The craziest things to happen in the NFL

Related Articles

Introduction

The NFL constantly churns out drama. Hail Marys, missed field goals and extra points with the clock expiring, and last ditch interceptions are frequently a part of the exhilarating viewing experience for diehard fans and casual viewers alike. The dramatic endings and crazy in-game moments make it America’s foremost must watch product, and the sheer number of fans that pack stadiums and soak in the action each week in their homes is testament to the pull of the league and it’s entertainment value.

5 crazy NFL moments

1. Miami Miracle: Week 14 2018 Patriots vs Dolphins. Down five points with seven seconds remaining in the 4th quarter, Dolphins running back Kenyan Drake shocked the 9-3 Patriots with a game winning 69-yard touchdown off a lateral. The stunning score gave the 6-6 Dolphins, who were +9.5 against the spread pre-game, a memorable win that was compounded by Drake rounding a stumbling Rob Gronkowski to leave the Pats, and many bettors, red-faced. New England was -450 to win the game, highlighting that even the widest NFL betting lines can fall foul to the unpredictable nature of the league. NFL Betting lines are set by gambling companies and determine the favorite and underdog in a particular game, allowing gamblers to place wagers either way. In this instance, the Dolphins were +450 odds to win, which is a long shot and most sharp bettors would have placed money on the Patriots. So, the Dolphins last gasp touchdown, whilst incredible viewing for the neutral, will have cost the majority bettors a lot of money.

Suggested Read: Haka War Dance History & Facts | Incredible New Zealand Rugby Photo

2. Malcolm Butler interception: Super Bowl XLIX. Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler pulled off what is arguably the most jaw dropping play in Super Bowl history against the defending champion Seattle Seahawks, picking off Russell Wilson in the end-zone with 23 seconds left on the clock in the 4th quarter to seal a memorable win. After Wilson had led Seattle down the field, highlighted by Jermaine Kearse’s incredible circus catch that took them inside New England’s 5-yard line, it seemed certain that the Seahawks would run in an easy score and claim back-to-back Super Bowl wins. However, against consensus opinion, they called for a pass on 2nd and goal instead of running Marshawn Lynch down the middle, and the rest is history, Butler made the play, and the Patriots won their 4th championship of the Bill Belichick era.

3. The Helmet Catch: Eli Manning to David Tyree, Super Bowl XLII. One of the most shocking results in NFL history saw the 2008 Giants take down the 18-0 Patriots, featuring one of the league’s all time most iconic plays . Tom Brady and the Pats were leading 14-10 with 1:15 on the clock and the Giants were faced with a 3rd down on their own 44 yard line, a daunting prospect. Eli Manning dropped back, shook off multiple Patriots defenders, and heaved a pass down field which little known receiver David Tyree somehow managed to pin to his helmet and come down with an incredible contested catch and a 32-yard gain. Manning then connected with Plaxico Burress for the game winning touchdown to record one of the most famous Super Bowl upsets of all time.

4. The Double-doink: Eagles vs Bears 2018 NFC Wild Card round. What is now known as the double-doink, was one of the most incredible and most painful moments of fandom in NFL playoff history. Time seemed to stand still as Bears kicker Cody Parkey missed a potential game-winning 43-yard field goal with the ball bouncing off the left upright, then on to the crossbar, hanging in the air, before dropping down in front of the posts. Just 5 seconds remained on the clock for the 9-7, defending Super Bowl champion Eagles, to see out and claim a shock win over the 12-4 Bears and their imperious defense. Simply a heartbreaking loss for Chicago and undoubtedly a painful watch for bettors who took the favorite in this matchup.

5. One-yard short: Super Bowl XXXIV Rams vs Titans. The Rams ‘greatest show on turf’ offense up against Tennessee’s All-Pro QB-RB duo Steve McNair and Eddie George was billed as one of the most exciting offensive matchups in Super Bowl history and the drama did not disappoint. Despite a low scoring affair, the Titans, trailing 23-16 late in the 4th quarter, had the ball at the Rams’ 10-yard line and the chance to tie the game. With 6 seconds on the clock McNair connected with receiver Kevin Dyson, who dived for the end-zone but came up just one-yard short, handing the Rams their first Super Bowl win.

The NFL has produced countless jaw-dropping, heart-stopping moments that will long live on in the lore of teams and fans alike, from Super Bowl winning moments, to heart-breaking regular season and playoff losses, there is always drama that keeps fans coming back and keeps bettors on their toes. The unpredictability of the league gives gamblers such a thrill in picking games and watching along as their bets win and lose each week. The losses are often completely unexpected, as was evident in the moments mentioned, from the helmet catch, to Malcolm Butler’s last ditch interception, one never quite knows what will happen next in this wonderfully erratic league and that’s a big reason as to why the NFL is so popular.

HomeSportsThe craziest things to happen in the NFL