Top 10 NFL Comebacks of the Last Decade
Comebacks are the heart of NFL drama. In a league where momentum can shift in a heartbeat, some games stand out for their sheer unpredictability and emotional rollercoaster. From last-minute heroics to unbelievable turnarounds, the NFL has seen some unforgettable comebacks over the past ten years. Here’s a look back at the top 10 NFL comebacks of the last decade.
1. Super Bowl LI: Patriots vs Falcons (2017)
No list of NFL comebacks is complete without mentioning the New England Patriots’ historic rally in Super Bowl LI. Trailing 28-3 in the third quarter, Tom Brady led a relentless charge that ended in a 34-28 overtime victory against the Atlanta Falcons. It was the first Super Bowl to ever go into overtime and remains the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history.
2. Vikings vs Bills (2022)
What seemed like a certain win for Buffalo turned into a jaw-dropping upset. Down by 17 points late in the third quarter, the Minnesota Vikings stormed back behind incredible plays from Justin Jefferson and a critical goal-line fumble by Josh Allen. The game eventually went to overtime, where Minnesota clinched a 33-30 victory in one of the wildest regular-season games in years.
3. Chiefs vs Texans (2020 AFC Divisional Round)
Kansas City’s offense exploded after a shocking 24-0 deficit in the first quarter. Patrick Mahomes threw five touchdowns in a remarkable display, leading the Chiefs to a 51-31 win over the Houston Texans. The 51-point outburst marked one of the most dominant turnaround performances in playoff history.
4. Colts vs Chiefs (2014 AFC Wild Card)
Indianapolis trailed 38-10 early in the third quarter. Andrew Luck orchestrated a relentless comeback, throwing four touchdowns and even recovering a fumble for a score himself. The Colts won 45-44 in what remains one of the greatest playoff comebacks of all time.
5. Buccaneers vs Saints (2022)
Down 16-3 with just over five minutes remaining, Tom Brady once again proved why he’s considered the greatest of all time. With two late touchdown drives, including a game-winner with three seconds left, the Bucs stunned New Orleans 17-16. It was the largest fourth-quarter comeback of Brady’s career.
6. Rams vs Raiders (2022)
Baker Mayfield had just been claimed off waivers two days before the game. Starting for the Rams with limited practice, he led a 98-yard game-winning drive in the final two minutes to beat the Raiders 17-16. It was an improbable performance that instantly became one of the most memorable comebacks of the season.
7. Chargers vs Chiefs (2018)
The Chargers erased a 14-point deficit in the final five minutes, capped off by a gutsy two-point conversion to take a 29-28 lead with seconds remaining. It snapped Kansas City’s nine-game winning streak over the Chargers and signaled a shift in the AFC West rivalry.
8. Jets vs Browns (2022)
The Jets were down 30-17 with under two minutes left. Joe Flacco threw two touchdown passes in a 60-second span, including a game-winning strike to Garrett Wilson. The Jets stunned Cleveland 31-30 in one of the most improbable endings of the decade.
9. Eagles vs Giants (2020)
Philadelphia trailed by 11 points with five minutes to play. Carson Wentz led two scoring drives, including the game-winning touchdown with under a minute remaining. The 22-21 win kept the Eagles alive in the playoff hunt and delivered a crushing blow to their division rivals.
10. Raiders vs Ravens (2021)
In a wild Monday Night Football opener, the Raiders overcame a 14-point deficit and several near-defeats in overtime to secure a 33-27 win. Derek Carr’s walk-off touchdown pass capped a chaotic and entertaining comeback that had everything from missed field goals to goal-line turnovers.
Why NFL Comebacks Matter
NFL comebacks encapsulate the league's unpredictability and emotional weight. They create instant legends, rewrite narratives, and remind fans that no lead is ever truly safe. In the last decade, these comebacks have defined careers, impacted postseason runs, and kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Conclusion
The last ten years have given us unforgettable moments that define what makes the NFL so thrilling. These comebacks aren’t just about the final score—they’re about heart, resilience, and the will to fight back when all hope seems lost. As the NFLBITE continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: never count a team out, no matter the scoreboard.
