The NFL has a long history, and we went through to find the best 30 games in the league history.
There have been games played by the National Football League since 1920. Of course, most of the men who began the league are long gone, and legions of the great contests from the early eras have been forgotten. In this space, we will bring them back to blend with the modern era, giving everybody a chance to be recognized.
In the following list of the Top 30 NFL games of all-time, it is not about only fantastic finishes, but the importance these games had to the history of the sport. We measure both the entertainment value but also the impact on professional football. Some of these games technically did not even take place in the NFL, with the American Football League certainly deserving of a few spots.
While this is a longer slideshow, hopefully you will sit down with a cup of coffee in a quiet space and read through. Perhaps you will even learn a thing or two about not only other teams, but even your own. The NFL has an incredibly rich history, ranging from early Super Bowls and iconic playoff games to the present-day legends such as Peyton Manning and Jerry Rice.
Without anything further, here are the Top 30 NFL games of all-time…
30. Jaguars at Broncos, 1996
Why is this game on the list? Because it was one of the great upsets in NFL history. The Broncos were two-touchdown favorites over the second-year franchise, a team dubbed the “Jagwads” by the Denver Post that week. The Broncos took a 12-0 lead in the first quarter but then fell apart, failing to contain the duo of Mark Brunell and Natrone Means.
The loss signaled what many believed was the end of John Elway’s best chance to win a Super Bowl. Afterwards, Elway would call it the toughest defeat of his career, including his trio of losses in the Super Bowl.
29. Patriots vs. Panthers, 2003
This was a classic, but not until the climax. New England was supposed to blow out Jake Delhome and the Panthers, but somehow Carolina was able to hang in the contest throughout. It was mostly a defensive struggle until the two teams combined for a staggering 37 points in the fourth quarter. Tom Brady threw for 354 yards and three touchdowns, unheard of numbers for Brady at the time.
Of course, the game came down to Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri, who kicked a 41-yard field goal as time expired. For Vinatieri, it marked the second Super Bowl-winning kick of his career.
Next: No. 28 & 27
28. Chiefs at Broncos, 1994
This is arguably the greatest regular-season game of all-time. The Broncos were poor in 1994 and the Chiefs were a 9-7 playoff team, but this was all about the stage and circumstances. John Elway and Joe Montana got together on Monday Night Football at old Mile High Stadium and put together a show for the ages in Montana’s final season.
In an era when throwing for 300 yards meant something, Montana amassed 393 yards and a trio of touchdowns, the final of which came with seven seconds left to Willie Davis, giving Kansas City a 31-28 win. The contest also exorcised demons for Marty Schottenheimer, who had never won at Denver.
27. Cowboys at Vikings, 1975
If you enjoy the Hail Mary play, you can thank this game. The setting was Metropolitan Stadium for the Vikings and Cowboys, who were playing for the right to advance to the NFC Championship game. Minnesota was the favorite headed into the contest and held a 14-10 lead deep into the fourth quarter.
Dallas quarterback and future Hall of Famer Roger Staubach drove the Cowboys to the 50-yard line before launching a throw for receiver Drew Pearson into double-coverage. Somehow, Pearson caught the pass and scored, a play that vaulted Dallas into the Super Bowl. Afterwards, the play became known as the Hail Mary.
Next: No. 26 & 25
26. Chargers at Bengals, 1981
The “Freezer Bowl” has to make the list, if for no other reason the weather conditions. The temperature at Cincinnati’s Riverfront Stadium was -9, but the wind chill made the air an unbearable -59 degrees. Cincinnati was playing to reach its first Super Bowl behind NFL Most Valuable Player Ken Anderson, facing Dan Fouts and the high-flying Chargers.
The Bengals dominated the game, 27-7, but the memory will always be the weather. It was an AFC Championship game in the most brutal of conditions.
