Pro Football History.com Blog
September 20th, 2025
The USA's National Football League (NFL) is famous for dramatic comebacks made by teams that have overcome seemingly impossible odds to score some remarkable victories. As you’ll see, the Minnesota Vikings now hold the record for the biggest turnaround. They are probably the biggest bane of any online sports gambler's existence, and not just in the USA.
The Thrill of the Comeback
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Returning to the main focus, fans would either be thrilled or devastated, depending on which team they supported, regarding the comeback games we're about to discuss.
6th Greatest Comeback - Overcoming a 26 Point Deficit - Buffalo Bills 37, Indianapolis Colts 35 (1997)
When the Bills were trailing 26 points to nil at halftime, having been on the wrong end of four Cary Blanchard field goals, all looked lost for the team from New York State. But once the second half had got underway, we witnessed what was to become the 6th greatest coaching comebacks in NFL history.
Head Coach Marv Levy watched his side claw their way back into the game thanks to 275 passing yards. It included two great touchdown passes from Todd Collins (the quarterback who was in his first season following the legendary Jim Kelly) and the 129 rushing yards, including 3 touchdowns from the Rookie, Antowain Smith.
5th Greatest Comeback – Overcoming a 27 Point Deficit - Jacksonville Jaguars 31, Los Angeles Chargers 30 (2023)
Another game that proved to be the personification of the ‘game of two halves’ adage, the Jaguars went 27-nil down in the second quarter with just 4:25 left. But after previously throwing 4 intercepted passes, Trevor Lawrence got his act together and threw four touchdown passes. It was magnificent stuff, which meant he became the first quarterback in NFL records to notch up four consecutive picks without a touchdown pass and then four straight touchdown passes without an interception during the same game.
4th Greatest Comeback – Overcoming a 28 Point Deficit - Indianapolis Colts 45, Kansas City Chiefs 44 (2014)
Not just notable for being the 4th greatest comeback game in NFL history, Colts fans will also treasure this match as being Andrew Luck’s best turnaround game. The quarterback started badly, throwing three intercepted passes, the second of which saw the Chiefs take a 38-10 lead. However, he recovered magnificently, and by the end of the game, he amassed 443 passing yards, the second-highest amount in NFL franchise records. His tally also included 4 touchdown passes.
3rd Greatest Comeback – Overcoming a 28 Point Deficit - San Francisco 49ers 38 vs. New Orleans Saints 35 (1980)
We're now back in the era of the exceptional quarterback, Joe (Cool) Montana, one of the greatest to ever grace the Gridiron sport. This was only Montana’s sixth start, and at halftime, with the 49ers trailing 7-35, it looked like being a big loss. But this is how the quarterback earned his nickname ‘Cool’ (check out the Most Iconic Pass in Football history) by leading his team to great comeback wins in the nick of time. In this game, he threw 285 passing yards and in the third quarter, together with teammate Dwight Clark, created the play of the game, a 71-yard catch-and-run on a crossing pattern.
2nd Greatest Comeback – Overcoming a 32 Point Deficit - Buffalo Bills 41, Houston Oilers 38 (1993)
This game was known simply as ‘the comeback, and it held on to being the biggest margin comeback for 23 years, until the Minnesota Vikings topped it in 2022. The Bills were 3-35 down early in the third quarter, and it looked like it was done and dusted. But, as we know, looks can be deceiving, and so it proved. The comeback was masterminded by quarterback Frank Reich, who achieved a career best of 289 passing yards, including four touchdown passes. Big comebacks were a Reich special. He also engineered the largest comeback in college football history for 22 years – when Maryland trailed by 31-0 in the first half but came to win 42-40 against Miami.
Greatest Comeback – Overcoming a 33 Point Deficit - Minnesota Vikings 39, Indianapolis Colts 35 (2022)
As just mentioned, this game is now the new, biggest comeback in NFL history. At the halfway marker, the Colts were romping away with the game, leading by 33 points to 0. However, they could only manage another 2 points in the second half, while the Vikings managed an awesome 39. They just squeaked thanks to a 3-yard Greg Joseph field goal with only three seconds left on the clock.
September 19th, 2025
In the 2025 NFL season, coaching decisions continue to play a defining role in team success. With the percentage from the AFC West head coaches cumulatively winning .627 of the games they strategized, it is even more powerful to see how meticulous planning alters the result of the season.
