The Comeback (American football)

The Comeback

Rich Stadium, the site of the game.
Houston Oilers (10–6) Buffalo Bills (11–5) 38 41 Head coach: Jack Pardee Head coach: Marv Levy
1 2 3 4 OT Total HOU 7 21 7 3 0 38 BUF 3 0 28 7 3 41
Date	January 3, 1993
Stadium	Rich Stadium, Buffalo, New York
Referee	Gerald Austin
TV in the United States
Network	NBC
Announcers	Charlie Jones and Todd Christensen

The Comeback was an NFL playoff game between the Buffalo Bills and the Houston Oilers played on January 3, 1993. It featured the Bills recovering from a 32-point deficit to win in overtime, 41–38, and as of February 2017^[update] it remains the largest comeback in NFL history.

It was played in what was then known as Rich Stadium (now called New Era Field), and was televised by NBC, with Charlie Jones and Todd Christensen calling the action. Unusual for a playoff game, the stadium was not sold out of tickets; therefore NFL blackout rules prohibited its live broadcast in Western New York.

Both teams qualified for the playoffs as wild card teams.

The Buffalo Bills, the American Football Conference (AFC) champions for the previous two seasons, recorded an 11–5 record during the 1992 regular season and finished in second place in the AFC Eastern Division. Buffalo's no-huddle offense led the league in rushing yards (2,436) and ranked second in the league in total offensive yards (6,114 yards).

Meanwhile, the Houston Oilers finished in second place in the AFC Central Division with a 10–6 record. Houston's run and shoot offense led the league in passing (4,231 yards) and its defense ranked third in the league, allowing only 4,532 total yards. Overall, the team boasted nine pro bowl selections, including their quarterback Warren Moon (despite missing six games with injuries) and three wide receivers, Curtis Duncan, Haywood Jeffires, and Ernest Givins. The Oilers also had a powerful running attack with Lorenzo White, who rushed for 1,226 yards and caught 57 passes.