5 most jaw-dropping moments in NFL playoff history

#3 - The Music City Miracle

Tennessee Titans players celebrate a touchdown

The Tennessee Titans hosted the Buffalo Bills during the 1999 AFC Wild Card Playoffs. It was a back-and-forth battle, with the Titans ahead 12-0 at halftime before allowing the Bills to score 13 unanswered points. After trading field goals, the Bills held a 16-15 lead with just 16 seconds remaining.

The Bills kicked the ball off and the Titans came up with the Music City Miracle. Frank Wycheck fielded a squib kick and tossed a lateral to Kevin Dyson for a 75 yard touchdown return. After an NFL official review, the play stood as called, despite the lateral possibly being an illegal forward pass.

#2 - The Immaculate Reception

Franco Harris, Image Credit: Steelers.com

The Pittsburgh Steelers hosted the Oakland Raiders for the 1972 AFC Divisional Playoffs. It was a defensive battle all the way, as the Raiders held a 7-6 lead with less than 30 seconds remaining. The Steelers would get the ball one last time and needed a miracle to win. They got one in the form of The Immaculate Reception on a wild fourth-down last-chance play.

Terry Bradshaw fired a pass to John Fuqua, which was broken up by Raiders safety Jack Tatum. Before the ball hit the ground, Steelers running back Franco Harris caught it and took it for a game-winning 60 yard touchdown. It was also a controversial NFL play, as it may have been an illegal reception if Tatum hadn't touched the ball and it was unclear if he did.

#1 - The Helmet Catch

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning avoids a sack

The New York Giants spoiled the New England Patriots' potentially perfect season in Super Bowl XLII. The Patriots held a 14-10 lead over the Giants with just over a minute remaining when one of the most miraculous plays in NFL history occurred.

Eli Manning dropped back to pass on a third-down play and was pressured by the Patriots defense. He somehow escaped being sacked by multiple defenders before firing a pass to David Tyree. Patriots safety Rodney Harrison was all over him in coverage, but Tyree made an unbelievable one-handed catch against his helmet. Plaxico Burress scored the game-winning touchdown shortly after.