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NFL Playoff Meltdowns Fans Can Never Forget

Darren - January 15, 2020
Lists

NFL Playoff Meltdowns Fans Can Never Forget

Darren - January 15, 2020

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

3. New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons

In the 2017 Super Bowl, it looked like the Falcons were on course for a shock victory over the Patriots. After a scoreless first quarter, Atlanta racked up 21 points with the Patriots putting just three on the scoreboard before the break. Then the Falcons came back out after halftime and extended their lead to 28-3. A humiliation looked on the cards.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

That’s exactly what ended up happening, only not the way you expected. The Patriots came back with 25 unanswered points as the Falcons went into total meltdown. While the whole team was at fault, Falcons coach Dan Quinn took most of the blame. Finally, the Patriots won in overtime.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

2. Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs

What a remarkable comeback this was in Kansas City in 2020. The Chiefs had lost to the Texans in the regular season but came into the AFC playoffs with a better record. Nobody expected their revenge to look like this, though. The Texans built a 24-0 lead before the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes finally shifted into gear.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Mahomes produced one of the performances of the season and even overall, with seven straight offensive possessions producing seven touchdowns. The Texans were hapless in trying to stop him and totally melted down as the Chiefs built up an unassailable lead. When you’ve got a generational talent like Mahomes, then anything is possible.

Mandatory Credit: Sports Illustrated

1. Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Oilers

Literally nicknamed ‘The Comeback,’ this iconic game went down in 1993. It’s the perfect combination of both brilliant perseverance and a massive meltdown. The Oilers were out in front 28-3 by halftime. In short, they were coasting towards victory. Then they scored another touchdown after the break.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

However, the Bills weren’t out of this. In the space of just seven minutes of game time, they reduced the deficit to four points.  After the severely rattled Oilers turned the ball over again, Al Del Greco tied the game from a field kick. Then in overtime, they secured the most miraculous of wins from a 32-yard field kick. The game somehow ended 41-38.

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