The Minnesota Vikings manage the biggest catch-up in the history of the American football league in the NFL. The Vikings beat the Indianapolis Colts in overtime after trailing 33-0 at halftime.
After a historic comeback, the Minnesota Vikings became the third team to qualify for the NFL playoffs. The Vikings were 33-0 at halftime against the Indianapolis Colts but ultimately won 39-36 in overtime to secure the NFC North win. Never before had a team caught up so far. It was deja vu for Colts quarterback Matt Ryan: In Super Bowl LI in February 2017, he lost with the Atlanta Falcons to Tom Brady's New England Patriots - despite a 28-3 lead at one point.
Minnesota had no chance in the first half, but quarterback Kirk Cousins and Co. turned up after the break. The Colts only managed one field goal, so the Vikings equalized shortly before the end. Running back Dalvin Cook with a touchdown and T.J. Hockenson with a two-point conversion just saved the team into overtime. There kicker Greg Joseph made the decision. Quarterback Kirk Cousins threw for 460 yards and four touchdown passes against the Colts, but also lost two turnovers. With KJ Osborn and Justin Jefferson caught two pass receivers at least ten throws for more than 100 yards gain. Jefferson is on course for a record in the NFL with three remaining preliminary round games.
The biggest catch-up race to date came in 1992 in the playoffs of the Buffalo Bills, who, after being 3:35 behind, beat the Houston Oilers 41:38 after overtime. The Bills also qualified for the playoffs as division winners on Saturday, beating the Miami Dolphins 32-29 in heavy snow. Kicker Tyler Bass managed the decisive field goal with the clock running down.
In addition, Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns kept their playoff hopes alive, beating the Baltimore Ravens 13-3. It was Watson's first home game for the Browns after being suspended for 11 games earlier in the season over allegations of sexual abuse.
