There’s nothing better than an NFL playoff game that comes down to the wire — two teams trading blows with their season on the line.
On the other end of the spectrum, some games end up being one-sided affairs. While that’s fun for the fan base of the team that’s dominating, it doesn’t make for the most interesting game. This begs the question: what are the biggest blowouts in NFL postseason history?
Revisiting the Biggest Blowouts in NFL Postseason History
Let’s examine the five most one-sided playoff matchups of all time.
5. Washington Beats Los Angeles Rams, 51-7 | 44 Points | 1984
The Washington Redskins put up 445 total yards and 51 points on the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round on Jan. 1, 1984.
Running back John Riggins led the way with 119 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.
Meanwhile, quarterback Joe Theisman completed 18 of 23 passes for 302 yards and two touchdowns (with wide receiver Art Monk catching both scores).
4. San Francisco 49ers Beat Denver Broncos, 55-10 | 45 Points | 1990
This 45-point beatdown is still the most one-sided Super Bowl of all time.
The San Francisco 49ers totaled 317 yards and 55 points on Jan. 28, 1990, defeating the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXIV.
Niners quarterback Joe Montana completed 22 of 29 passes for 297 yards and five touchdowns. Wide receiver Jerry Rice went off for seven receptions, 148 yards, and three touchdowns. Roger Craig and Tom Rathman combined for three rushing touchdowns.
3. New York Giants Beat San Francisco 49ers, 49-3 | 46 Points | 1987
Three years before the 49ers were on the right side of a blowout victory over the Broncos, they were on the losing side of a 46-point trouncing against the New York Giants in the Divisional Round on Jan. 4, 1987.
The Giants totaled 366 and were led by Phil Simms, who completed nine of 19 passes for 136 yards and four touchdowns. That’s right, 44.4% of Simms’ completions went for touchdowns in this game. Running back Joe Morris contributed 24 carries for 159 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
2. Buffalo Bills Beat Los Angeles Raiders, 51-3 | 48 Points | 1991
During the AFC Championship Game on Jan. 20, 1991, the Buffalo Bills put up 51 points on the Los Angeles Raiders.
The Bills totaled 202 rushing yards, with Thurman Thomas rushing 25 times for 138 yards and a touchdown (while also catching five passes for 61 yards through the air) and Kenneth Davis adding three rushing touchdowns of his own. Jim Kelly completed 17 of 23 passes for 300 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars Beat Miami Dolphins, 62-7 | 55 Points | 2000
During the Divisional Round on Jan. 15, 2000, the Jacksonville Jaguars dropped 62 points and 520 total yards on the Miami Dolphins. This is the most recent game on this list, and the 55-point difference is still an NFL playoff record.
Jay Fielder and Mark Brunell combined to throw four touchdowns. Fielder was 7-of-11 for 172 yards, two TDs, and one interception, while Brunell was 5-of-9 for 105 yards and two scores.
Fred Taylor rushed 18 times for 135 yards and a touchdown, while James Stewart and Chris Howard both scored on the ground for Jacksonville as well.
Dolphins legend Dan Marino struggled in this contest, completing just 11-of-25 passes for 95 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.