Benedict Finch
The NFL has seen some of the sport’s most thrilling, nail-biting, and historic finals. From stunning comebacks to dramatic finishes, these games have left fans on the edge of their seats. Here’s a look at the top 15 NFL finals defining the sport.
Super Bowl XLII – New York Giants vs. New England Patriots (2008)
The New York Giants pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the NFL by defeating the previously unbeaten New England Patriots 17-14. David Tyree’s “helmet catch” and Eli Manning’s heroics in the final minutes made this Super Bowl one of the most memorable.
Source: ESPN
Super Bowl LI – New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons (2017)
A 28-3 whopping turned into a 34-28 overtime win for the New England Patriots. Tom Brady’s performance was legendary, earning him his fifth Super Bowl ring and solidifying this game as one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history.
Source: Sports Illustrated
Super Bowl XXXIV – St. Louis Rams vs. Tennessee Titans (2000)
Dubbed “The Tackle,” Super Bowl XXXIV ended with one of the most intense finishes in the NFL. The Rams’ Mike Jones stopped Titans’ Kevin Dyson just one yard short of the end zone, securing a 23-16 victory for St. Louis in a game that showcased both offense and defense at their best.
Source: NFL.com
Super Bowl XLIX – New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks (2015)
This Super Bowl is remembered for its thrilling conclusion, where the Patriots intercepted a pass at the 1-yard line to clinch a 28-24 win over the Seahawks. The decision to pass rather than run the ball in the final moments remains one of the most debated calls in the sport.
Source: CBS Sports
Super Bowl XXV – New York Giants vs. Buffalo Bills (1991)
This matchup ended with Scott Norwood’s infamous “wide right” missed field goal, giving the Giants the win and breaking the hearts of Bills fans everywhere. The Giants’ 20-19 win over the Bills in Super Bowl XXV remains one of the closest in the NFL.
Source: History.com
Super Bowl XIII – Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Dallas Cowboys (1979)
In a clash of two NFL powerhouses, the Steelers edged out the Cowboys 35-31 in a game that featured explosive offense and memorable plays. This Super Bowl solidified Pittsburgh’s dynasty in the 1970s and remains one of the most celebrated matchups.
Source: The Washington Post
Super Bowl XXXVI – New England Patriots vs. St. Louis Rams (2002)
Tom Brady and Bill Belichick’s dynasty began with a 20-17 victory over the Rams. The game was decided by Adam Vinatieri’s last-second field goal, which gave the Patriots their first Super Bowl title and set the stage for years of dominance.
Source: Bleacher Report
Super Bowl XXIII – San Francisco 49ers vs. Cincinnati Bengals (1989)
Joe Montana led the 49ers on a legendary 92-yard drive to defeat the Bengals 20-16 in the final minutes of Super Bowl XXIII. Montana’s calm under pressure and a clutch touchdown pass to John Taylor with 34 seconds left secured San Francisco’s third Super Bowl title.
Source: The Athletic
Super Bowl XXXII – Denver Broncos vs. Green Bay Packers (1998)
John Elway finally captured his first Super Bowl title as the Broncos defeated the Packers 31-24. The image of Elway’s “helicopter” run, where he was spun in the air after a hard hit, symbolizes the determination that led Denver to the title and ended their Super Bowl drought.
Source: Denver Post
Super Bowl XLVII – Baltimore Ravens vs. San Francisco 49ers (2013)
Commonly known as the “Harbaugh Bowl,” this game featured two brothers as opposing head coaches. The Ravens built a big lead, but the 49ers stormed back before falling short, 34-31. A dramatic power outage during the game added to the intrigue of this memorable Super Bowl.
Source: CBS Sports