round
NFC Wild Card
Away team
New York Giants
Home team
San Francisco 49ers
Venue
Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California
Scores
Giants led 38–14 49ers won 39–38
Notes
49ers scored 25 unanswered points in the last 17 minutes of the game; Giants' last-second field goal went awry due to bad snap
2019
2019
Rank
2019
Largest deficit
AFC Divisional
Season
Houston Texans
Round
Kansas City Chiefs
Away team
Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
Home team
Texans led 24–0 Chiefs won 51–31
Venue
Chiefs scored four touchdowns in the span of nine minutes to take the lead by halftime
6
6
Rank
6
Largest deficit
20 points
Season
1957
Round
Western Conference championship
Away team
Detroit Lions
Home team
San Francisco 49ers
Venue
Kezar Stadium, San Francisco, California
Scores
49ers led 27–7 Lions won 31–27
Notes
Lions scored 24 unanswered points in second half to reach NFL Championship Game; last road playoff win for Detroit as of 2026
7
7
Rank
7
Largest deficit
18 points
Season
1972
Round
NFC Divisional
Away team
Dallas Cowboys
Home team
San Francisco 49ers
Venue
Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California
Scores
49ers led 21–3 Cowboys won 30–28
1985
1985
Rank
1985
Largest deficit
AFC Divisional
Season
Cleveland Browns
Round
Miami Dolphins
Away team
Miami Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida
Home team
Browns led 21–3 Dolphins won 24–21
2006
2006
Rank
2006
Largest deficit
AFC Championship
Season
New England Patriots
Round
Indianapolis Colts
Away team
RCA Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana
Home team
Patriots led 21–3 Colts won 38–34
2017
2017
Rank
2017
Largest deficit
AFC Wild Card
Season
Tennessee Titans
Round
Kansas City Chiefs
Away team
Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
Home team
Chiefs led 21–3 Titans won 22–21
2021
2021
Rank
2021
Largest deficit
AFC Championship
Season
Cincinnati Bengals
Round
Kansas City Chiefs
Away team
Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
Home team
Chiefs led 21–3 Bengals won 27–24 (OT)
2025
2025
Rank
2025
Largest deficit
NFC Wild Card
Season
Green Bay Packers
Round
Chicago Bears
Away team
Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
Home team
Packers led 21–3 Bears won 31–27
Venue
Chicago trailed 21–3 at halftime and 21–6 through three quarters, only to outscore Green Bay 25–6 in the fourth on the way to its first playoff win in 15 years.
Rank
Largest deficit
Season
Round
Away team
Home team
Venue
Scores
Notes
Ref
1
32 points
1992
AFC Wild Card
Houston Oilers
Buffalo Bills
Rich Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
Oilers led 35–3 Bills won 41–38
Largest comeback in playoff history
2
28 points
2013
AFC Wild Card
Kansas City Chiefs
Indianapolis Colts
Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana
Chiefs led 38–10 Colts won 45–44
Colts scored 35 points in second half
3
27 points
2022
AFC Wild Card
Los Angeles Chargers
Jacksonville Jaguars
TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, Florida
Chargers led 27–0 Jaguars won 31–30
Chargers led until final play, when Riley Patterson's 36-yard field goal was good with :00 remaining
4
25 points
2016
Super Bowl LI
New England Patriots
Atlanta Falcons
NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Falcons led 28–3 Patriots won 34-28
Largest comeback in championship game in history, trailed by 19 in fourth quarter
5
24 points
2002
NFC Wild Card
New York Giants
San Francisco 49ers
Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California
Giants led 38–14 49ers won 39–38
49ers scored 25 unanswered points in the last 17 minutes of the game; Giants' last-second field goal went awry due to bad snap
2019
AFC Divisional
Houston Texans
Kansas City Chiefs
Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
Texans led 24–0 Chiefs won 51–31
Chiefs scored four touchdowns in the span of nine minutes to take the lead by halftime
6
20 points
1957
Western Conference championship
Detroit Lions
San Francisco 49ers
Kezar Stadium, San Francisco, California
49ers led 27–7 Lions won 31–27
Lions scored 24 unanswered points in second half to reach NFL Championship Game; last road playoff win for Detroit as of 2026
7
18 points
1972
NFC Divisional
Dallas Cowboys
San Francisco 49ers
Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California
49ers led 21–3 Cowboys won 30–28
1985
AFC Divisional
Cleveland Browns
Miami Dolphins
Miami Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida
Browns led 21–3 Dolphins won 24–21
2006
AFC Championship
New England Patriots
Indianapolis Colts
RCA Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana
Patriots led 21–3 Colts won 38–34
2017
AFC Wild Card
Tennessee Titans
Kansas City Chiefs
Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
Chiefs led 21–3 Titans won 22–21
2021
AFC Championship
Cincinnati Bengals
Kansas City Chiefs
Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
Chiefs led 21–3 Bengals won 27–24 (OT)
2025
NFC Wild Card
Green Bay Packers
Chicago Bears
Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois
Packers led 21–3 Bears won 31–27
Chicago trailed 21–3 at halftime and 21–6 through three quarters, only to outscore Green Bay 25–6 in the fourth on the way to its first playoff win in 15 years.

References

  1. Overtime was not used in professional football for regular season games until the NFL adopted it in 1974.
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    https://operations.nfl.com/media/6101/2022-record-and-fact-book.pdf
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    https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore/new-england-patriots-vs-atlanta-falcons-2017020501
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