What are the biggest comebacks in NFL history? originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
No lead was safe against teams from the NFC East on Sunday.
The New York Giants erased a 21-point third quarter deficit to defeat the Arizona Cardinals, and the Washington Commanders came back from 18 down, and then just barely held on, for a thrilling win over the Denver Broncos.
It was a tale of two halves for the Giants, who were shut out in the first half for the second straight week and then posted 31 second-half points.
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The Giants trailed 28-7 with 9:34 remaining in the third quarter before Daniel Jones orchestrated three-straight touchdown drives, capped by an 11-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Hodgins that evened the score at 28-28 with 4:25 remaining. After the Giants defense forced a three-and-out, Graham Gano converted a 34-yard field goal with 19 seconds remaining to put the Giants in front 31-28.
The Commanders trailed the Broncos 21-3 with 9:01 left in the second quarter. They responded with 18 unanswered points, with Sam Howell's 30-yard touchdown pass to Terry McLaurin tying it up at 21-21 early in the third. The Broncos regained the lead after a Wil Lutz field goal, but Brian Robinson followed with a pair of touchdown runs that gave the Commanders a 35-24 lead with 7:11 remaining.
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The Broncos pulled within 35-33 as time expired when Russell Wilson's 50-yard Hail Mary was tipped multiple times and caught by Brandon Johnson for the touchdown, but the ensuing two-point conversion attempt was incomplete, sealing a dramatic win for Washington.
Impressive as these comebacks were, there have been many others that erased much larger deficits.
Just a few months ago, the Minnesota Vikings trailed the Indianapolis Colts 33-0 at halftime before coming back to win 39-36 for the biggest comeback in NFL history.
Here's a look at the biggest comebacks in NFL history:
What are the biggest comebacks in NFL history?
The 33-point comeback by Minnesota just edged the previous record of 32 points, which occurred in the 1993 playoffs. Here are the eight biggest comebacks in league history, regular season and playoffs:
1. 33 points: Minnesota Vikings beat Indianapolis Colts 39-36 (OT), Week 15 of 2022 regular season
2. 32 points: Buffalo Bills beat Houston Oilers 41-38 (OT), 1993 AFC Wild Card game
T-3. 28 points: San Francisco 49ers beat New Orleans Saints 38-35 (OT), Week 14 of 1980 regular season
T-3. 28 points: Indianapolis Colts beat Kansas City Chiefs 45-44, 2014 AFC Wild Card game
5. 27 points: Jacksonville Jaguars beat Los Angeles Chargers 31-30, 2022 AFC Wild Card game
6. 26 points: Buffalo Bills beat Indianapolis Colts 37-35, Week 4 of 1997 regular season
T-7. 25 points: St. Louis Cardinals beat Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-28, Week 15 of 1987 regular season
T-7. 25 points: Cleveland Browns beat Tennessee Titans 29-28, Week 5 of 2014 regular season
T-7. 25 points: New England Patriots beat Atlanta Falcons 34-28 (OT), Super Bowl LI