25. Steelers vs. Cardinals, 2008
This Super Bowl goes under the radar, largely because the Cardinals are not a sexy franchise. Arizona was a 9-7 team in the regular season that only made the playoffs because it won the rancid NFC West. Yet, the Cardinals came alive and won three playoff games to reach the Super Bowl as a decided underdog against the Steelers.
Pittsburgh was in control most of the game, helped out in large part by James Harrison’s coast-to-coast interception return to end the first half. Larry Fitzgerald then put the Cardinals in front with a brilliant 64-yard score with 2:27 remaining. However, it would be Ben Roethlisberger finding Santonio Holmes on an incredible six-yard connection in the final minute, giving Pittsburgh its sixth Super Bowl title.
Next: No. 24 & 23
24. Browns at Broncos, 1987
This is where the pain starts on the list for Cleveland. The Browns had suffered a brutal loss in the 1986 AFC Championship game to the Broncos (more on that later) and were looking for redemption. Denver was the favorite at Mile High Stadium, expected to reach its second consecutive Super Bowl.
The sequel will always be remembered for Earnest Byner. The Browns fell behind 21-3 at halftime before roaring back, trailing 38-31 in the dying minutes. Byner, who recorded 187 total yards and two touchdowns, was headed for the goal line when reserve defensive back Jeremiah Castille reached in and forced a fumble, which was recovered by Denver. The Broncos would advance, ripping the Browns’ heart out.
23. Oilers at Bills, 1992
Without question, the greatest comeback in NFL history. Buffalo was a two-time defending conference champion at the time but was vulnerable. The Bills had lost the week prior in the Astrodome and watched quarterback Jim Kelly sustain an injury that would keep him out for two weeks. Houston appeared to take advantage of the opportunity, seizing a 35-3 lead in the third quarter.
Incredibly, the Bills rose from the dead. Reserve quarterback Frank Reich led a furious charge in the second half, throwing for 289 yards and four touchdowns. Buffalo forced overtime and won on a Steve Christie 32-yard field goal, helping it advance to another Super Bowl.
Next: No. 22 & 21
22. Dolphins at Raiders, 1974
This might be the most underrated game in NFL history. The Dolphins were coming off Super Bowl wins in 1972 and 1973, while the Raiders had made the playoffs every year but one since 1967 and were without a championship. Oakland had home-field advantage throughout the 1974 postseason and hosted Miami in the Divisional round in what Sports Illustrated called “Super Bowl 8.5,” referencing the dominance of the teams.
The contest was nothing short of an instant classic, with the Dolphins taking a 26-21 lead in the final minutes on a 23-yard touchdown run by Ben Malone. However, the legend of Ken Stabler was born only minutes later, when The Snake found Clarence Davis for an 8-yard touchdown pass in the dying seconds. The game is known as the “Sea of Hands” because of the amount of Dolphins defenders reaching for the ball that Davis hauled in.
21. Texans at Oilers, 1962
This should not be on the list, at least semantically, considering it was played in the American Football League. Yet, to truly understand the history of the sport, this game is vital. The Houston Oilers were gunning for their third consecutive AFL title in as many years, playing Len Dawson and the Dallas Texans.
The contest would go into double overtime and eventually be won by the Texans, 20-17. The game was seen by millions on American television, and helped the AFL get a lucrative TV deal. The infusion of cash (and the signing of Joe Namath) would foster a merge between the NFL and AFL in 1966 that went into effect in 1970.
Next: No. 20 & 19
20. Steelers at Raiders, 1974
This was the moment when the Steelers began their dynasty throughout the 1970s. Pittsburgh came into the AFC Championship game against the Raiders as decided underdogs, but were able to showcase an incredible defense en route to the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance.
Oakland was supposed to run wild on the day, but instead could only gain 29 rushing yards. The Steel Curtain flexed its muscle that day while the offense hummed to a 24-13 win behind Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris. The game was a flashpoint in NFL history.
