The NFL is approaching its 2025 season, marking a quarter-century into the 21st-century era of football. Over the past week, Yahoo Sports senior NFL writer Frank Schwab has been exploring the league’s most memorable moments from the last 25 years.
Historically, the ’70s, ’80s, and early ’90s had fewer standout Super Bowls, a trend that has dramatically changed. The best games of the past quarter-century heavily feature Super Bowls, showcasing thrilling performances on football’s biggest stage. When the largest audiences tuned in, teams delivered unforgettable drama.
Here’s a rundown of the top 25 games since 2000:
25. Tebowmania: The 2011 Broncos shocked the Steelers in a wild card game with Tim Tebow throwing for 316 yards and an 80-yard overtime touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas. Though Tebow’s starting career was brief, this game was a highlight.
24. Miracle at the New Meadowlands: In 2010, DeSean Jackson’s punt return sparked the Eagles’ remarkable comeback against the Giants, supported by Michael Vick’s pivotal second-half plays.
23. Andrew Luck’s Comeback: Trailing 38-10 in the 2013 wildcard game, Luck led the Colts to an incredible 45-44 win over the Chiefs with a late touchdown to T.Y. Hilton.
22. 49ers Stun Giants: On January 5, 2003, the 49ers overcame a 24-7 deficit to beat the Giants 39-38 in a wild card thriller marked by a controversial non-call.
21. Patriots & Panthers Shootout: Super Bowl XXXVIII exploded with 37 points in the fourth quarter, ending with Adam Vinatieri’s winning field goal in overtime.
20. Mile High Miracle: In 2012, Joe Flacco’s 70-yard touchdown to Jacoby Jones with 31 seconds left helped the Ravens edge the Broncos 38-35 in double overtime before winning the Super Bowl.
19. Chiefs Beat 49ers Again: In Super Bowl LVIII, Patrick Mahomes rallied the Chiefs from behind to win in overtime, securing their dynasty’s third championship.
18. We Are All Patriots: Super Bowl XXXVI featured a Belichick-led defensive masterclass and a young Tom Brady’s clutch drive, ending with Vinatieri’s game-winning field goal in overtime.
17. Helmet Catch: Super Bowl XLII gave us the iconic David Tyree catch and Eli Manning’s late touchdown to topple the previously undefeated Patriots.
16. Steve Smith Walk-Off: In the 2003 divisional round, Steve Smith’s 69-yard touchdown in double overtime eliminated the Rams, marking a turning point for the franchise.
15. Seahawks’ Miraculous Comeback: Down 19-7 late in the 2015 NFC Championship, Seattle wiped out a deficit with a last-minute onside kick recovery and a touchdown to Jermaine Kearse.
14. Cardinals Outlast Packers: In a 2009 wild card classic, Kurt Warner and Aaron Rodgers combined for over 800 yards and nine touchdowns, with the Cardinals winning in overtime through a defensive play.
13. Seahawks Top 49ers in NFC Title: The 2013 NFC Championship saw Seattle’s defense clinch a 23-17 victory, pushing them to the Super Bowl.
12. 49ers Beat Saints in Candlestick Thriller: In 2011, Vernon Davis’ last-second touchdown completed a wild fourth quarter in San Francisco’s 36-32 win.
11. Mahomes Overcomes Eagles: In Super Bowl LVII, Mahomes battled ankle injuries to lead the Chiefs to victory with last-minute heroics.
10. Eagles Win First Super Bowl: The Eagles’ 2017 win over the Patriots was highlighted by the “Philly Special,” a trick play that cemented their historic first title.
9. Tuck Rule Game: The snowy 2001 playoff game between Patriots and Raiders popularized the “tuck rule,” leading to an overtime win and the birth of the Patriots dynasty.
8. Rams 54, Chiefs 51: A 2018 Monday night showdown featured two high-powered offenses in a rare, high-scoring contest won by the Rams.
7. Minneapolis Miracle: Stefon Diggs’ 61-yard last-second touchdown in the 2018 playoffs sent the Vikings to the NFC Championship in one of the most stunning finishes ever.
6. Patriots Delay Chiefs’ Dynasty: The 2018 AFC Championship Match was a battle between Brady’s final great Patriots team and Mahomes’ young Chiefs; the Patriots won in overtime.
5. Super Bowl XLIII: Steelers vs. Cardinals: Two spectacular plays defined this game, with Ben Roethlisberger leading a late winning drive, securing the Steelers’ sixth Super Bowl.
4. Peyton Manning’s Colts Comeback: In the 2006 AFC Championship, Manning overcame an early deficit to beat the Patriots and reach his first Super Bowl.
3. 28-3 Patriot Comeback: The Patriots turned a massive 28-3 deficit in Super Bowl LI against the Falcons into one of the greatest comebacks ever.
2. 13 Seconds: Chiefs vs. Bills: A high-octane playoff clash with incredible quarterback play ended in a Chiefs win after Patrick Mahomes engineered a last-second tying drive.
1. Super Bowl XLIX: Malcolm Butler’s interception sealed a dramatic Patriots win over the Seahawks, marking a defining moment in NFL history.
Fan Take: These iconic games represent the heart and soul of NFL excitement, showcasing how momentum can shift in thrilling fashion and dynasties can rise or fall in moments. They remind fans why football captivates millions and hint at the dramatic narratives the sport will continue to produce in the future.
