For the TV series, see The Comeback (TV series).

The Comeback is the term used to describe the AFC Wild Card game of January 3, 1993, between the Buffalo Bills, and the Houston Oilers. The Bills came back from a 32 point deficit to claim victory in overtime. The comeback represents the most points overcome to win a game in the history of the National Football League.

Buffalo, AFC champions for the past two seasons, had gone 11-5. Their fifth loss occurred in the regular season finale, against 10-6 Houston. The Bills lost 27-3.

The matchup would place the fearsome No-huddle offense of the Bills, the NFL's top-ranked rushing team, against the Run & Shoot of Houston, owners of the NFL's top-ranked passing game. However, Bills starting quarterback Jim Kelly was unable to play due to injury, and in his place, Marv Levy had to start back-up Frank Reich.

The game, played in the Bills' outdoor home of Rich Stadium, saw Houston take charge early, as Warren Moon, the Oilers quarterback, was nearly flawless. Moon shredded the Bills' dime defense for 220 yards and 4 first half touchdowns. The misfortunes of the Bills were compounded early in the first half when star running back Thurman Thomas went out of the game with an injury. At halftime, Houston had a 28-3 lead, increasing it to 35-3 early in the third quarter, and handed the reins to the league's 3rd ranked defense to close it out.

The Bills switched to a base 3-4 defense, and Houston's pass-first offense was stifled by the adjustment. In the meantime, the Bills, fueled by Reich's three touchdown passes to wide receiver Andre Reed and sloppy play by the Oilers, scored five touchdowns to pull ahead 38-35 with just over three minutes remaining. Moon had to lead a last minute drive downfield to score the tying field goal, and send the game into overtime.

Early in overtime, the Bills intercepted a Moon pass and a few plays later would win 41-38 on a 32 yard field goal by placekicker Steve Christie. Buffalo would continue on and win the next two AFC Championships.

As a sidenote, Frank Reich was responsible for the biggest comebacks in the history of both the NFL and NCAA.

See also

• NFL playoffs, 1992-93