By Darin Some playoff games are forgettable, and some become legendary. For the Denver Broncos and the Houston Oilers, their 1991 AFC Divisional clash on January 4, 1992, belongs firmly in the latter category. It wasn’t just a win; it was a miraculous, against-the-odds victory defined by one of the most stunning comebacks in postseason history. Trailing by 15 points with time rapidly fading, the Broncos refused to yield, setting the stage for a dramatic fourth quarter that would define a generation of playoff football and etch John Elway‘s name deeper into the record books.
The Game
The 1991 AFC Divisional round pitted the Denver Broncos against the Houston Oilers in a high-stakes battle for a trip to the Conference Championship. The Oilers, led by the legendary quarterback Warren Moon, were a formidable foe, and for much of the game, they looked poised to end Denver’s season. The Houston defense suffocated the Broncos’ offense, and as the clock wound down in the fourth quarter, the score told a grim story for Denver, which faced a daunting 15-point deficit.
In the modern NFL, a two-score margin late in the game is challenging; historically, a 15-point gap felt insurmountable, especially against a quality opponent. But this was the era of John Elway, a quarterback who thrived on late-game pressure and improbable scenarios. What followed was a masterclass in resilience and clutch performance, often dubbed “The Drive II” by fans. Elway orchestrated two brilliant touchdown drives in the game’s waning moments. Each possession was fraught with danger, yet Elway’s scrambling ability and pinpoint passing found receivers just when they were needed most, tying the score and forcing the game into overtime.
Article from Jan 5, 1992 The Orange Leader (Orange, Texas)
The momentum, once firmly with the Oilers, had completely swung to the home team. In the extra period, the Broncos’ defense—inspired by the offense’s heroics—held firm, giving their offense the chance to win it. The final moments saw a successful field goal attempt sail through the uprights, capping the historic 15-point comeback and delivering a thrilling 26-24 victory to the Denver faithful. This win was a definitive moment, proving that in the playoffs, no lead is truly safe when a Hall of Fame quarterback is leading the charge.
Conclusion
The AFC Divisional game of January 4, 1992, remains a cherished memory for Broncos fans and a painful chapter for the Oilers. It demonstrated the sheer power of persistence and the electrifying drama that only playoff football can deliver. The 15-point deficit overcome that day is a legendary standard for fourth-quarter heroics, ensuring this date is forever marked as the day the Denver Broncos pulled off a postseason miracle.
