September 26th, 2024
The NFL is peppered with shocking moments—extraordinary feats where the underdogs took reigns of the match, defying the odds and etching their names in football lore. And these go back to the '60s and '70s, like the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants' rivalry that is still going strong! Fast-forward to even the 2000s and beyond, countless plays in the NFL history books left fans and analysts alike in awe. Let’s look at 3 of the most shocking upsets that still have fans reeling today.
Reliving Memorable Upsets That Shook the NFL
All is fair play before the final whistle — after all, the underdog's determination can turn the score around in the "eleventh hour" of the game. To us as fans, these moments have us on the edge of our seats and will fuel countless debates for years to come! And it's not an understatement to say that they are part and parcel of the NFL's widespread popularity.
A fumble or foiled play just seconds to the final whistle can be all it takes to upend the scoreline. If you're looking to be part of the play, NFL football betting lets you test your forecast, backing the underdog in futures, halftime, or quarter markets. Even better, in-play (live) betting lets you call these moments in real-time. These upsets are plays for the ages, and if you're a new fan, you're in for a treat!
1978 Week 12: Victory at the Face of Certain Defeat (Eagles 19, Giants 17)
If we're going down the NFL annals, we must highlight the "Miracle at the Meadowlands", a stunning feat in the wee hours of the game that remains etched in football fans’ memories. With just 31 seconds left on the clock in the 4th quarter and the Giants leading 17-12, victory seemed certain, and they could have easily taken a knee to run out the remaining time.
But in what seemed like a divine intervention, quarterback Joe Pisarcik's botched attempt (fumble) to hand the football to Larry Csonka saw Eagles' Herman Edwards recover it and sprint down 26 yards for a touchdown, sealing a 19-17 victory. This incredible play changed the way teams approached the final seconds of a game. A similar stunt feat occurred in what fans would name Miracle at the New Meadowlands (2010), where the Eagles made an improbable comeback, winning over the New York Giants (Eagles 38, Giants 31).
1999-2000 Wild Card Round: The Controversial Lateral Pass (Titans 22, Bills 16)
The wild-card playoff pitting the Tennessee Titans against the Buffalo Bills in 2000 produced perhaps one of the most controversial (yet exciting) finishes in NFL history. Dubbed the "Music City Miracle," the Titans were trailing (16-15 against the Bills. With just 16 seconds on the clock, a kickoff return saw Frank Wycheck throw a lateral pass to Kevin Dyson, who sprinted 75 yards for a touchdown—securing a 22-16 win just moments before the final whistle. The move sparked heated debates about it possibly being an illegal forward pass; still, the referee's challenge upheld the call, and to date, it remains one of the most unforgettable moments in NFL history.
Super Bowl XLII (2008): The Helmet Catch (Giants 17, Patriots 14)
Super Bowl XLII marked an amazing season for the New England Patriots, who went undefeated leading up to the big game. Victory seemed inevitable; after all, they were favored to win. But, fate had other plans! Down to the 4th quarter, the Giants were still playing catch, with the Patriots leading 14-10. With 2:39 left on the clock, Giants quarterback Eli Manning aired the ball (slung it) down the field, where we got David Tyree’s iconic “Helmet Catch”, by far the game's most memorable play. Immediately after, a first-down conversion by Steve Smith saw wide receiver Plaxico Burress score the winning touchdown, pulling off a stunning 17-14 upset, and denying the Patriots their perfect season.
The Underdog's Tale: Upsets That Defied the Odds
There you have it! If there's anything we can learn from these moments, it's that the beauty of the NFL (football) lies in the unpredictable—anything can happen, and the underdog always has a fighting chance. Even years later, these games remind us why we love football and will continue to inspire fans and players alike for generations to come.