Biggest Playoff Upsets in NFL History
It’s the NFL playoffs where every underdog gets a chance to shine as a legend. And this hasn’t happened once but many times, leaving fans both shocked and awestruck. While it’s natural to expect top-seeded teams to dominate, history has proven that anything can happen on the field, and some games can go beyond shocking.
We bring you the biggest playoff upsets that have rewritten the script entirely, flipping expectations on their head and leaving fans in disbelief. Ready to learn more about these moments that live forever in highlight reels? Let’s go!
Jets vs. Colts (1969): Namath Backs Up His Promise
Credit: The Daily Record
Joe Namath promised the Jets would beat the Colts in Super Bowl III, and he delivered. The heavily favored Colts struggled as the Jets controlled the game from start to finish. Namath’s confidence and precision helped secure a 16-7 victory that shocked the football world.
Chiefs vs. Oilers (1969): A Blowout Nobody Expected
Credit: Youtube
Kansas City wasn’t just good—they were dominant. The Chiefs crushed Houston 56-7 in the AFL Championship. Len Dawson led the offense, while the defense shut down the Oilers completely. This win sent Kansas City to Super Bowl IV, where they claimed their first title.
Rams vs. Cowboys (1979): A Defensive Gem
Credit: Reddit
Dallas had the firepower. The Rams had the answer. Los Angeles frustrated Roger Staubach and the Cowboys with tough defense. Vince Ferragamo’s late touchdown pass secured a 21-19 win and sent the Rams to their first Super Bowl.
Raiders vs. Chargers (1980): A Wild Card Wonder
Credit: Reddit
The Raiders didn’t let their Wild Card status hold them back. Led by Jim Plunkett, they beat the Chargers 34-27 in the AFC Championship. Plunkett’s outstanding comeback culminated in Oakland becoming the first Wild Card team to win the Super Bowl.
Vikings vs. 49ers (1987): Carter’s Big Day
Credit: Facebook
Anthony Carter, with his 227 receiving yards, powered the Vikings past the heavily favored 49ers in the Divisional Round. He was truly unstoppable. Minnesota’s 36-24 win shocked San Francisco and proved that big performances can change everything in the playoffs.
Jaguars vs. Broncos (1996): A Surprising Road Win
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The Jaguars had no business beating the Broncos in the Divisional Round. Denver, led by John Elway, was a Super Bowl favorite. But Jacksonville, in only its second season, played fearlessly. Mark Brunell and Natrone Means guided them to a stunning 30-27 victory.
Broncos vs. Packers (1998): Super Bowl Stunner
Credit: Youtube
The Green Bay Packers were the favorites to win Super Bowl XXXII, led by Brett Favre and a dominant defense. But John Elway and the Denver Broncos shocked the world with a 31-24 victory. Terrell Davis, playing through a migraine, scored three touchdowns, earned MVP honors and helped Elway secure his first Super Bowl win.
Falcons vs. Vikings (1998): A Heartbreaker for Minnesota
Credit: Youtube
Minnesota was supposed to cruise to the Super Bowl. Instead, Atlanta pulled off a 30-27 overtime win in the NFC Championship. Gary Anderson, who hadn’t missed a kick all season, missed a crucial field goal, and the Falcons took advantage.
Patriots vs. Rams (2001): A Dynasty Begins
Credit: Youtube
Nobody gave the Patriots much of a chance against the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI. But Tom Brady, then a young starter, led a late drive that set up Adam Vinatieri’s game-winning field goal. New England’s 20-17 victory marked the start of their dynasty.
Eagles vs. Packers (2003): The Fourth-and-26 Miracle
Credit: Youtube
Green Bay thought they had it won. But with the game on the line, Donovan McNabb hit Freddie Mitchell on fourth-and-26. That improbable play kept Philadelphia alive, and they sealed a 20-17 win in overtime. It’s a play that still haunts Packers fans.
Giants vs. Patriots (2008): A Perfect Season Ends
Credit: flickr
The Patriots were unstoppable all year. Then came the Super Bowl, where the Giants pulled off the unthinkable. Eli Manning’s pass to David Tyree—the “Helmet Catch”—set up the game-winning touchdown. New York’s 17-14 win crushed New England’s dream of a perfect season.
Chargers vs. Colts (2008): Sproles Steps Up
Credit: Youtube
The Colts had Peyton Manning. The Chargers had Darren Sproles, who had the game of his life. Sproles racked up over 300 total yards and scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime. San Diego’s 23-17 upset shocked Indianapolis and its fans.
Seahawks vs. Saints (2010): The Beast Quake
Credit: Youtube
Seattle wasn’t even supposed to be in the playoffs with their 7-9 record. But Marshawn Lynch’s 67-yard touchdown run, known as the “Beast Quake,” changed everything. The Seahawks stunned the Saints 41-36 in a game that became an instant classic.
Browns vs. Steelers (2020): A Dream Start
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Cleveland hadn’t won a playoff game in decades. That changed against Pittsburgh. The Browns took control early with a 28-0 first-quarter lead and held on to win. Their 48-37 win sent shockwaves through the league and ended years of playoff frustration.
Commanders vs. Lions (2024): A Rookie Shines
Credit: Youtube
As for the latest playoff, nobody saw this coming. Washington, with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, toppled the 15-2 Detroit Lions 45-31. Detroit’s Super Bowl hopes crumbled after five costly turnovers. Daniels made history by leading Washington to its first NFC Championship appearance in over 30 years.