19. 49ers vs. Bengals, 1988
San Francisco was anything but dominant in 1988 despite one of the best rosters of all-time. However, the 49ers won the NFC West with a 10-6 record and reached their third Super Bowl in the decade, facing the Bengals for the second time. Cincinnati was 12-4 and featuring a no-huddle offense, the first in NFL history.
The contest became a see-saw affair that had the Bengals leading the 49ers, 16-13, with under four minutes remaining in regulation. Joe Montana took the controls at his own 8-yard line and calmly drove the 49ers toward the game-winning touchdown, a 10-yard strike to John Taylor with 34 seconds left. It was the final game of head coach Bill Walsh’s career.
Next: No. 18 & 17
18. Chiefs vs. Vikings, 1969
When the Jets beat the Colts in Super Bowl III, it was viewed as a fluke (again, more on this game later). The following year, the Chiefs met the Vikings at Tulane Stadium for the final Super Bowl between an AFL and NFL team. Minnesota was favored by two touchdowns after going 12-2 in the regular season, with NFL MVP Joe Kapp under center.
The game was never close. Kansas City rose to the occasion and dismantled the Vikings behind perhaps the best single-season defense of all-time. The Chiefs battered Minnesota in a 23-7 romp, proving that the AFL was every bit the NFL’s equal.
17. Giants at 49ers, 1990
New York and San Francisco got together in the 1990 NFC Championship for one of the hardest-hitting contests ever witnessed. Joe Montana and the 49ers were looking for a third straight title, something done once before and never since. The only thing standing in their way was backup quarterback Jeff Hostetler and the underdog Giants.
New York could not get into the end zone all day, but a relentless defense led by Lawrence Taylor, Leonard Marshall and Carl Banks kept the Giants alive. As time expired, kicker Matt Bahr hit his fifth field goal of the game, lifting the Giants to a 15-13 win at Candlestick Park.
Next: No. 16 & 15
16. Dolphins vs. Redskins, 1972
Whenever a game culminates the only perfect season in NFL history, it must make the list. Miami was 16-0 heading into the Super Bowl against Washington and was considered an underdog by many thanks to a weak schedule. However, the Dolphins followed the lead of a dominant defense and won, 14-7.
Miami was able to run the ball consistently with Larry Csonka and Jim Kiick, while quarterback Bob Griese was the ultimate game-manager. It was also the first Super Bowl win for head coach Don Shula, who leads the NFL all-time in wins for a coach.
15. Jets at Browns, 1970
Many of you are probably wondering why this is on the list. Well, it was the first installment of Monday Night Football, a fixture now that most considered a crazy idea then. We are now in the 46th year of the primetime spectacle, and this game started everything.
Cleveland won the game at old Municipal Stadium, with Joe Namath on the wrong side of the scoreboard. The contest drew a major rating, showing ABC and the NFL that football on Monday night could be a major hit.
Next: No. 14 & 13
14. Broncos vs. Packers, 1997
John Elway was one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game, and this was his finest hour. Elway had lost the previous year in the postseason to the upstart Jaguars, but rebounded in 1997 with road wins over the Chiefs and Steelers to reach the Super Bowl.
Elway was the underdog to Brett Favre and his Green Bay charges, but was able to stay in the game thanks to an opportunistic defense and killer ground game behind Terrell Davis. Elway would lead a late game-winning drive and beat the Packers, 31-24. The championship put Elway in a different class, giving him the win he desperately needed for his legacy.
13. Dolphins at Chiefs, 1971
This contest is the longest ever played in NFL history, and it took place on Christmas Day 1971. The Chiefs were the heavy favorite to beat the young Dolphins at Kansas City Municipal Stadium, led by quarterback Len Dawson, receiver Otis Taylor and a terrific defense dotted with five Hall of Famers.
Kansas City got an incredible performance from running back Ed Podolak, who gained 350 total yards on the night, the most in an NFL playoff game. However, the Dolphins were able to survive thanks to Chiefs kicker Jan Stenerud missing three field goals. Garo Yepremian would end the game with a 37-yard field goal, putting Miami in front, 27-24.
