What are the 5 worst calls in NFL postseason history?

Mike Renfro’s no-catch

Replay could have changed several moments in NFL playoff history prior to its initial institution in 1986. Nobody knows that better than wide receiver Mike Renfro and the Houston Oilers after a controversial call in the 1979 AFC Championship game that is still replayed to this day.

The Oilers finished the regular season at 11-5 and advanced all the way to the AFC Championship to face the powerhouse Steelers. After being beaten down 34-5 by Pittsburgh in the 1978 AFC Championship, this may have been Houston’s best chance to get over the top and reach the Super Bowl.

Renfro looked to have made a spectacular catch in the back corner of the end zone that would have tied the game at 17 in the third quarter. Although it certainly appeared Renfro got both feet in and secured the ball, the referees ruled Renfro out of bounds and Houston did not end up scoring in the situation.

Pittsburgh would pull away to win 27-13 and advance to Super Bowl XIV, where they would take down the Los Angeles Rams. While it’s impossible to say that Houston would have won had Renfro’s touchdown been counted – it’s important to note that Pittsburgh’s incredible defense shut down Earl Campbell and the Oilers’ rushing attack – many Houston fans still argue that the call cost their team a Super Bowl berth and potentially more down the line.

The referees get a bit of a pass for the lack of replay at the time on a close play, but it was a definite missed call that had a big impact on a postseason game.

Next: Matt Hasselbeck's low tackle