The sports world has witnessed some truly unforgettable championship games since 2000, contests filled with drama, stunning comebacks, and moments of sheer brilliance. Here's a look at 10 of the best:
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Super Bowl LI: Patriots vs. Falcons (2017) In what is considered the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history, the New England Patriots, led by Tom Brady, overcame a 28-3 deficit against the Atlanta Falcons to win 34-28 in overtime. The game featured incredible plays, including Julian Edelman's improbable catch and James White's game-winning touchdown.
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Super Bowl XLII: Giants vs. Patriots (2008) The New York Giants prevented the New England Patriots from achieving a perfect 16-0 season with a 17-14 victory in Super Bowl XLII. Eli Manning's improbable pass to David Tyree, known as the "Helmet Catch," remains one of the most iconic plays in Super Bowl history.
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AFC Championship: Patriots vs. Chiefs (2019) In a back-and-forth battle, the Patriots defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 37-31 in overtime. This game is viewed as a pivotal moment, marking the end of the Patriots' dynasty and the rise of the Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs on a scoring drive in the final 39 seconds to force overtime, but Tom Brady and the Patriots prevailed.
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Super Bowl XLIX: Patriots vs. Seahawks (2015) Malcolm Butler'sSuper Bowl-saving interception in the final seconds sealed a 28-24 victory for the Patriots over the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks' decision to pass on second-and-one from the one-yard line, instead of handing the ball to Marshawn Lynch, remains one of the most debated play calls in Super Bowl history.
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AFC Championship: Colts vs. Patriots (2007) Peyton Manning finally secured a playoff victory against Tom Brady as the Indianapolis Colts overcame a 21-3 deficit to defeat the New England Patriots 38-34. Joseph Addai's late touchdown run capped off Manning's memorable performance.
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NFC Championship: 49ers vs. Saints (2012) A Jim Harbaugh-era classic, the San Francisco 49ers edged out the New Orleans Saints 36-32. Alex Smith's game-winning touchdown pass to Vernon Davis with just nine seconds remaining is an unforgettable moment.
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"13 Seconds": Bills vs. Chiefs (2022) In a game that changed overtime rules, the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Buffalo Bills 42-36 in an absolute thriller. Josh Allen's late touchdown pass to Gabe Davis seemed to seal the win, but Patrick Mahomes orchestrated a game-tying drive in just 13 seconds to send the game to overtime.
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Super Bowl XXXVIII: Patriots vs. Panthers (2004) Tom Brady led the New England Patriots to a 32-29 victory over the Carolina Panthers in one of the most exciting Super Bowls ever played. The fourth quarter saw 37 combined points, with Adam Vinatieri kicking the game-winning field goal in the final seconds.
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"Minneapolis Miracle": Vikings vs. Saints (2018) Stefon Diggs's unbelievable catch and run for a touchdown as time expired gave the Minnesota Vikings a 29-24 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Case Keenum's desperation pass and Marcus Williams's missed tackle created one of the most memorable plays in NFL playoff history.
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Super Bowl LVIII: Chiefs vs. 49ers (2024) The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in overtime, marking the second Super Bowl to ever go into overtime. Patrick Mahomes found Mecole Hardman for the game-winning touchdown, securing back-to-back Super Bowl victories for the Chiefs.
