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Ranking the Greatest NFL Playoff Games Since 2010. Read Ranking the Greatest NFL Playoff Games Since 2010
Ranking the Greatest NFL Playoff Games Since 2010
The 2025-2026 postseason bracket is set and will kick off on Saturday with the Carolina Panthers taking on the Los Angeles Rams. With the playoffs engine in just a day, let’s take a look back at some of the most memorable playoff games since 2010.
For this list, we are excluding Super Bowls from our ranking.
2012-13 Ravens vs. Broncos Divisional Round
Ravens 38, Broncos 35
The Mile High Miracle was nothing short of thrilling between the Ravens and Broncos. The Ravens marched into Denver and took down the higher-seeded Broncos in incredible fashion. QB Joe Flacco threw 331 yards with three scores, while Peyton Manning tossed three scores for his own with 290 yards.
Throughout the game, both teams went back and forth, but the Broncos held a one-point lead in the final minutes. However, Flacco found Jacoby Jones on a 70-yard TD pass to force overtime. Justin Tucker would end it with a 47-yard conversion.
2018-19 Patriots vs. Chiefs AFC Championship Game
Patriots 37, Chiefs 31
This game saw the Patriots continue their dynasty against the soon-to-be dynasty in the NFL. Led by Tom Brady, the Patriots knocked down the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in a thrilling overtime showdown. The Chiefs would take a late lead thanks to a Damien Williams TD, but Brady would get his team back in the end zone with a Rex Burkhead rushing score.
However, Patrick Mahomes set up Harrison Butker, who got a game-tying 39-yard field goal with just eight seconds on the clock. In overtime, Brady would orchestrate a 75-yard drive, setting up Burkhead for his second score of the contest. The Chiefs would not have to wait long as they would kickstart their own dynasty the following season.
2017-18 Saints vs. Vikings Divisional Round
Vikings 29, Saints 24
One of the most incredible finishes to an NFL game will hold the next spot on our list. The Vikings would march out to a commanding 17-0 lead in the first half and appeared to be turning away with the game. However, Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara would combine for three touchdowns and give the Saints the lead.
After two field goals, the Saints would hold a one-point lead heading into the final minute. While the Vikings only needed a field goal to take the lead, Case Keenum would connect with Stefon Diggs on a 61-yard strike to seal the game. This would ultimately become known as the Minneapolis Miracle.
2015-16 Packers vs. Cardinals Divisional Round
Cardinals 26, Packers 20
This contest started off quietly as the team entered halftime at a low 7-6 score, with the only touchdown coming from Michael Floyd on an eight-yard reception. However, in the second half, both teams would light up the scoreboard.
The Packers would get on the board in the third quarter, and the Cardinals would respond, earning a seven-point lead with just 43 seconds on the clock. Aaron Rodgers would pull off a miraculous Hail Mary attempt to find Jeff Janis in the back of the end zone to force overtime as time expired.
In overtime, Larry Fitzgerald would lead the way, bringing in a 75-yard reception and the game-winning score on a five-yard pass.
2011-12 Saints vs. 49ers Divisional Round
49ers 36, Saints 32
Both teams wasted little time putting points on the board as they entered halftime at a 17-14 score with the 49ers holding the slight lead. After a quiet third quarter, the scoring exploded in the final frame.
Following two more field goals (one from each team), Darren Sproles would find the end zone on a 44-yard pass, which gave the Saints the lead. Alex Smith would respond by punching in a score on a 28-yard carry. Just a second later, the Saints would answer, with Jimmy Graham pulling in a 66-yard pass from Brees.
However, with 14 seconds on the clock, smith would find Vernon Davis for the second time in the end zone to secure the game-winning touchdown.
2021-22 Bills vs. Chiefs Divisional Round
Chiefs 42, Bills 36
Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen have participated in many thrilling showdowns, but the 2021-22 AFC Divisional title might be the best they’ve offered. Both teams headed into halftime at a 14-14 tie. In the third quarter, both teams found the end zone, but the Chiefs held a slight lead thanks to a Harrison Butker field goal.
In the final frame, the offenses exploded. Gabe Davis, a Bills WR, brought in his third and fourth TD receptions of the game. His fourth touchdown game against the Bills gave them a 36-33 lead with only 13 seconds on the clock. However, Mahomes rallied to set up Butker on a game-tying 49-yard conversion.
In overtime, Mahomes would get the ball first and finish the job, finding Travis Kelce on an eight-yard TD strike.
2009-10 Cardinals vs. Packers Wild Card
Cardinals 51, Packers 45
While this game technically occurred in the “2009 season”, the game was played in January of 2010, which will give it a spot on our list. The Cardinals wasted little time jumping out to a 17-point lead in the opening frame. While the Packers got 10 points on the board in the second quarter, they would still trail by 14 points heading into halftime.
At the start of the second half, Kurt Warner would find Larry Fitzgerald on a 33-yard pass to extend their lead to 20 points. However, Aaron Rodgers would quickly flip the script and eventually tie the game at 38-38 with 10 minutes left in the contest. Both teams would strike again, forcing overtime at 45-45.
The Arizona defense would seal the ivory scoring a 17-yard fumble recovery, courtesy of Karlos Dansby.
2014-15 Packers vs. Seahawks NFC Championship
Seahawks 28, Packers 22
Entering the fourth quarter, the home team Seahawks were down 16-7 and struggled to move the ball downfield. The Packers would extend their lead to 12 points on a Mason Crosby 48-yard field goal and appeared to have almost sealed victory.
