By Ty Bronicel 
Introduction
Throughout NFL history, certain championship games have become legendary, captivating fans and leaving a lasting legacy on the sport. These pivotal moments showcase the resilience, skill, and drama that define football at its best. In this article, we explore some of the greatest NFL championship games, ranging from historic firsts to unforgettable performances that have etched their place in the annals of sports history.
10. 2015 NFC Championship: Cardinals at Panthers – A Cam Newton Showstopper
The 2015 NFC Championship game saw Cam Newton lead the Carolina Panthers to a dominant 49-15 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Newton threw for 335 yards and 2 touchdowns, while also rushing for 2 touchdowns. This performance showcased his versatility and cemented his status as a top NFL quarterback.
9. 2007 NFC Championship: Giants at Packers – The Frozen Tundra Battle
The 2007 NFC Championship game between the New York Giants and the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field is one of the coldest games in NFL history. Played on January 20, 2008, with a temperature of -1°F (-18°C) and a wind chill of -23°F (-31°C), the Giants won 23-20 in overtime, advancing to Super Bowl XLII. This game showcased the resilience of both teams in extreme conditions, with the Giants’ victory marking a significant upset on the Packers’ home turf.
8. 1979 AFC Championship: Oilers at Steelers – The Steel Curtain’s Last Stand
The 1979 AFC Championship game saw the Pittsburgh Steelers’ legendary “Steel Curtain” defense hold the Houston Oilers to just 24 rushing yards, securing a 27-13 victory. Despite Earl Campbell’s season dominance, he was limited to 15 yards on 17 carries. The Steelers’ win powered them to their fourth Super Bowl appearance in six years, showcasing the Steel Curtain’s enduring legacy.
7. 2016 NFC Championship: Packers at Falcons – A High-Scoring Affair
The 2016 NFC Championship game between the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons was a high-scoring spectacle. The Falcons dominated with a 44-21 victory, led by Matt Ryan’s stellar performance and Julio Jones’s 180 yards and two touchdowns. The Falcons’ prolific offense, under Kyle Shanahan’s system, proved unstoppable, securing their spot in Super Bowl 51.
6. 2009 NFC Championship: Vikings at Saints – The Bounty Bowl Prelude
The 2009 NFC Championship game was a thrilling matchup between the Vikings and Saints that ended in a 31-28 overtime victory for New Orleans. Despite the Vikings’ dominance in total yards and possession, five costly turnovers, including three by Brett Favre, sealed their fate. The Saints’ win propelled them to Super Bowl XLIV, where they defeated the Colts. This game also played a pivotal role in changing the NFL’s overtime rules, as the Vikings never got a chance to score in overtime. The intense rivalry and controversy surrounding this game make it one of the greatest NFL championship games of all time.
5. 1981 NFC Championship: 49ers at Cowboys – ‘The Catch’ and the Birth of a Dynasty
The 1981 NFC Championship game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys at Candlestick Park marked a turning point in NFL history. Joe Montana led a 14-play, 83-yard drive culminating in “The Catch,” a 6-yard touchdown pass to Dwight Clark with 58 seconds left, securing a 28-27 victory for the 49ers. This game symbolized the end of the Cowboys’ dominance and the beginning of the 49ers’ dynasty, which would go on to win four Super Bowls in the 1980s.
4. 2014 NFC Championship: 49ers at Seahawks – The NFC Title Game Thriller
The 2013 NFC Championship game between the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks was a thrilling matchup. The Seahawks won 23-17, with Richard Sherman’s iconic tip of Colin Kaepernick’s pass to Michael Crabtree securing the victory. This game is remembered for its intense rivalry and dramatic finish, showcasing the best of NFL competition.
3. 2008 AFC Championship: Ravens at Steelers – A Defensive Showdown
The 2008 AFC Championship game between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers was a defensive masterpiece. The Steelers’ defense, led by Troy Polamalu, forced four turnovers, securing a 23-14 victory and a trip to Super Bowl XLIII. Polamalu’s 40-yard interception return for a touchdown sealed the win.
2. Super Bowl I: The First AFL-NFL Championship Game – Packers vs. Chiefs
Super Bowl I, played on January 15, 1967, marked the first AFL-NFL Championship Game. The Green Bay Packers, coached by Vince Lombardi and led by quarterback Bart Starr, dominated the Kansas City Chiefs 35-10. Starr’s 16 of 23 passes for 250 yards and two touchdowns earned him MVP honors. The game, watched by 65 million viewers, showcased the NFL’s superiority over the AFL, with the Packers outscoring the Chiefs 21-0 in the second half. This historic matchup set the stage for future Super Bowls and cemented the Packers’ legacy as one of the greatest teams in NFL history.
1. 1958 NFL Championship: ‘The Greatest Game Ever Played’ – Colts vs. Giants
The 1958 NFL Championship Game, often referred to as “The Greatest Game Ever Played,” saw the Baltimore Colts defeat the New York Giants 23-17 in sudden-death overtime. This historic match, played on December 28, 1958, at Yankee Stadium, marked a turning point in the NFL’s popularity surge. The game featured iconic performances by Johnny Unitas and Raymond Berry, with Berry setting a championship record of 12 receptions for 178 yards and a touchdown. This game remains a legendary moment in NFL history, confirmed by a 2019 poll of 66 media members who voted it the best game in the league’s first 100 years.
Conclusion
As we reflect on these remarkable games, it’s clear that NFL championships are more than just contests for a title; they are narratives filled with intense rivalry, exceptional talent, and dramatic twists that captivate audiences year after year. These legendary matches not only highlight the competitive spirit of the teams involved but also underscore the cultural impact of the sport. Celebrating these iconic championship games allows us to appreciate the rich history of the NFL and anticipate the future classics that will shape the league’s legacy for generations to come.