January 16th, 2025
“What a game!” It’s a phrase we’ve all uttered after witnessing one of the NFL’s breathtaking playoffs. Few moments in sports reach the level of drama and pure exhilaration that NFL playoff games bring to the table. Today, we’re breaking down five of the most iconic playoff showdowns that changed NFL history forever.
1. 2021 Divisional Round: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills
If you watched this one live, chances are your jaw is still somewhere on your living room floor. Dubbed one of the greatest playoff games of all time, this bout between two of the AFC’s top dogs was something else.
Picture this—THREE go-ahead touchdowns in the final two minutes of regulation. Patrick Mahomes threw for an insane 188 yards AFTER the two-minute warning, while Josh Allen countered with 329 total passing yards. And don’t forget Gabriel Davis! He made NFL history as the first player to rack up four touchdown receptions in a postseason game.
But here’s the cherry on top—Mahomes needed only 13 seconds. Seriously, 13 SECONDS to march downfield and set up a game-tying field goal. Then, in overtime, Mahomes connected with Travis Kelce for the game-ending TD. Chiefs fans went bananas, and the rest of us just sat in awe.
This year, the Chiefs are again in the Divisional Round, but now against the Texans. The wagerline NFL odds hint at a comfortable win for Kansas City, but given the team’s magic last year, anything is possible.
2. 1981 NFC Championship Game: San Francisco vs. Dallas Cowboys
If you’re an NFL diehard, you don’t need an intro. The Catch is exactly what it sounds like—a play so legendary it doesn’t even need additional description.
The stakes? A trip to the Super Bowl. With the clock winding down, Joe Montana did what Joe Montana does—he orchestrated an 89-yard drive. On a nail-biter third down, he flicked a high pass to Dwight Clark, who leaped up for an impossible catch, sealing the deal for San Francisco.
That one six-yard touchdown KO’d “America’s Team” (yes, the Cowboys) and sent the 49ers on their way to glory-town. Fun fact? Eric Wright later made a game-saving tackle that’s often overshadowed by The Catch.
3. Super Bowl XLII: New York Giants vs. New England Patriots
The 18-0 Patriots looked unstoppable. Tom Brady was in the zone, Randy Moss was basically a cheat code, and the team was minutes away from completing the NFL’s second perfect season. Then the Giants said, “Not today.”
Down 14-10 with less than 2 minutes left, Eli Manning escaped what can only be described as a surefire sack of doom. But no—Eli Houdini’d his way out, bombed it downfield, and connected with David Tyree for the Helmet Catch. Yep, Tyree PINNED the ball against his helmet while tumbling down.
Moments later, Plaxico Burress caught the game-winning touchdown, and the Giants knocked the mighty Patriots off their lofty undefeated perch. Somewhere, the 1972 Dolphins popped champagne in celebration (again).
4. 1981 AFC Divisional Round: San Diego Chargers vs. Miami Dolphins
Nicknamed appropriately “The Epic in Miami,” this NFL game was pure chaos in the most glorious way. Featuring wild momentum swings, absurd stats, and a finish for the ages, this game remains one for the purists.
The Chargers bolted to a 24-0 lead, but Miami wasn’t going down quietly. Don Strock subbed in for the Dolphins, tossed four touchdowns, and evened the game at 38-38. Enter Kellen Winslow.
Winslow didn’t just make plays—he BLOCKED a potential game-winning Miami field goal and helped force overtime. Struggling to even stand by the end, Winslow finished with 13 catches, 166 yards, and pure exhaustion (the image of teammates literally helping him off the field says it all).
Overtime saw more drama when the Chargers’ kicker MISSED a chip-shot field goal—only to later redeem himself with a 29-yarder to seal the deal. One word? Epic.
5. Super Bowl XLIX: New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks
When people talk about baffling decisions in sports history, this game is Exhibit A. With the Seahawks just one yard away from a championship—they didn’t hand the ball to Marshawn Lynch. Repeat. They. Did. Not. Hand. It. To. Beast Mode. Instead, Russell Wilson threw a pass that Patriots rookie Malcolm Butler picked off in the end zone. And just like that, New England snagged yet another Super Bowl ring.
The game was already a stunner before "The Play That Shall Not Be Named." The Patriots climbed back from a 10-point deficit in the fourth, courtesy of Tom Brady slinging two TDs. But that game-ending INT—it’s still talked about in barbershops, forums, and during “what if” debates everywhere.
Why These Games Are NFL Gold
All five of these playoff games weren’t just matches; they were full-blown dramas complete with unpredictable twists, jaw-dropping moments, and heroes stepping up under immense pressure.
These are the games that live in NFL fans' memories forever—whether you were biting your nails as your team fought for their season or just enjoying the madness unfolding. They also remind us why we tune in every single weekend - and why the NFL is taking the world by storm.