NFL 2022: Vikings pull off largest comeback in NFL history with win over Colts

With two seconds left in overtime, Greg-Joseph made a 40-yard field goal to help the Minnesota Vikings defeat the Indianapolis Colts 39-36, pulling off the biggest comeback in NFL history.
Kirk Cousins threw for 417 yards in the second half and overtime, the most by any player in NFL history -- fitting for the biggest comeback in league history.

The Vikings (11-3) also won the NFC North after overcoming a 33-0 deficit at the half.

The Buffalo Bills made a comeback against the Houston Oilers in the AFC Wild-Card round in January 1993 after falling behind by 32 points.

Kirk Cousins scored three touchdowns for the Vikings in the fourth quarter, including one each to Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen.

With 2:15 left in regulation, Cousins connected with Dalvin Cook on a 64-yard screen pass and T.J. Hockenson on a two-point conversion to tie the score at 36 after the Colts were stopped on a fourth-and-1 play from the Minnesota 36.

During the first possession of overtime, both teams punted. Then, on the game-winning six-play, 60-yard drive, Cousins completed passes to K.J. Osborn, Thielen, and Jefferson. Cousins completed 34 of 54 passes for 460 yards, four touchdowns, two interceptions, and seven sacks.

The whistles of the referees prevented the Vikings from scoring on two fumble returns.

What Are the Greatest Comebacks in NFL History, Overall List?

The Minnesota Vikings trailed the Indianapolis Colts 33-0 but came back to win 39-36 in overtime.

The previous record of biggest comeback in league history is 32 points, set in the 1993 playoffs by Buffalo Bills, Now narrowly surpassed by Minnesota's 33-points biggest comeback in History.

Here the eight biggest comebacks in regular-season and postseason games (Playoffs) in league history are listed below:

1. 33 points: Minnesota Vikings beat Indianapolis Colts 39-36 (OT), Week 15 of 2022 regular season

2. 32 points: Buffalo Bills beat Houston Oilers 41-38 (OT), 1993 AFC Wild Card game

T-3. 28 points: San Francisco 49ers beat New Orleans Saints 38-35 (OT), Week 14 of 1980 regular season

T-3. 28 points: Indianapolis Colts beat Kansas City Chiefs 45-44, 2014 AFC Wild Card game

5. 26 points: Buffalo Bills beat Indianapolis Colts 37-35, Week 4 of 1997 regular season

6. 25 points: St. Louis Cardinals beat Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-28, Week 15 of 1987 regular season

7. 25 points: Cleveland Browns beat Tennessee Titans 29-28, Week 5 of 2014 regular season

8. 25 points: New England Patriots beat Atlanta Falcons 34-28 (OT), Super Bowl LI

Most Largest Comebacks in NFL History by Teams 1925-2022.

Prior to the 2022 season, the New England Patriots had the best record of any current team when trailing by 21 points or more at any point in the game (7-106).

The Patriots have had the most of any team in terms of these rallies with seven, if we look at all franchises going back to 1925.

New England Patriots -- 7 times

Denver Broncos -- 5

Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts -- 5

Oakland/Los Angeles/Las Vegas Raiders -- 5

St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams -- 5

Philadelphia Eagles -- 5

Six Teams Ties -- 4 times

NFL Biggest Regular-Season Comebacks in League History.

1. 33 points: Minnesota Vikings beat Indianapolis Colts 39-36 (OT), Week 15 of 2022 regular season

2. 28 Points: San Francisco 49ers 38, New Orleans Saints, 35 OT (Dec. 7, 1980)

3. 26 Points: Buffalo Bills 37, Indianapolis Colts 35 (Sept. 21, 1997)

T-4. 25 Points: Cleveland Browns 29, Tennessee Titans 28 (Oct. 5, 2014)

T-4. St. Louis Cardinals 31, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28 (Nov. 8, 1987)

5. 24 Points: 15 teams Tied

NFL Largest Fourth-Quarter Comebacks In League History

1. 25 Points: St. Louis Cardinals 31, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28 (Nov. 8, 1997)

T-2. 23 Points: New York Jets 40, Miami Dolphins 37 OT (Oct. 23, 2000)

T-2. 23 Points: Minnesota Vikings 28, Philadelphia Eagles 23 (Dec. 1, 1985)

4. 22 Points: Los Angeles Rams 30, Green Bay Packers 28 (Oct. 12, 1952)

5. 21 Points: Six Teams Tied

NFL Biggest Playoff Comebacks, History.

1. 32 Points: Buffalo Bills 41, Houston Oilers 38 OT (Jan. 3, 1993)

2. 28 Points: Indianapolis Colts 45, Kansas City Chiefs 44 (Jan. 4, 2014)

3. 25 Points: New England Patriots 34, Atlanta Falcons 28 OT (Feb. 5, 2017)

T-4. 24 Points: Kansas City Chiefs 51, Houston Texans 31 (Jan. 12, 2020)

T-4. San Francisco 49ers 39, New York Giants 38 (Jan. 5, 2003)

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