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NFL Playoffs: Top 10 Wild Card games in NFL history

By Russell S. Baxter

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 04: Quarterback Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates a fourth quarter touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during a Wild Card Playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 4, 2014 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 04: Quarterback Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates a fourth quarter touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during a Wild Card Playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 4, 2014 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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49ers’ wide-receiver Tai Streets hauls in the game winning touchdown. The 49ers defeated the Giants 39-38 (Photo credit should read JOHN G. MABANGLO/AFP via Getty Images)
49ers’ wide-receiver Tai Streets hauls in the game winning touchdown. The 49ers defeated the Giants 39-38 (Photo credit should read JOHN G. MABANGLO/AFP via Getty Images) /

6. 49ers 39, Giants 38 (NFC: 2002)

On the same day that the Pittsburgh Steelers rallied from 17 points down to beat the Cleveland Browns, 36-33, in the AFC Wild Card Playoffs, the Gold and Red did the Black and Gold seven points better.

The San Francisco 49ers were down, 38-14, to the visiting New York Giants in the third quarter when quarterback Jeff Garcia staged one of the greatest postseason comeback in NFL annals. Steve Mariucci’s club scored 25 unanswered points. Terrell Owens caught a 26-yard touchdown pass and Garcia followed that with a 14-yard scoring run. After both of those trips to the end zone, Garcia found Owens for two-point conversions.

Jeff Chandler kicked a 25-yard field goal and Garcia connected with wideout Tai Streets with one minute to play to give San Francisco a one-point lead.

The Giants moved down the field and the game ended in controversy following a botched snap by long snapper Trey Junkin on a field goal attempt and a non-call on possible pass interference when the Giants tried to salvage the play.

Garcia finished the game with 331 yards through the air and three scores (1 interception) and was also the 49ers’ leading rusher courtesy of 60 yards and a touchdown.

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