Giant Killers: Ranking the Most Jaw-Dropping Upsets in NFL Playoff History
The NFL playoffs are synonymous with high stakes, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments. But nothing quite captures the drama like a stunning upset, when an underdog rises to slay a giant. These “Giant Killers” etch their names in NFL lore, defying expectations and rewriting history. Get ready to delve into the most jaw-dropping upsets in NFL playoff history.
1. Super Bowl XLII: New York Giants vs. New England Patriots (2008)
The New England Patriots entered Super Bowl XLII with an unblemished 16-0 record, on the cusp of completing a perfect season. Tom Brady was at the peak of his powers, and their offense seemed unstoppable. They were heavily favored by 12 points against the 10-6 New York Giants, led by Eli Manning.
The Giants’ defense pressured Brady relentlessly, sacking him five times and limiting him to just one touchdown pass. But the defining moment came with just over a minute left: Manning, under immense pressure, connected with David Tyree for the “helmet catch,” a miraculous 32-yard reception that set up the game-winning touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress. The Giants won 17-14, handing the Patriots their first loss of the season and delivering one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history.
2. Super Bowl III: New York Jets vs. Baltimore Colts (1969)
In the days before the AFL-NFL merger, the Baltimore Colts represented the established NFL elite, while the New York Jets were the upstart AFL champions. The Colts, led by legendary quarterback Johnny Unitas, were heavily favored by 18 points.
Jets quarterback Joe Namath famously guaranteed a victory before the game, a bold statement that fueled the underdog narrative. Namath delivered on his promise, leading the Jets to a 16-7 victory. The Jets’ defense stifled the Colts’ offense, and Namath was named the Super Bowl MVP. This monumental upset legitimized the AFL and paved the way for the merger, forever changing the landscape of professional football.
3. 2012 AFC Divisional Playoffs: Baltimore Ravens vs. Denver Broncos
Peyton Manning, in his first season with the Denver Broncos, led his team to a 13-3 record and the top seed in the AFC. The Baltimore Ravens, with a solid 10-6 record, were seen as a tough opponent, but few predicted an upset in Denver.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, going into double overtime tied at 35. A costly turnover by the Broncos in their own territory set up a game-winning field goal for the Ravens, sending them to the AFC Championship game. This marked a huge win for the Ravens, who went on to win the Super Bowl that year.
4. 2019 AFC Divisional Playoffs: Tennessee Titans vs. Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens were the hottest team in the NFL, finishing the regular season with a 14-2 record and the league’s top-ranked offense. They were heavy favorites against the Tennessee Titans, who had snuck into the playoffs with a 9-7 record.
Derrick Henry dominated the game, rushing for 195 yards on 30 carries. The Titans’ defense sacked Jackson four times and intercepted him twice, leading to a 28-12 victory. The Titans controlled the clock with Henry’s punishing runs, and Jackson couldn’t mount a comeback.
5. 2023 NFC Wild Card: Green Bay Packers vs. Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys, led by Dak Prescott, were a formidable force in the NFC, earning the second seed with a 12-5 record. They faced a young and inexperienced Green Bay Packers team, quarterbacked by Jordan Love, who had just secured the seventh seed.
The Packers stunned the Cowboys with a dominant performance, winning 48-32. Love threw for 272 yards and three touchdowns, while the Packers’ defense forced key turnovers. This marked the first time a seventh seed had defeated a second seed since the playoff format expanded.
6. 1987 NFC Divisional Playoffs: Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers, led by Joe Montana and Jerry Rice, were the class of the NFC, finishing the season with a 13-2 record. The Minnesota Vikings, with an 8-7 record, were considered massive underdogs.
The Vikings shocked the 49ers, winning 36-24. Quarterback Wade Wilson had a season-high 298 passing yards, while Anthony Carter set a then-NFL postseason record with 227 receiving yards.
7. 1996 AFC Divisional Playoffs: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Denver Broncos
In just their second year of existence, the Jacksonville Jaguars, led by quarterback Mark Brunell, faced the top-seeded Denver Broncos, led by John Elway. The Broncos were heavily favored after a 13-3 regular season.
The Jaguars pulled off a stunning upset, defeating the Broncos 30-27. Brunell threw for 245 yards and two touchdowns, while the Jaguars’ defense held Elway in check.
8. 2011 AFC Wild Card: Denver Broncos vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos, despite a mediocre 8-8 record, hosted the heavily favored Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card round. The Steelers, known for their tough defense, were expected to easily handle the Broncos.
The Broncos outplayed the Steelers for much of the game, but Pittsburgh tied the game and forced overtime. In overtime, Tebow connected with Demaryius Thomas for an 80-yard touchdown pass, securing a 29-23 victory.
9. 2003 NFC Divisional Playoffs: Carolina Panthers vs. St. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams, known as “The Greatest Show on Turf,” were a high-powered offensive juggernaut. They faced the Carolina Panthers, a young team led by quarterback Jake Delhomme.
In a double-overtime thriller, the Panthers defeated the Rams 29-23. Delhomme threw for 290 yards and a touchdown, while the Panthers’ defense contained the Rams’ explosive offense.
10. 1979 AFC Divisional Playoffs: Houston Oilers vs. San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers, led by quarterback Dan Fouts, were a high-flying offensive team. The Houston Oilers, without key players like Earl Campbell and Dan Pastorini, were considered underdogs.
The Oilers pulled off an upset, defeating the Chargers 17-14. Quarterback Gifford Nielsen and wide receiver Mike Renfro connected for a 47-yard touchdown, and the Oilers’ defense held off Fouts and the Chargers’ offense.
These are just a few of the many incredible upsets that have defined the NFL playoffs. They remind us that anything can happen on any given Sunday, and that the heart of a champion can overcome any obstacle.