Next: No. 12 & 11
12. Patriots vs. Rams, 2001
Tom Brady pulled off one of the greatest upsets in NFL history. That is the narrative, although maybe a bit false. Yes, Brady drove the Patriots down the field for a game-winning field goal in the final seconds, but the reality is New England won because of defense, a great coach and some well-placed cameras.
Regardless, the Rams were favored by two touchdowns but could not penetrate a terrific secondary led by Lawyer Milloy and Ty Law. The Patriots led 17-3 until late in the fourth quarter when Kurt Warner came alive, throwing for two touchdowns to tie the game. Then, Adam Vinatieri stamped his name in the history books and won Super Bowl XXXVI.
11. Broncos at Browns, 1986
We promised more on this game. This was a battle of young guns at quarterback between Bernie Kosar of the Browns and John Elway of the Broncos. Cleveland was expected to reach the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history and looked a sure bet leading 20-13 in the fourth quarter.
However, Elway led a 98-yard touchdown drive in less than five minutes and forced overtime. In the extra session, Denver kicker Rich Karlis sent the Broncos into the Super Bowl with a controversial field goal, ruled good by the officials. It was the first of five Super Bowl appearances for Elway.
Next: No. 10 & 9
10. Raiders at Patriots, 2001
This is the game that kicked off New England’s dynasty. Whether the Raiders are right to still be irate about this contest is another discussion entirely. The Patriots were hosting their final game at Foxboro Stadium, and got a winter wonderland with snow coming down in droves the entire evening.
The Patriots were trailing throughout the night, 13-3, until Tom Brady led a pair of late drives to tie the game, aided by The Tuck Rule and an incredible Adam Vinatieri 45-yard field goal. In overtime, Vinatieri knocked down a 23-yard field goal to put New England into the AFC Championship game.
9. Raiders at Steelers, 1972
This slide might cause some Raiders fans to throw the computer through a window. Oakland was leading 7-6 in the waning seconds of the 1972 AFC Divisional game at Three Rivers Stadium before the Immaculate Reception took place.
With 22 seconds left, Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw dropped back and fired a pass to John Fuqua across the middle on fourth down, only for the pass to be broken up. However, the ball ricocheted to running back Franco Harris, who ran 60 yards for a touchdown. By the rules of the day, if the ball hit Fuqua, the play was illegal. Yet, if the ball hit defensive back Jack Tatum, it was legal. Nobody will ever know the truth, because Fuqua won’t tell.
Next: No. 8 & 7
8. Chargers at Dolphins, 1981
Few games had the crazy emotional swings or iconic moments of the 1981 AFC Divisional game between the Chargers and Dolphins at the Orange Bowl. San Diego took a huge 24-0 first quarter advantage, making the game appear to be a laugher. It turns out, the contest would get turned on its ear.
Before halftime, the Dolphins scored on a hook-and-ladder play. In the fourth quarter, Miami took a 38-31 lead before Dan Fouts hit James Brooks with a touchdown pass, forcing overtime. In overtime, it would be Ralph Benirschke hit a 29-yard field goal. The game is remembered for Chargers tight end Kellen Winslow, who caught 13 passes for 166 yards and a touchdown, while also blocking a potential game-winning field goal.
7. Rams vs. Titans, 1999
In terms of storybook value, there is no other Super Bowl that compares. Kurt Warner, once working at a Hy-Vee supermarket in Iowa, had taken the Rams to the brink of the most unlikely championship in ions. Meanwhile, the hard-scrabble Titans found their way to the big game thanks to Steve McNair and a stingy defense.
St. Louis would claim a 16-0 lead before Tennessee rallied to take the lead. On the first play after the two-minute warning, Warner hit Isaac Bruce for the eventual game-winning 73-yard touchdown. The Titans would furiously rally, only to fall one foot short as time expired, with Kevin Dyson’s arm not being long enough.
