NFL

30 NFL Conference Championship Games That Changed Football Forever

Darren - February 2, 2022
NFL

30 NFL Conference Championship Games That Changed Football Forever

Darren - February 2, 2022

Mandatory Credit: USA Today Sports

4. Steelers vs. Colts (1995)

This title game was close throughout its entirety. In the end, it was a harrowing defeat for the Colts after a late Bam Morris touchdown. They tried a Hail Mary in the dying moments but it didn’t pay off. Instead, it was Pittsburgh who won the game and a place in the Super Bowl. It’s also likely that Aaron Bailey will never forget his failed catch.

Mandatory Credit: USA Today Sports

That moment surely haunts his dreams because the ball slipped through his fingers. If he caught it, Indy would have won the game. Instead, the Steelers held onto a narrow 20-16 victory. Title games are all about fine margins but this took it to the extreme. It was an amazing moment for Steel City but it could have been so different (via 247 Sports).

Mandatory Credit: USA Today Sports

3. Cowboys vs. 49ers (1992)

Some title games are more significant than others because they represent the start of a dynasty. That was the case in this NFC Championship. America’s Team hadn’t won a Super Bowl since 1977. They were on track to break their duck but they needed to overcome San Francisco first. This wasn’t going to be easy because the 49ers were the best team of the ’80s.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Fans will never forget this game because it felt like a changing of the guard. Dallas clung desperately to a tight lead when they made a brave call. Some might even call it foolhardy because it could have gone very wrong. But they opted to seal the win instead of holding on. Troy Aikman threw a spectacular game-winning touchdown to Kelvin Martin (via CBS Sports).

Mandatory Credit: USA Today Sports

2. Seahawks vs. 49ers (2013)

Seattle fell behind early in this game but steadied the ship quickly. Russell Wilson didn’t play brilliantly for the Seahawks but it didn’t matter. Colin Kaepernick couldn’t deal with the 49ers’ defense because they were on top. They forced the Niners’ quarterback into a pair of crucial interceptions. In the end, these proved to be the difference between the two teams (via SBNation).

Mandatory Credit: USA Today Sports

Meanwhile, it sealed Seattle’s first Super Bowl appearance since 2005. Fans will never forget this season because they were rampant. After winning the conference title, they crushed Peyton Manning’s Broncos. It’s also a painful memory for San Francisco fans because of the nature of the defeat. However, the Seahawks were too balanced for them to overcome.

Mandatory Credit: Sports Illustrated

1. 49ers vs. Cowboys (1981)

This NFC Championship game was one of the greatest of all time because of ‘The Catch’. It finished 28-27 after a dramatic series of events. The Cowboys took an early lead but couldn’t hold onto it. Joe Montana’s men came roaring back into contention and lit up Candlestick Park. This was a game for the ages because both teams showed a do-or-die attitude (via Sportscasting).

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

However, in the end, there could only be a single winner. San Francisco fans rejoiced after a Danny White interception. This was a historic moment that they will never forget because it signified their first Super Bowl trip. Then, they became one of the greatest teams of the decade. This was also a major step toward superstardom for Joe Montana.

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