NFL Playoffs: Top 10 Divisional Playoff games in NFL history

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 23: Wide receiver Tyreek Hill #10 of the Kansas City Chiefs flashes a peace sign toward outside linebacker Matt Milano #58 of the Buffalo Bills as he heads for the end zone to score a touchdown during the 4th quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 23, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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KANSAS CITY, MO – JANUARY 11: Running back Edgerrin James #32 of the Indianapolis Colts runs the ball during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional Playoffs on January 11, 2004 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Colts defeated the Chiefs 38-31 to advance to the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Best divisional round games in NFL history: 8. Colts 38, Chiefs 31 (AFC: 2003)

It remains the only game in NFL postseason history in which neither team punted. Led by quarterback Peyton Manning and head coach Tony Dungy, the Indianapolis Colts went to Arrowhead Stadium and surprised the Kans City Chiefs.

Manning’s first three NFL postseason appearances had not only all resulted in losses, but the most recent was also an ugly 41-0 setback to the New York Jets in the AFC Wild Card Playoffs. However, the Colts would have few problems putting points on the board for the second straight week. Indianapolis was coming off a resounding 41-10 win over the visiting Broncos in the wild card round and picked up where they left off against Dick Vermeil’s club.

Manning connected on 22-of-20 throws for 304 yards and three scores. Dungy’s team rolled up 434 total yards and played turnover-free football. Chiefs’ quarterback Trent Green threw for 212 yards and one touchdown. Neither team had any issues running the ball as Indianapolis’ Edgerrin James (125 yards) and Kansas City’s Priest Holmes (176 yards) each scored twice on the ground.

The Colts and Chiefs both managed to score points in all four quarters. Manning’s 29-yard TD pass to Brandon Stokley with less than six minutes elapsed in the first quarter were the first points of the game and Dungy’s team never trailed.

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