The NFL playoffs are a time of high drama and intense competition. But every now and then, there is a game that is so one-sided, it's hard to believe that it was actually part of the postseason. Here are some of the largest blowouts in NFL playoff history, starting with the most lopsided victory ever.
1. Super Bowl XXIV: San Francisco 49ers 55, Denver Broncos 10
In perhaps the most dominating performance in NFL playoff history, the Bill Walsh-coached San Francisco 49ers destroyed the Denver Broncos on their way to a Super Bowl victory. The 49ers scored on all eight of their possessions and outgained the Broncos 537-194. This sweet victory can be attributed to the incredible play of Joe Montana, who completed 22 of 29 passes for 297 yards and five touchdowns.
2. NFC Divisional Round: Chicago Bears 44, Washington Redskins 15
The 1985 Bears were known as one of the most ferocious defenses in NFL history and they proved it with this dominant win over the Redskins. The Bears scor a 24-0 halftime lead and never looked back, outgaining the Redskins 441-151. Richard Dent was absolutely unstoppable as he sacked Washington’s Joe Theismann four times and recorded two forced fumbles.
3. Super Bowl XXVII: Dallas Cowboys 52, Buffalo Bills 17
The Dallas Cowboys had one of the most prolific offenses in NFL history during their three-peat run in the 90s and they put on a clinic against the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVII. The Cowboys scored on eight of their nine possessions and were ahead of the Bills by 495-253. Emmitt Smith ran for 132 yards and two touchdowns in the win which was the first of three Super Bowl victories for Dallas in the 90s.
4. Super Bowl XXVIII: Dallas Cowboys 30, Buffalo Bills 13
The same two teams squared off one year later in the same stadium with similar results. The Cowboys once again dominated on offense, outgaining the Bills 409-224 and scoring on seven of their eight offensive drives. Running back Emmitt Smith was named MVP after rushing for 132 yards and two touchdowns.
5. AFC Divisional Round: Oakland Raiders 48, Seattle Seahawks 0
This 2001 playoff matchup between the Raiders and the Seahawks was essentially over at halftime, with Oakland leading 41-0. The Raiders led against the Seahawks 472-97 and scored six touchdowns in the blowout win. Quarterback Rich Gannon threw for four touchdown passes and wide receiver Jerry Rice caught three of them. This game set an NFL record for the most lopsided game in NFL playoff history.
6. AFC Championship Game: New England Patriots 41, Indianapolis Colts 0
The 2003 AFC Championship Game was a classic mismatch between the upstart New England Patriots and the veteran Indianapolis Colts. The Patriots’ defense shut down the Colts’ offense and Tom Brady threw three touchdown passes in the blowout win. It was an impressive performance by the then-unheralded Patriots who went on to win their first Super Bowl that season.
7. NFC Wild Card Round: Atlanta Falcons 47, Green Bay Packers 7
This 2003 playoff game was a one-sided affair from start to finish as the Atlanta Falcons dominated their divisional rivals, the Green Bay Packers. But Atlanta was more than just a one-man show as quarterback Michael Vick threw for two touchdowns, ran for another and even caught a pass in the blowout win.
8. NFC Wild Card Round: Carolina Panthers 29, New York Giants 0
The 2005 playoffs were a coming out party of sorts for the Carolina Panthers as they put together one of their most impressive performances in franchise history against the Giants. The Panthers defense held the Giants to just nine first downs and 143 total yards while their offense scored on four of its five possessions. It was a dominant performance by quarterback Jake Delhomme who threw three touchdown passes and ran for another score in the shutout victory.
9. AFC Divisional Playoffs: Miami Dolphins 31, San Diego Chargers 0
The 1998 AFC Divisional Playoffs saw the Miami Dolphins travel to San Diego to take on the Chargers in a game that was expected to be close. Instead, the Dolphins put together a masterful performance, scoring 24 points in the first half and shutting down the Chargers’ offense. Quarterback Dan Marino had an incredible showing as he completed 19 of 25 passes for 244 yards and three touchdowns. The Dolphins would go on to win the Super Bowl that season.