This article reframes winning moments from the NFL’s glorious history and offers insights applicable to the modern game.
Key Moments That Defined Legendary Coaches
Throughout NFL history, certain coaching decisions have left a permanent mark on the league. You may remember how, in Super Bowl LIV, Andy Reid trust in Patrick Mahomes during a 10-point deficit against the San Francisco 49ers was a turning point. Instead of relying on conventional, conservative calls, Reid allowed Mahomes to run a dynamic offense that ultimately led to a Chiefs victory, marking the franchise’s first Super Bowl win in 50 years.
Similarly, Pete Carroll’s decision to draft Russell Wilson in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft initially raised eyebrows. Many questioned the choice, citing Wilson’s small stature and limited college production.
Yet, Carroll’s coaching system and ability to develop talent quickly allowed Wilson to become one of the most efficient quarterbacks in NFL history. Wilson has led the Seahawks to multiple playoff appearances, demonstrating that bold personnel decisions, paired with effective coaching, can change the trajectory of a franchise.
Other iconic moments include Bill Belichick’s daring fourth-down decisions in postseason games and Tom Landry’s innovation of the flex defense in the 1970s. These pivotal moments show how coaches’ choices under pressure can define not only games but also their legacies.
Strategies That Turned Teams Into Champions
In 2025, the Minnesota Vikings still reside in the top ten in defensive efficiency in the middle of the league, which is quite the accomplishment given their shift in defensive coaching paradigms.
Under defensive coordinator Brian Flores, the team has switched to the modified "big nickel" defensive scheme, which features aggressive safeties replacing the traditional outer cornerbacks. His changes, along with the rest of the Vikings coaching staff, ascend the coaching paradigms to the next level according to Flores's analytics. Just as players in other competitive arenas try to maximize their competitive edge with lower risk methods - such as slots with free spins no deposit which offer enhanced strategic options - savvy football teams are constantly on the lookout for the optimal options on the field. Rotating back to aggressive defenses in the first half of 2023 is yet another case in point. High left, low right coverages with aggressive safeties are another example of how far the Vikings' coaching staff has taken the defensive paradigms.
On the other side of the ball, people like Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay have concentrated on using plenty of motion and play action to accentuate the strengths of their players. In the last several seasons in the NFL, these approaches have spearheaded some of the biggest scoring outbursts, which underscores the need for outside-the-box, thorough planning.
Comparing Coaching Styles Across Eras
NFL coaching philosophies have evolved considerably over the decades. Coaches of the 1970s and 1980s, such as Chuck Noll and Bill Walsh, emphasized discipline, fundamentals, and systemized play. Noll’s Pittsburgh Steelers became legendary for the “Steel Curtain” defense, while Walsh’s West Coast offense revolutionized passing schemes, allowing shorter, more accurate passes to control the tempo of the game.
Modern coaches, by contrast, often prioritize adaptability and innovation over rigid systems. McVay, for example, is known for adjusting his offense on a weekly basis to exploit defensive weaknesses, while Shanahan focuses on creating mismatches with zone-blocking and dynamic rushing concepts.
This evolution reflects not just changes in player skill sets, but also a deeper understanding of how coaching strategies must evolve to maintain competitive advantage in a league that increasingly values speed and versatility.
Even within a single era, coaching styles can differ significantly. Sean Payton emphasizes aggressive offensive play-calling, while Pete Carroll prefers a balance of defense and opportunistic offense. Observing these differences can help you understand why some teams maintain long-term success while others struggle despite similar talent.
Lessons From the Greatest Comebacks in NFL History
Some instances in sports history involving a coach's influence are more illustrative than others. Super Bowl LI is a perfect case in point. It features the New England Patriots clawing back from a 28-to-3 deficit against the Atlanta Falcons.
Dan Quinn's conservative game plan was a catalyst for New England’s momentum shift, and the Patriots were kept alive in the game through Bill Belichick's aggressive decision-making on fourth downs. It is a game the coaches, players, and fans are still trying to wrap their heads around in terms of what went right and what went wrong.
Takeaways from such experiences cannot be confined to the outcome of a specific match. What stands out is the ability of a coach to not only anticipate possible challenges but also transform them into real-time strategies that can and do dwindle the self-belief of players, and which, in the long term, build a sustainable framework which encompasses multiple seasons.
It is not just the ability of a team to win that speaks volumes, but their ability to bounce back from deficits, perform in high-stakes challenges, and remain competitive for a long period of time.
