5 biggest upsets of the 2021 NFL season

5 NFL 2021 season upsets

#3 - Jacksonville Jaguars 26-11 Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts v Jacksonville Jaguars

The Indianapolis Colts simply needed a win in their 2021 week 18 matchup against the 2-14 Jacksonville Jaguars to secure their entry to the AFC playoffs. Jaguars fans showed up to the game in clown masks to protest owner Shad Khan’s decision to keep Trent Baalke on as general manager, but that couldn’t stop Jacksonville from crushing the Colts’ playoff dream.

Trevor Lawrence had his best NFL game thus far, passing for 223 yards and two touchdowns, as the Jags limited stud running back Jonathan Taylor to just 77 yards. Colts quarterback Carson Wentz also didn’t come up clutch, only passing for 185 yards, one touchdown and one interception as the Jaguars ran out 26-11 winners.

#2 - Detroit Lions 30-12 Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals v Detroit Lions

The 10-3 Arizona Cardinals were the 13-point favorites coming into this matchup in late December 2021 against the 1-11-1 Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Despite being huge underdogs, the Lions were excellent, blowing out the Cardinals 30-12.

Detroit never fell behind in this game, and became just the third team to keep the Cardinals to fewer than 23 points all season.

The Lions also made NFL history, becoming just the third team in league history to beat the team with the best record, while having the NFL’s worst record.

#1 - Jacksonville Jaguars 9-6 Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills v Jacksonville Jaguars

Arguably the biggest upset of the 2021 NFL season came when the much-fancied Buffalo Bills fell 9-6 to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Bills quarterback Josh Allen had possibly his worst game of the season, passing for 264 yards and two interceptions, as he and the Bills were unable to score a touchdown all game.

The Bills were 5-2 and looking to top the AFC, while the Jaguars had only won one game all year prior to this shocking result.

"I was just looking on their sideline, and one thing I know is, I was like, ‘They don't have the same energy as us,'" Jaguars cornerback Shaquill Griffin said. "If you feel like one team deserved this win, it's us, but you've got to believe that."