The 10 Most Memorable Snow Games in NFL History

SI Staff | Nov 20, 2014

The 10 Most Memorable Snow Games in NFL History

Detroit Lions at Philadelphia Eagles – Dec. 18, 2013

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Snow began falling two hours before kickoff and intensified after the game started. Workers used shovels and hand-held blowers to clear off yard lines. Conditions were so poor neither team tried a field goal, and there were 2-point conversion attempts after seven of the eight TDs. LeSean McCoy ran for a franchise-best 217 yards, including touchdowns of 57 and 40 yards, in the Eagles’ 34-20 victory.

Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers – Jan. 12, 2008

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With Lambeau Field looking like a snow globe, the Packers posted their biggest point total in postseason history. Brett Favre frolicked in the flurries the entire afternoon, throwing three touchdown passes as the Packers beat the Seahawks 42-20 to reach the NFC Championship Game. It would be Favre’s last win with the Packers, who went on to lose to the eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants at Lambeau.

Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns – Dec. 16, 2007

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On a perfect day to build a snowman, the Browns put one up on the scoreboard. Jamal Lewis plowed for 163 yards and Phil Dawson managed to kick two field goals through harsh, wintry winds as the Browns won 8-0 over the Bills. With wind gusts up to 40 mph and visibility limited, throwing the ball was nearly impossible and both teams had to rely on their running games to move the ball. Amazingly, there were no turnovers.

Oakland Raiders at New England Patriots – Jan. 19, 2002

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Tom Brady was hit from behind by cornerback Charles Woodson and fumbled the ball, which would have sealed the win for the Raiders. Instead, a video review overturned the call on the basis of the "Tuck Rule." The Patriots went on to win the AFC divisional playoff game 16-13 and their first Super Bowl. 11 years later, the NFL abolished the rule.

Miami Dolphins at Dallas Cowboys – Nov. 25, 1993

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In one of the more infamous Thanksgiving Day games, the Cowboys led the Dolphins 14–13 with just seconds remaining in a rare, snow-filled Texas Stadium. Miami's Pete Stoyanovich attempted a game winning 40-yard field goal that was blocked by the Cowboys' Jimmie Jones. However, Cowboys defensive lineman Leon Lett chased the ball and touched it, making a live ball. Miami recovered and regained possession. They were able to make another field goal attempt, this time from a much shorter distance, and won the game 16–14.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Green Bay Packers – Dec. 1, 1985

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A 16-inch snowfall blanketed Green Bay, and many fans drove their snowmobiles to the stadium. About 2/3 of the Lambeau Field was empty for the “Snow Bowl.” Despite four turnovers, the Packers offense gained 512 total yards on 31 first downs en route to a 21-0 win, with the Buccaneers recording only 65 yards on 5 first downs.

Green Bay Packers at Denver Broncos – Oct. 15, 1984

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An early season snowstorm in Denver caused the Packers to fumble on their first two plays from scrimmage. Both fumbles were returned for Broncos touchdowns in what is still the only time in NFL history a defense scored twice on the first two plays from scrimmage. Up 14-0 with 14:23 still left in the opening quarter, Denver could only muster a field goal despite three more Green Bay turnovers but held on to win 17-14 in the “Bronco Blizzard.”

Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – Dec. 12, 1982

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Patriots kicker John Smith converted the game-winning 33-yard field goal after New England head coach Ron Meyer and quarterback Steve Grogan waved snow plow driver Mark Henderson -- a convict out on a work-release program -- onto the field to clear a spot for Smith's kick. Miami coach Don Shula protested furiously but the field goal was good and the Patriots won the now infamous “Snow Plow Game” 3–0.

Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles – Dec. 15, 1968

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The Eagles (2-11) had planned a Christmas pageant for halftime, but the condition of the field was too poor. Instead, the team asked a fan dressed as Santa Claus to run onto the field to celebrate with a group of cheerleaders. The fans, in no mood to celebrate, loudly booed and threw snowballs at the fan. The Vikings handed Philly a season-ending 24-17 loss to boot.

Chicago Cardinals at Philadelphia Eagles – Dec. 19, 1948

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It was the first NFL championship game to be televised. In the early days of television, "snow" was a frequent problem, but in this case the snow was real. The grounds crew needed the help of players from both teams to remove the tarp from the field, because of the heavy snowfall. The teams played a scoreless game until early in the fourth quarter when, after Chicago had fumbled in their own end of the field, the Eagles recovered a fumble that set up Steve Van Buren's five yard touchdown and a 7-0 win for Philly.