September 17th, 2025
By Stephen Juza
So much for our MVP pick. Less than two weeks into the season, our preseason MVP pick has been sidelined for several months with an impending toe surgery. The two-time Comeback Player of the Year suffered the injury in the first half of Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, an eventual 31-27 victory for the Bengals. But it will likely serve as a pyrrhic victory in a year we anticipated the team to win the AFC North. What does this mean for the Bengals? In today’s article, we look at possible impacts for the 2025 season for the team, and what it means for Burrow’s future.
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Roster Changes
With only one other quarterback on the roster, the Bengals will have to add someone else to the quarterback room immediately. They activated Brett Rypien from the practice squad and signed a few others, but if they want more talent, they will have to look elsewhere. There are a few teams who have a surplus of quarterbacks, and the Bengals could look to trade for one. One stumbling block to several names on the market is that the team is in ‘win-now’ mode, and it’s not likely that there is a quarterback available that could keep the ship sailing in the interim.
Possible options include Anthony Richardson, Kirk Cousins, but Richardson is on a rookie contract and cheap for the Colts to hold on to, and Cousins is very expensive and probably not worth the cost. Another option could be Jameis Winston, currently on the New York Giants. While the Giants have Russell Wilson as the starter, and Jaxson Dart as the quarterback of the future, Winston could be the easiest quarterback to pry away from another team.
Impact to the Season
Three months puts Burrow returning for a Week 17 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. If his recovery is quicker, he will return for at least one of the pivotal matchups against the Baltimore Ravens. Before the season started, the Bengals three-game stretch from Week 13 to Week 16 was going to be the most important stretch for the season. Starting on the road against the defending AFC North champion Ravens, on the road against the defending AFC East champion Buffalo Bills, then hosting the Ravens would prove to everyone who the Bengals were as the season was coming to an end.
Now, the Bengals are going to likely hope for a Wildcard appearance and hope for a full-strength Burrow by the end of December. Anything short of a playoff run may not be enough for head coach Zac Taylor. In his first six seasons in Cincinnati, the team has finished third or fourth in the division four times. As much as fans want him back, Taylor may need a healthy Burrow to return for the 2026 season.
Impact to Burrow
Burrow is already in the unfortunate position of being one of the few two-time winners of the Comeback Player of the Year award, but this injury may put him in line for yet another award in 2026. But that’s only if he can remain healthy and on the field, which he has struggled with in his career. In his six seasons, he has only played more than ten games three times.
When he has played, he is a player who you can build around, and with his monster contract he signed it’s clear that he will be in Cincinnati for a few more years at least. But this latest injury will raise the question if Burrow will be someone you can count on long term. If you are building around a player, you have to count on him being in the lineup. He will have missed 26 games since the 2020 season, and when you compare him to other top quarterbacks, there is simply no comparison in durability. Bills quarterback has not missed a game during that timeframe. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has missed three. Lamar Jackson has missed twelve.
Overall, the Bengals will have a difficult road in front of them for the 2025 season, and if Burrow continues to miss time, they may have some tough questions ahead.
September 17th, 2025
The NFL's history is filled with intense coaching rivalries that have significantly influenced the sport. These legendary matchups have not only defined seasons but have also left a lasting impact on the game. As fans continue to engage with these narratives, new technologies like simulations and gaming experiences enhance their understanding and enjoyment.
Historic NFL Coaching Showdowns
Fans today can also explore these historic rivalries through innovative platforms like this one, which offer interactive ways to engage with the sport. The fierce rivalries between iconic NFL coaches have left a lasting impact on the league's history, offering some of the most thrilling narratives in sports.
The strategic battles between these legendary figures have often determined the fate of entire seasons, captivating fans worldwide. These showdowns are more than just games; they are epic tales of strategy, determination, and rivalry that define what it means to compete at the highest level. With each matchup, coaches left their unique imprint on the sport, creating moments that resonate with fans and analysts alike.
Strategic battles that defined NFL coaching rivalries
Coaching showdowns in the NFL are a masterclass in strategy and execution, where every decision can alter the course of a game or season. The meticulous planning and tactical genius displayed in these duels highlight why coaching is as much a part of the game as the players themselves.
Coaches like Vince Lombardi and Tom Landry crafted their legacies through these intense encounters, using innovative strategies to outsmart their opponents. These rivalries pushed coaches to refine their playbooks and adapt their approaches, leading to some of the most memorable moments in NFL history.
