Which NFL Snow Games Stand Out As The All-Time Best? Find Out
There’s something magical about NFL snow games. They transform the sport into an icy spectacle, where players battle not just their opponents but also the unforgiving elements. Over the years, we’ve seen some unforgettable matchups in the snow, each with its own unique story.
Let’s dive into the top five snow games in NFL history that left a mark on the league.
5. The Snowplow Game (1982)
The Patriots were at the center of another iconic snow game in 1982, this time against the Miami Dolphins. With the game tied 0-0 late in the fourth quarter and the field buried under snow and ice, New England’s head coach Ron Meyer took an unconventional approach.
Meyer instructed a snowplow operator, Mark Henderson, to clear a spot for kicker John Smith. The plan worked, as Smith made a 33-yard field goal to secure a 3-0 victory. Miami head coach Don Shula was furious, calling the move unfair, and the NFL banned snowplows for game use the following season.
4. Titans vs. Patriots – A Historic Blowout (2009)
Snow games often stifle offense, but Tom Brady and the Patriots didn’t get that memo in 2009. On a snowy October afternoon, New England dismantled the Tennessee Titans 59-0, tying the record for the largest margin of victory in NFL history.
Brady delivered a masterclass in adverse weather, throwing six touchdowns, five of which came in the second quarter alone. Randy Moss added to the spectacle with 129 receiving yards and three touchdowns, while Wes Welker contributed 10 catches for 150 yards and two scores.
3. Lions vs. Eagles (2013)
The Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles clashed in a snow-filled battle on December 8, 2013, with nearly eight inches covering the field at kickoff. Visibility was so poor that both teams abandoned traditional strategies. Kicking became a nightmare, with only one extra point attempted during the game.
LeSean McCoy starred once again, setting a franchise record with 217 rushing yards for the Eagles. For Detroit, Jeremy Ross electrified the game with both a punt and kickoff return for touchdowns. Despite the chaotic conditions, Philadelphia secured a 34-20 victory in a game that showed the magic of snow football.
2. Bills vs. Colts – “The Snow Bowl” (2017)
Buffalo snowstorms and football are a match made in heaven, and the Bills’ game against the Indianapolis Colts on December 10, 2017, is proof. That day, over 16 inches of snow blanketed the field, with eight inches falling during the game itself.
The weather forced both teams to lean heavily on their ground game, with each running the ball over 40 times. In overtime, Bills running back LeSean McCoy delivered the game-winning play, a dramatic 21-yard touchdown run. This game epitomized what snow football is all about: grit, perseverance, and unforgettable moments.
1. The Tuck Rule Game (2001)
Perhaps the most infamous snow game ever, the “Tuck Rule Game” between the New England Patriots and Oakland Raiders defined an era. Played during the 2001 AFC Divisional Round, it was marked by heavy snow and a controversial call that changed the NFL forever.