10. NFC Championship Game: New York Giants 41, San Francisco 49ers 0
In one of the most lopsided games in conference championship history, the New York Giants shut out their rivals, the San Francisco 49ers, 41-0 in the 2001 NFC Championship Game. The Giants scored on their first five possessions and held the Niners to just five first downs in the contest. Quarterback Kerry Collins threw for four touchdowns and running back Tiki Barber ran for 152 yards and a touchdown as New York rolled to an easy victory.
11. Super Bowl III: New York Jets 16, Baltimore Colts 7
The 1969 Super Bowl was a huge upset as the upstart New York Jets of the AFL took on the heavily favored Baltimore Colts of the NFL. The game was dominated by the Jets defense which neutralized Johnny Unitas and held him to just 17 completions in 36 attempts and one rushing touchdown. Running back Matt Snell led the way for the Jets on offense, rushing for 121 yards and a touchdown in the 16-7 win. It was one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history and marked the first year that an AFL team had won the championship.
12. NFC Championship Game: Chicago Bears 46, New Orleans Saints 10
The 2006 NFC Championship Game was a blowout from start to finish, as the Chicago Bears steamrolled their opponents, the a ints. The Bears scored on five of their first six possessions and held the Saints to only one field goal in the entire game. The Saints' lost to Quarterback Rex Grossman threw for 165 yards and two touchdowns while running backs Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson combined for 221 yards and three scores in the 46-10 win. It was a dominant performance by Chicago that helped lead them to their first Super Bowl victory since 1985.
13. NFC Divisional Playoffs: Los Angeles Rams 36, Minnesota Vikings 10
The 1973 NFC Divisional Playoffs saw the Los Angeles Rams take on the Minnesota Vikings in a game that was expected to be close. But it turned out to be anything but as the Rams rolled to an easy 36-10 victory. Quarterback James Harris had one of his best games of the season as he threw for three touchdowns and ran for another. The Rams defense also had an impressive showing, limiting the Vikings to just 168 total yards and forcing five turnovers in the blowout win.
14. Super Bowl IV: Kansas City Chiefs 23, Minnesota Vikings 7
The fourth Super Bowl saw the AFL's Kansas City Chiefs take on the NFL's Minnesota Vikings in a matchup that was expected to be close. But it turned out to be anything but as the Chiefs defense completely shut down the vaunted Vikings offense. Quarterback Len Dawson had an impressive performance, throwing for142 yards and two touchdowns while the Chiefs defense held Minnesota to just 119 total yards.
15. Super Bowl II: Green Bay Packers 33, Oakland Raiders 14
The second Super Bowl saw the NFL's defending champion Green Bay Packers take on the AFL's upstart Oakland Raiders in a game that was expected to be competitive. But it turned out to be anything but as the Packers dominated from start to finish. Quarterback Bart Starr threw for 250 yards and two touchdowns while the Packers defense held Oakland to just 152 total yards in the 33-14 blowout victory. It was an impressive win for Green Bay, who would go on to become one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history.
16. NFL Championship Game: Cleveland Browns 56, Detroit Lions 10
The 1954 NFL Championship Game saw the Cleveland Browns take on the Detroit Lions. The game was expected to be a close one, but the Browns dominated from start to finish. Quarterback Otto Graham threw for three touchdown passes, while running backs Bobby Mitchell and Jim Brown combined for 225 yards and four rushing touchdowns in the 56-10 rout. It was an impressive performance by Cleveland who would go on to win the NFL title that year.
The Super Bowl Era and Pro Football Hall of Fame
The biggest blowout games in NFL playoff history provide an incredible look into the evolution of professional football. From the early days of one-sided affairs to the modern era where any team can make a run for a championship, these games have helped shape the game we know today. And with every win, comes a momentous induction into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame.
These sixteen games all showcased some incredible performances from teams who were operating on all cylinders when it counted the most. And while these games may have been one-sided, they remain an essential part of the NFL's legacy. They remind us that no matter what the odds, anything is possible when playoff football gets underway. So, let's celebrate those who rose to the occasion and made their mark on history!