In addition to the tactical maneuvers on the field, these rivalries often included psychological warfare off it. Legendary coaches would engage in mind games, media banter, and subtle digs to gain any possible advantage over their adversaries. The narrative tension created by these off-field antics added another layer to the already high-stakes battles, drawing even casual fans into the drama. This blend of strategy and psychology turned ordinary games into legendary spectacles that still captivate audiences today.
Impact of historic matchups on fan engagement
Historic coaching matchups have played a pivotal role in fostering fan engagement and sparking discussions within the football community. Fans passionately debate who had the better tactics or which coach was truly superior, keeping these rivalries alive long after the final whistle. These discussions are fueled by personal anecdotes and vivid memories of iconic plays that turned games around. Such matchups create an emotional connection between fans and their teams, strengthening loyalty and intensifying rivalries among fanbases.
The enduring appeal of these coaching duels lies in their ability to transcend time. Whether reliving past glories through replays or engaging in spirited debates online, fans remain captivated by these legendary encounters. The stories behind these matchups are not only a part of NFL lore but also serve as a reminder of how competition can bring out the best in individuals and teams. These narratives continue to inspire new generations of fans who seek to understand and appreciate the history of the sport.
Enhancing football experiences through interactive gaming
The evolution of interactive gaming has revolutionized how modern audiences engage with football, providing immersive experiences that bring historic rivalries to life. Through simulations and virtual recreations, fans can step into the shoes of their favorite coaches and relive iconic moments from past matches. This dynamic form of engagement allows for a deeper understanding of tactical decisions and strategic nuances that defined those legendary encounters.
Moreover, interactive gaming experiences offer an exciting way for fans to test their skills and knowledge against others worldwide. By participating in these virtual environments, fans can experience the thrill of making real-time decisions similar to those faced by legendary coaches during critical moments. These platforms not only enhance fan engagement but also provide an educational aspect by illustrating complex game dynamics in a fun and accessible manner.
Beyond the excitement, platforms like real money online casinos offer fans a unique way to engage with the sport. These platforms provide opportunities to experience the thrill of competition in a controlled environment, where strategy and decision-making are key. By simulating the high-stakes nature of NFL coaching rivalries, fans can appreciate the intricacies of the game while enjoying a modern twist on traditional sports engagement.
Timeless influence of coaching rivalries on NFL history
These coaching rivalries transcend time, continually influencing how fans perceive and engage with NFL history's rich tapestry. The legacy left by legendary coaches endures in today's game through tactics passed down from one generation to another. Current coaches often draw inspiration from past masters when crafting strategies or motivating players before crucial matches.
As you explore the world of legendary NFL coaching rivalries, you'll discover how these historic battles have shaped not only individual seasons but also broader trends within professional football itself. The ongoing fascination with these iconic rivalries highlights their significant impact on shaping both fan culture and sporting excellence at its highest level.
September 16th, 2025
The Baltimore Ravens enter the 2025 NFL season accompanied by both excitement and scrutiny surrounding them. As perennial contenders with a proven track record, the franchise continues to attract the attention of fans, analysts, and bettors across the United States.
With Lamar Jackson leading the offense, expectations remain high, yet challenges in the schedule and roster shifts raise questions about whether the Ravens can finally turn potential into a championship run.
The story of their upcoming campaign is about more than wins and losses; it is also about how oddsmakers view their chances, how bettors assess their value, and how momentum shapes perceptions week to week.
This season, Baltimore faces a unique test: balancing the weight of its contender narrative with the reality of fierce AFC competition. Understanding their outlook requires a closer look at preseason odds, Lamar Jackson’s early form, key players, must-win matches, and where betting markets may reveal hidden opportunities.
The Odds Coming Into 2025/26
Sportsbooks set the tone for the season well before the first kickoff, and player outlooks for the 2025/26 campaign illustrate how much faith the market continues to place in this team. Coming off another strong regular season and deep playoff push, the Ravens open among the favorites to win both the AFC and the Super Bowl.
Bettors who study the numbers will almost immediately notice that Baltimore consistently finds itself priced near the top, even when questions arise about health or roster depth. This positioning reflects not just talent but also trust; oddsmakers know the Ravens attract heavy betting interest.
However, the 2025/26 lines also account for external challenges. Rivals like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills remain formidable, while younger AFC teams continue to push Baltimore harder than ever.
