The NFL is no stranger to shocking games that leave fans stunned and sportswriters scrambling for words. Over the years, we’ve seen some incredible games where the underdog showed up and turned the tables, making history in the process. These are unforgettable upsets that have people talking even decades later.
Here’s a look at six of the biggest upsets in NFL history.
6. Kansas City Chiefs Stun The Minnesota Vikings In Super Bowl IV
- Date: January 11, 1970
- Final Score: Chiefs 23, Vikings 7
Back in 1970, the Vikings were the heavy favorites heading into Super Bowl IV. Why? The NFL was considered superior to the AFL, and the Vikings had steamrolled their way to a 12-2 season. On the other hand, the Chiefs were not getting much respect after their humiliating loss in the first Super Bowl.
But Chiefs head coach Hank Stram had other plans. His defense completely shut down the Vikings’ rushing game, holding them to just 67 yards on the ground. Len Dawson, the Chiefs’ quarterback and eventual game MVP, managed the game brilliantly, completing 12 of 17 passes for 142 yards and a touchdown. Add to that the Chiefs’ five forced turnovers, and you’ve got a recipe for one of the greatest underdog victories ever. This game also signified the last AFL-NFL championship before the leagues merged, making the upset even more historic.
5. Minnesota Vikings Shock The San Francisco 49ers In 1987 Playoffs
- Date: January 9, 1988
- Final Score: Vikings 36, 49ers 24
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
The 49ers were nearly unstoppable in 1987, finishing the regular season 13-2 and outscoring opponents 124-7 in their final three games. So, nobody gave the Vikings a chance when they faced the 8-7 Vikings, a Wild Card team that barely made the playoffs.
What happened next was what nobody had expected. Vikings wide receiver Anthony Carter put on a show, racking up a playoff-record 227 receiving yards. The Vikings’ defense smothered Joe Montana, forcing an interception and ultimately leading to his benching in favor of Steve Young. By halftime, Minnesota had built a 27-10 lead, and despite a late push by the Niners, the Vikings held on for one of the biggest playoff upsets ever.
Also Read: 5 Biggest Team Rivalries In NFL History Ft. Dallas Cowboys And San Francisco 49ers
4. New York Giants Topple The Buffalo Bills In Super Bowl XXV
- Date: January 27, 1991
- Final Score: Giants 20, Bills 19
The Bills came into Super Bowl XXV with an offense that looked unstoppable. They’d scored a ridiculous 95 points in two playoff games and were expected to run circles around the Giants. However, head coach Bill Parcells and the Giants had something else in mind.
The game came down to a single moment: Scott Norwood’s infamous “wide right” field goal attempt. With eight seconds left, Norwood missed a 47-yarder that would’ve won the game for Buffalo. Instead, the Giants walked away with a one-point victory. Fun fact: this was the first Super Bowl where neither team committed a turnover, and it kicked off the Bills’ heartbreaking streak of four consecutive Super Bowl losses.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars Shock The NFL Denver Broncos In 1996 Playoffs
- Date: January 4, 1997
- Final Score: Jaguars 30, Broncos 27
In just their second year as an NFL franchise, the Jaguars weren’t supposed to make much noise in the playoffs. Especially not against the Broncos, who had finished the season 13-3 and were the AFC’s top seed.
After trailing 12-0 in the first quarter, the Jaguars roared back with 13 unanswered points in the second quarter. Quarterback Mark Brunell had the game of his life, throwing for 245 yards and two touchdowns while adding 44 rushing yards. It was too late when Denver tried to mount a fourth-quarter comeback. The Jaguars’ win shocked the league and secured their spot in NFL upset history.
Also Read: Ranking The 5 Highest Scoring NFL Games Of All-Time
2. New York Giants Ruin The New England Patriots Perfect Season In Super Bowl XLII
- Date: February 3, 2008
- Final Score: Giants 17, Patriots 14
The 2007 Patriots were on a historic run, entering Super Bowl XLII with an undefeated 16-0 regular season. They were heavily favored to beat the 10-6 Giants, who had barely scraped their way into the playoffs.
But the Giants defense, led by Michael Strahan, gave Tom Brady and his high-powered offense fits all game. Then came The Helmet Catch, one of the most iconic plays in NFL history. Eli Manning somehow escaped a sack and launched the ball downfield to David Tyree, who pinned it against his helmet to make the catch. That play set up the game-winning touchdown, sealing the Patriots’ fate and handing the Giants one of the most memorable Super Bowl wins ever.
1. New York Jets Upset The Baltimore Colts In Super Bowl III
- Date: January 12, 1969
- Final Score: Jets 16, Colts 7
This one’s the granddaddy of all NFL upsets. Before the game, the Colts were 18-point favorites against the Jets in the AFL-NFL World Championship. Nobody took the Jets seriously except their quarterback, Joe Namath, who famously guaranteed a victory.
Namath didn’t throw a single touchdown pass, but he didn’t need to. The Jets’ defense intercepted Colts quarterback Earl Morrall three times, and Namath managed the game with precision, completing 17 of 28 passes for 206 yards. It was too late by the time Johnny Unitas replaced Morrall in the fourth quarter. Namath’s guarantee came true, and the Jets’ win helped legitimize the AFL in the eyes of the football world.