Next: No. 6 & 5
6. Giants vs. Bills, 1990
Another fantastic Super Bowl. This was a game between two teams that could not have been more different. The Bills were a point-a-minute group led by Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas and Andre Reed. New York, with backup quarterback Jeff Hostetler and coach Bill Parcells, were about running the ball and playing punishing defense.
Buffalo was expected to win, but the Giants relied on veteran running back Ottis Anderson and were rewarded. Anderson was the MVP, rushing for 102 yards and a touchdown, helping New York hold the ball for more than 40 minutes. Leading 20-19, the Giants held on when Scott Norwood missed the potential game-winning kick from 46 yards out.
5. Cowboys at 49ers, 1981
The beginning of one dynasty, the death of another. The Cowboys had been the best team in football outside the Pittsburgh Steelers for the prior decade, and were playing the upstart 49ers. San Francisco had come out of nowhere, going from 6-10 to 13-3 in 1981. The 49ers had a young head coach in Bill Walsh and a third-year quarterback in Joe Montana.
Despite six turnovers, the 49ers wrote the storybook ending that even Hollywood would be jealous of. Trailing 27-21 late in the fourth quarter, Montana drove San Francisco to the Dallas 6-yard line. With 58 seconds remaining, Montana rolled right, pump-faked twice and then lobbed a throw to Dwight Clark in the right corner of the end zone, sending the 49ers to the Super Bowl and the Bay Area into a state of euphoria.
Next: No. 4 & 3
4. Cowboys at Packers, 1967
If there was ever a game to epitomize the Vince Lombardi-era Packers, this was it. The 1967 NFL Championship would decide who went on to face the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl II, and the Packers had home-field advantage. Despite being an old team, Green Bay was able to reach its fifth NFL title game in seven years and was searching for a three-peat.
The Packers and Cowboys faced brutal conditions, with the wind chill reaching -55 on New Year’s Eve. Green Bay took a 14-0 lead but allowed 17 straight points. In the final minutes, quarterback Bart Starr led a march for the ages, covering 68 yards to the end zone. The final yard came courtesy of Starr, who decided to run a quarterback sneak with 14 seconds left, despite having no timeouts. The result was a touchdown … and another championship.
3. Patriots vs. Giants, 2007
The New England Patriots were looking to complete the first 19-0 season in NFL history. They had already beaten the Giants in Week 17, with Tom Brady throwing his 50th touchdown pass of the year (a record at the time). New England was predictably a huge favorite, but New York was equal to the task.
The Patriots would take a 14-10 lead deep into the fourth quarter, only to see Eli Manning channel his inner Joe Montana. Manning threw something akin to a Hail Mary after evading New England’s pass rush in the final minutes, hitting David Tyree for 42 yards, also known as the Helmet Catch. Manning capped the game-winning and history-altering drive with a touchdown toss to Plaxico Burress.
Next: No. 2 & 1
2. Jets vs. Colts, 1968
Few games carry the historical or cultural significance of Super Bowl III. On one hand you have the Colts, who went 13-1 and looked absolutely invincible. They also represented the old guard, everything that held to the beliefs of America in the 1950s. The other hand saw Joe Namath, white cleats, facial hair and the counter culture in full swing.
Namath and his Jets were shown disrespect by the oddsmakers, who had them as 17-point underdogs. The AFL champions proceeded to go out and pound on the Colts, winning 16-7 behind four interceptions. Namath famously predicted a victory before the game, and he and his teammates followed through.
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1. Colts at Giants, 1958
The contest is remembered as the Greatest Game Ever Played. It was the day that put the NFL on the map nationally, with the Baltimore Colts and New York Giants vying for the league championship. The game took place at venerable Yankee Stadium on a cold December evening, drawing millions to their televisions.
The game would go into overtime following a classic Johnny Unitas drive that resulted in the game-tying field goal. It was the first overtime game in NFL history, and ended with Alan Ameche plowing over the right side for a touchdown, giving the Colts a 23-17 win. The game, many have said, made football America’s new pastime.