The Ravens’ opening prices reflect a roster under pressure: short odds that acknowledge elite potential, paired with the reality of a conference stacked with contenders.
Lamar Jackson’s Shaky Start
No matter how strong a preseason outlook looks, early results can quickly shift perceptions. Jackson’s shaky start to the 2025 season has left sportsbooks adjusting Lamar Jackson prop bets, moving the Ravens from near-lock favorites to a more uncertain proposition.
Jackson has struggled to find an early rhythm, showing flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency in reads, red-zone execution, and chemistry with new receivers. For bettors, this becomes both a warning sign and an opportunity: odds may drift slightly, creating more favorable prices for those who still believe in Jackson’s long-term upside.
Historically, Jackson responds well when challenged, using criticism as fuel to refine his game. His ability to rebound from early struggles is part of what makes him one of the league’s most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks. Yet, opening missteps highlight issues sportsbooks cannot ignore, such as timing with the offensive line, reliance on designed runs, and accuracy in tight-window throws.
For bettors, the takeaway is clear: Lamar Jackson’s slow start doesn’t erase Baltimore’s contender status, but it does add volatility. This volatility often creates short-term value, particularly in weekly props and futures markets where public perception tends to overreact.
Key Players
When analyzing the Ravens’ 2025/26 chances, the conversation inevitably comes back to the players who define their season. Lamar Jackson remains the centerpiece, with his blend of athleticism and creativity making Baltimore a constant threat regardless of surrounding questions. As long as Jackson is healthy, the Ravens command respect from oddsmakers and bettors alike. Supporting him are key playmakers like tight end Mark Andrews, whose connection with Jackson fuels Baltimore’s red-zone production, and rookie standouts in the receiving corps who offer a needed vertical boost.
On the defensive side, Roquan Smith leads a linebacking unit that sets the tone, while the secondary, anchored by Kyle Hamilton, gives the Ravens flexibility to counter elite passing attacks. Each of these players influences how the markets evaluate the team from week to week.
Must-Win Matches
Every NFL season contains a handful of games that shape a team’s trajectory, and for Baltimore in 2025, several stand out as must-win contests.
Divisional games against the Steelers, Bengals, and Browns carry extra weight, not only for standings but also for establishing supremacy in one of the NFL’s toughest divisions. Dropping multiple divisional matchups would raise serious doubts about the Ravens’ ability to control their playoff path.
Equally critical are high-profile showdowns with the Chiefs and Bills. These contests influence seeding and give bettors benchmarks to measure Baltimore’s true strength against the AFC’s elite. A primetime matchup with the San Francisco 49ers also looms as a Super Bowl litmus test, where Baltimore must prove its balance and consistency.
The Browns Bounce Back
Baltimore’s Week 2 victory over Cleveland reminded bettors why the Ravens remain a top-tier threat in the AFC. Yet with Baltimore consistently priced as a favorite, the task for bettors is to identify hidden value in 2025/26 markets. Straight Super Bowl futures typically provide modest returns, as odds rarely drift enough to offer major upside.
Alternative plays provide more opportunities. Lamar Jackson props, particularly on rushing yards, passing totals, or touchdowns, carry weight when matched against defenses that struggle with mobile quarterbacks.
Market shifts after early-game challenges can also create openings on spreads, as public money often overreacts to perceived weakness, pushing lines in ways savvy bettors can exploit.
Divisional futures deserve attention as well. Even if the Ravens stumble out of the gate, odds can lengthen despite Baltimore’s history of finishing seasons strong. Ultimately, success comes from timing: separating hype from on-field reality. Baltimore’s brand name and Jackson’s MVP profile shape perceptions, but disciplined bettors who know when to ride momentum and when to pivot stand to gain the most.
A Familiar Position
The 2025 NFL season places the Baltimore Ravens in a familiar yet precarious position: high expectations mixed with undeniable pressure. Their preseason odds reflect contender status, but Lamar Jackson’s shaky start reminds bettors that success never comes guaranteed.
The roster, anchored by Jackson and other key stars, keeps Baltimore firmly in the championship conversation, while must-win games against rivals will dictate the arc of their season. For those studying the 2025/26 outlook, the key lies in balance, acknowledging both the strengths that sustain this franchise and the vulnerabilities that shape its betting value.
In the end, the Ravens’ journey this year offers fans and bettors not only drama on the field but also opportunities in the markets that mirror the highs and lows of NFL competition.