Giant Killers: Recounting the Most Shocking Upsets in NFL Regular Season History
The NFL is a league where anything can happen on any given Sunday. While powerhouse teams often dominate the headlines, the regular season is rife with unexpected outcomes that leave fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. These “giant killer” moments, where underdogs triumph over heavily favored opponents, are what make the NFL so captivating. Let’s delve into some of the most shocking upsets in NFL regular season history, moments where David slayed Goliath against all odds.
When the Jets Soared Over the Colts: Super Bowl III
While technically not a regular-season game, Super Bowl III between the New York Jets and the Baltimore Colts remains one of the biggest upsets in NFL history, forever changing the landscape of professional football. In 1969, the Colts were heavily favored by 19.5 points, representing the established NFL against the upstart AFL. Jets quarterback Joe Namath famously guaranteed a victory, and his team delivered, winning 16-7. This win not only validated the AFL’s legitimacy but also set the stage for the modern NFL. The Jets’ victory, built on a strong running game led by Matt Snell and a stifling defense, proved that anything is possible, regardless of the odds.
Redskins’ Scabs Stun America’s Team: 1987
The 1987 NFL season was marred by a players’ strike, forcing teams to field replacement players. In a Week 3 matchup, the Washington Redskins, comprised of these “scabs,” faced the Dallas Cowboys, who had crossed the picket line and were near full strength. As 17.5-point underdogs, few gave the Redskins a chance. However, in a stunning turn of events, Washington defeated Dallas 13-7. This improbable victory not only kept the Redskins’ season alive but also became a symbol of resilience and determination, even inspiring a movie.
Jaguars Maul the Broncos: 1996 Divisional Round
In the 1996 AFC Divisional Round, the Jacksonville Jaguars, just one year removed from their inaugural season, traveled to Denver to face John Elway and the top-seeded Broncos. The Broncos were heavily favored, but the Jaguars, led by quarterback Mark Brunell, pulled off a stunning 30-27 victory. This win marked one of the quickest ascensions to playoff success in NFL history and cemented the Jaguars as a force to be reckoned with.
Dolphins Sink the Patriots’ Perfect Season Dreams: 2019
The New England Patriots entered their Week 17 matchup against the Miami Dolphins in 2019 with a 12-3 record and a chance to secure a first-round bye in the playoffs. As massive 17.5-point favorites, a win seemed inevitable. However, the Dolphins, led by quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, had other plans. In a stunning upset, Miami defeated New England 27-24, costing the Patriots a crucial playoff bye and sending shockwaves through the league. This game exemplified the unpredictable nature of the NFL, where even the most dominant teams can fall victim to a determined underdog.
Bills Baffle the Vikings: 2018
In Week 3 of the 2018 season, the Buffalo Bills, a team undergoing a significant rebuild, traveled to Minnesota to face the Vikings, a Super Bowl contender. The Vikings were favored by 17 points, but the Bills, led by rookie quarterback Josh Allen, delivered a stunning performance, winning 27-6. Allen’s mobility and the Bills’ aggressive defense stifled the Vikings’ offense, resulting in one of the most unexpected outcomes of the season.
Giants Stun Seahawks: 2024
In a more recent example, the New York Giants, with only three wins on the season, traveled to Seattle in Week 5 of the 2024 season and defeated the Seahawks 29-20. Daniel Jones led the Giants to a two-score lead in the fourth quarter, and the defense held on, showcasing that any team can win on any given Sunday.
Raiders Upset Ravens: 2024
Also in the 2024 season, the Las Vegas Raiders, with only four wins, managed to defeat the Baltimore Ravens 26-23 in Week 2. Gardner Minshew orchestrated three straight scoring drives in the fourth quarter to overcome Lamar Jackson and secure the victory.
The Underdog Advantage: Betting Trends
Interestingly, betting trends reveal that underdogs often provide value. Over the past 10 NFL seasons, underdogs have covered the spread 52% of the time. In the last five years, that number has risen to 54.4%, demonstrating that betting on underdogs can be a profitable strategy. This is due, in part, to the NFL’s parity and the tendency for favorites to not run up the score, allowing underdogs to cover late in games.
Conclusion
These are just a few examples of the many shocking upsets that have occurred throughout NFL regular season history. These moments remind us that in the NFL, no team is unbeatable, and any underdog has the potential to rise to the occasion and achieve the improbable. The unpredictability of the game is what keeps fans engaged and makes every Sunday a must-watch event.