However, with just two minutes on the clock, Russell Wilson would get the Seahawks back on the board with a one-yard score, and then, following a botched onside kick, the Seahawks would score again, on a Marshawn Lynch TD run, giving them a lead.
Aaron Rodgers would respond, setting up a game-tying field goal and scoring in overtime. In the extra frame, the Seahawks would score on their third-straight dive, as Jermaine Kearse brought in a 35-yard pass from Wilson to book their ticket to the Super Bowl.
2011-12 Steelers vs. Broncos Wild Card
Broncos 29, Steelers 23
The 8-8 Broncos had the honor of hosting this Wild Card matchup, but entered as heavy underdogs and were able to win in thrilling fashion. The Broncos entered the half with a sizable 20-6 lead as kicker Matt Prater led the way, converting on four field goal attempts.
The Steelers would march back in the second half and eventually tie the contest with just under four minutes left to play on a 31-yard TD reception by Jerricho Cotchery. It would take the Broncs just one play in overtime to close the game. Tim Tebow found wideout Demaryius Thomas on an 80-yard TD reception that remains one of the most iconic plays in recent playoff history.
2013-14 49ers vs. Seahawks NFC Championship
Seahawks 23, 49ers 17
The 2-13-14 NFC Championship was a defensive battle throughout most of the contest. Entering the second half, the 49ers held a slight 10-3 lead as the only touchdown came on an Anthony Dixon one-yard score. Both teams would trade touchdowns in the third quarter, but San Francisco would end the fourth quarter up four points.
In the final frame, a young Russell Wilson would find Jermaine Kearse on a 35-yard TD pass, which would serve as the game-winner. Colin Kaepernick would lead the 49ers down to the red zone, setting up a potential late-game winner. However, Richard Sherman deflected a pass intercepted for Michael Crabtree in the back end zone, which was then intercepted by Malcolm Smith to clinch the victory.
2013-14 Chiefs vs. Colts Wild Card
Colts 45, Chiefs 44
When looking at comebacks over the past 15 years in the NFL, this 2013-14 Wild Card duel between the Colts and Chiefs is likely at the top of the list. The Colts were down 38-10 with just 13 minutes left in the third quarter.
With their backs against the wall, former first overall pick Andrew Luck would lead the Colts to one of the most impressive rallies in league history. Luck would bring the Colts within 10 points at the end of the third quarter off two TD passes and a 10-yard Donald Brown rushing score.
In the fourth quarter, Luck would punch in a rushing score on a fumble recovery and then connect with T.Y. Hilton on a 64-yard pass with just 4:29 seconds left, which served as the game-winner.
2009-10 Vikings vs. Saints NFC Championship
Saints 31, Vikings 28
Brett Favre’s final game in the NFL ended in heartbreaking fashion for the Minnesota Vikings. After a back-and-forth first half that ended in a 14-14 stalemate, both teams would put on a hot streak in the final two quarters.
The third quarter saw both teams find the end zone, resulting in a 21-21 tie heading into the fourth. Reggie Bush and Adrian Peterson would trade rushing the game at 28-28, just over two minutes to play. Favre drove the Vikings down into New Orleans territory to set up a potential field goal, but threw an interception to Tracy Porter, which pushed it to overtime.
The Saints would book their ticket to the Super Bowl on a Garrett Hartley 40-yard FG.
2020-21 Buccaneers vs. Washington Football Team Wild Card
Buccaneers 31, Washington Football Team 23
Washington entered this game as heavy underdogs, as they were set to turn to their third-string QB, Taylor Heinicke, due to the injuries to Alex Smith and Kyle Allen. Despite facing Tom Brady, Heinicke put on a performance that fans will never forget as he almost pulled off one of the most incredible upsets in league history.
Heinicke kept the game close throughout the evening. In the third quarter, he would pull off an incredible eight-yard TD run, which brought the Commanders within two points. While the Buccaneers responded, Heinicke would find Steven Sims Jr. in the back of the endzone to keep the game winning by one score heading into the final five minutes.
The Buccaneers would eventually pull away on a 37-yard Ryan Succop field goal with under three minutes to play.
2018-19 Rams vs. Saints NFC Championship
Rams 26, Saints 23
While this game was exciting in its own right, it had one of the most iconic calls in recent history. With both teams tied at 20-20, with two minutes remaining in the contest, Drew Brees had the Saints in Los Angeles territory, looking to put the game away.
On an intended pass for Tommylee Lewis on third down, Rams defensive back Nickell Robey-Coleman made contact with the pass catcher but was not called for pass interference, leading to the infamous “NOLA-No Call” title being attached to this game. The Saints would then have to settle for a field goal. If they had found the back of the end zone on that drive, they likely would have booked the ticket to the Super Bowl.
Instead, Jared Goff would set Greg Zuerlein up for a game-winning 57-yard FG in overtime shortly after the Rams intercepted Brees.
2022-23 Chargers vs. Jaguars Wild Card
Jaguars 31, Chargers 30
The final game we will spotlight in this ranking was another impressive comeback. The Jaguars were down 27-0 with just 4:25 seconds remaining in the second quarter. Trevor Lawrence got his team on the board with a nine-yard TD pass to Evan Engram, giving them some momentum heading into halftime.
In the second half, Lawrence would take over the game, throwing three TD passes and eventually setting up Riley Paterson for the game-winning 36-yard field goal as time expired. The Chargers would only score three points in the second half.
