On January 6, 2007, the Dallas Cowboys lost 21-20 to the Seattle Seahawks in a game decided by a botched field goal attempt. With seconds left, Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, who was also the holder, fumbled the snap on a potential game-winning kick. Romo scrambled but was tackled short of the first down, ending the game. This play became a defining moment in Romo’s career and symbolized the Cowboys’ playoff struggles, leaving fans heartbroken and frustrated.
On January 14, 2007, the San Diego Chargers lost 24-21 to the New England Patriots in a game filled with self-inflicted mistakes. With a chance to seal the win, Chargers safety Marlon McCree fumbled after intercepting Tom Brady, giving the ball back to the Patriots. Later, kicker Nate Kaeding missed a crucial field goal that could have tied the game. These errors cost the Chargers a chance to advance, leaving fans frustrated and wondering what could have been for a talented team.
On January 20, 2019, the New Orleans Saints lost 26-23 in overtime to the Los Angeles Rams after a controversial no-call on a blatant pass interference. With the game on the line, Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman hit Saints receiver Tommylee Lewis early, but no flag was thrown. The Saints settled for a field goal, and the Rams tied the game before winning in overtime. Saints fans were furious, as the missed call likely cost them a trip to the Super Bowl and sparked debates about NFL officiating.
On January 11, 1988, the Cleveland Browns lost 38-33 to the Denver Broncos in a game that featured two crushing moments. First, John Elway led a legendary 98-yard drive to tie the game late in the fourth quarter. Then, with the Browns driving for a potential winning score, Earnest Byner fumbled at the goal line, sealing the Broncos’ victory. This double heartbreak is etched in Cleveland sports history, as the Browns came so close to the Super Bowl but fell short in devastating fashion.
On January 18, 2015, the Green Bay Packers blew a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter, losing 28-22 in overtime to the Seattle Seahawks. The collapse included a botched onside kick recovery by Brandon Bostick and a failed two-point conversion stop. The Seahawks rallied to tie the game and won in overtime, crushing Packers fans’ hopes of another Super Bowl appearance. This loss is remembered as one of the most painful in Packers history, as Aaron Rodgers and the team were so close to advancing.
On January 30, 2000, the Tennessee Titans lost 23-16 to the St. Louis Rams in a game that came down to the final play. With seconds left, Titans receiver Kevin Dyson caught a pass and sprinted toward the end zone, but Rams linebacker Mike Jones tackled him just one yard short. The image of Dyson stretching for the goal line as time expired is one of the most iconic in NFL history. This heartbreaking loss denied the Titans a chance at overtime and left fans wondering if they could have completed the comeback.
On January 19, 2002, the Oakland Raiders lost 16-13 in overtime to the New England Patriots in a game forever remembered for the "Tuck Rule." Late in the fourth quarter, Tom Brady appeared to fumble the ball, which the Raiders recovered. But the referees ruled it an incomplete pass due to the controversial rule, giving the ball back to the Patriots. New England tied the game and won in overtime, sparking their dynasty. Raiders fans still feel robbed, as this call changed the course of NFL history and left them wondering what might have been.
On February 1, 2015, the Seattle Seahawks lost 28-24 to the New England Patriots in a game that ended in shocking fashion. With the ball on the 1-yard line and just seconds left, the Seahawks decided to pass instead of handing it to Marshawn Lynch. Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler intercepted the ball, sealing the win for New England. Fans and analysts were left screaming, "Why didn’t they run the ball?" This play call is still debated today and remains one of the most baffling decisions in Super Bowl history.
On February 5, 2017, the Atlanta Falcons suffered one of the most devastating collapses in sports history, losing 34-28 to the New England Patriots in overtime. The Falcons led 28-3 late in the third quarter, but Tom Brady led an incredible comeback, tying the game and winning it in OT. The loss left Falcons fans in disbelief, as their team came so close to a championship only to let it slip away. This game is now synonymous with choking on the biggest stage, and it’s a painful memory for Atlanta fans everywhere.
On January 27, 1991, the Buffalo Bills lost 20-19 to the New York Giants in a heartbreaker. With seconds left, Bills kicker Scott Norwood lined up for a 47-yard field goal to win the game. The kick sailed "Wide Right," missing the uprights and crushing Buffalo’s hopes. This miss became one of the most iconic moments in NFL history, symbolizing the Bills’ heartbreak. It was the first of four straight Super Bowl losses for Buffalo, and fans still wonder what could have been if Norwood’s kick had been just a few feet to the left.
