The 5 Best Conference Championship Games of The Last Decade

As we approach Conference Championship weekend, it’s the perfect time to reflect on some of the best matchups from the past decade of NFL Championship Sunday. While not every year delivers thrilling games, a few stand out as truly memorable. This list highlights the AFC and NFC Championship games from the 2014 season through 2023.

5. Bengals vs. Chiefs (2022-23 AFC Championship, Chiefs Win 23-20)

The Chiefs defeated the Bengals 23–20 in a much-anticipated AFC title game rematch that turned into an instant classic. Before the game, Cincinnati players and fans dubbed Arrowhead Stadium "Burrowhead," referencing Joe Burrow's 3-0 record against Patrick Mahomes at the time, including a victory in the previous year's AFC Championship. Despite doubts surrounding the Chiefs that season and an ankle injury to Mahomes, he led his team down the field in the game's final moments, setting up Harrison Butker's game-winning field goal. The attempt was controversially set up after Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai was called for roughing Mahomes on a scramble down the sideline, adding 15 critical yards to Kansas City's drive. The Chiefs went on to win the Super Bowl two weeks later, while the Bengals have yet to return to the playoffs since that game.

4. Lions vs. 49ers (2023-24 NFC Championship, 49ers Win 34-31)

The San Francisco 49ers and the upstart Detroit Lions faced off in a thrilling game in last year's NFC title game. Early in the second half, the Lions had a commanding 17-point lead and looked poised to pull off the upset. However, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy responded with perhaps the best half of football he has played thus far in his career and made key plays when his team needed it most. The 49ers pulled off a remarkable comeback. San Francisco punched their ticket back to the Super Bowl, while the Lions' surprising run to the championship game established their position as a rising force in the NFC.

3. Patriots vs. Jaguars (2017-18 AFC Championship, Patriots Win 24-20)

In the 2017 AFC Championship, the New England Patriots and the Jacksonville Jaguars squared off in a classic David vs. Goliath matchup. Thanks to an effective run game and an excellent defensive performance, the Jaguars surprised the Patriots early on, taking a 20–10 lead in the fourth quarter. But despite dealing with a hand injury, Tom Brady pulled off another remarkable comeback, throwing two late touchdowns to Danny Amendola to secure a 24–20 win. New England advanced to yet another Super Bowl under Bill Belichick and Brady.

2. Seahawks vs. Packers (2014-15 NFC Championship, Seahawks Win 28-22 In OT)

One of the greatest comebacks in NFL history took place during the 2014 NFC Championship. With little over five minutes left and a 19-point lead against the Seattle Seahawks, the Green Bay Packers seemed as though they were headed to the Super Bowl. Russell Wilson and the Seahawks, however, mounted a nearly incredible comeback that included a successful 2-point conversion, a touchdown pass to Marshawn Lynch, and a botched onside kick recovery. In one of the most exciting finishes ever, Russell Wilson hit Jermaine Kearse for the game-winning touchdown in overtime. While Green Bay's shocking collapse became one of the most iconic moments in NFL playoff history, Seattle advanced to the Super Bowl for the second straight year.

1. Patriots vs. Chiefs (2018-19 AFC Championship, Patriots Win 37-31 In OT)

With its thrilling back-and-forth matchup and thrilling overtime, the 2018 AFC Championship between the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs instantly became a classic and has to be considered the best conference title game of the last decade. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs' explosive offense looked ready to win, taking a 24-21 lead with less than two minutes left. However, Tom Brady's clutch drive in response tied the score and forced overtime. The Patriots won the coin toss in the extra period and, as they had done numerous times before, moved down the field methodically which ended with a Rex Burkhead score to win the game. New England 37-31 win got them into the Super Bowl for the third straight year. Despite the loss, Mahomes' incredible performance proved that he truly was the NFL's next all-time great.