‘10 coldest games in NFL history‘ evokes memories of bone-chilling showdowns that have left an indelible mark on the National Football League (NFL). From the legendary Ice Bowl in 1967 to recent icy clashes, these frigid battles have become iconic moments etched in the league’s rich history. In these extreme cold weather conditions, players have displayed unparalleled resilience and determination, braving subzero temperatures to compete in playoff battles that define the sheer grit of both players and fans. This overview delves into the enduring memories of gridiron heroics amid icy temperatures, showcasing the mettle of athletes and standing as a testament to the enduring spirit of the sport in the face of nature’s harshest elements.
However, amidst the regular cold games, there are standout moments in NFL history that take the chill factor to a whole new level. Outdoor matchups where the game temperature dips to 10 degrees or below begin to truly dictate how teams approach and play the game. These are the 10 coldest games in NFL history, instances that have left an enduring mark on the league. Let’s take a closer look at these frigid showdowns, exploring the unforgettable matchups that unfolded with temperatures at 10 degrees or colder.
Top 10 Coldest Games in NFL History
| S.No | Coldest NFL Games | Temperature | Venue |
| 1 | 1967 NFL championship game | -13 degrees | Lambeau Field |
| 2 | 1981 AFC championship game | -9 degrees | Riverfront Stadium |
| 3 | 1945 NFL championship game | -8 degrees | Cleveland Municipal Stadium |
| 4 | 2015 NFC wild-card playoff | -6 degrees | TCF Bank Stadium |
| 5 | 2023 AFC wild-card playoff | -4 degrees | Arrowhead Stadium |
| 6 | 2007 NFC championship game | -1 degree | Lambeau Field |
| 7 | 1993 AFC divisional playoff | 0 degrees | Rich Stadium |
| 8 | 1980 AFC divisional playoff | 2 degrees | Cleveland Municipal Stadium |
| 9 | 1996 NFC championship game | 3 degrees | Lambeau Field |
| 10 | 2003 AFC divisional playoff (tie) | 4 degrees | Gillette Stadium |
1. 1967 NFL Championship Game (-13 Degrees)
The iconic 1967 NFL Championship Game, more commonly remembered as the Ice Bowl, stands as a frozen testament to the resilience of football players in the face of extreme conditions. Lambeau Field, the battleground for this historic clash on December 31, bore witness to temperatures plunging to an astounding minus-13 degrees. The bitter cold was further intensified by a bone-chilling wind chill of minus-23 degrees, creating an atmosphere that would forever etch this game into football lore.
As the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys took the field in one of the 10 coldest games in NFL history, they weren’t merely engaged in a battle for supremacy; they were navigating a frozen terrain reminiscent of an ice rink. The icy conditions added an extra layer of challenge, turning every move into a calculated risk. The gripping nature of the game went beyond the scoreboard, encapsulating the sheer determination of the players to conquer not only their opponents but also the merciless elements.
2. 1981 AFC Championship Game (-9 Degrees)
The chilling tale of the 1981 AFC Championship Game, forever etched in NFL lore as the Freezer Bowl, unfolded on January 10 at Riverfront Stadium. In a clash between the Cincinnati Bengals and the San Diego Chargers, bone-chilling conditions gripped the atmosphere, with temperatures plummeting to a staggering minus-9 degrees. The elements, however, were not alone in their assault—merciless winds drove the wind chill to a bone-numbing minus-32 degrees, earning the game its ominous moniker.
The Chargers, having endured the sweltering heat of the Epic in Miami just a week prior, found themselves thrust into an entirely different battle—a battle against the brutal cold and the unforgiving artificial turf. In what would later be recognized as one of the 10 coldest games in NFL history, this clash became a visual spectacle, a testament to the resilience of both teams as they braved the freezing conditions. The bitter cold, combined with the challenging playing surface, created an environment where every yard gained and every tackle made was a testament to the players’ sheer determination.
3. 1945 NFL Championship Game (-8 Degrees)
The 1945 NFL Championship Game, etched in the annals of NFL history, was a bone-chilling spectacle held at the Cleveland Municipal Stadium. As the Rams hosted Washington in this pivotal contest, the temperature plummeted to an astonishing minus-8 degrees, making it one of the coldest championship games ever witnessed in the league. This historic clash took on additional significance as it marked the Cleveland Rams’ final home appearance before their relocation to Los Angeles.
The Chargers, having endured the sweltering heat of the Epic in Miami just a week prior, found themselves thrust into an entirely different battle—a battle against the brutal cold and the unforgiving artificial turf. In what would later be recognized as one of the 10 coldest games in NFL history, this clash became a visual spectacle, a testament to the resilience of both teams as they braved the freezing conditions. The bitter cold, combined with the challenging playing surface, created an environment where every yard gained and every tackle made was a testament to the players’ sheer determination in one of the coldest games in NFL history.
4. 2015 NFC Wild-Card Playoff (-6 Degrees)
The 2015 NFC Wild-Card Playoff clash between the Seattle Seahawks and the Minnesota Vikings, hosted at the TCF Bank Stadium, stands as a poignant chapter in NFL history, forever etched in the minds of football enthusiasts. Set against the backdrop of an unforgiving winter, the temperature plummeted to a staggering minus-6 degrees, creating an atmosphere of bone-chilling intensity. As players and fans braved these extreme conditions, the frigid weather undeniably became a formidable opponent on its own.
The Chargers, having endured the sweltering heat of the Epic in Miami just a week prior, found themselves thrust into an entirely different battle—a battle against the brutal cold and the unforgiving artificial turf. In what would later be recognized as one of the 10 coldest games in NFL history, this clash became a visual spectacle, a testament to the resilience of both teams as they braved the freezing conditions. The bitter cold, combined with the challenging playing surface, created an environment where every yard gained and every tackle made was a testament to the players’ sheer determination in facing the frigid challenge of one of the coldest games in NFL history.
5. 2023 AFC Wild-Card Playoff (-4 Degrees)
In the frigid depths of the 2023 AFC Wild-Card Playoff, a memorable clash unfolded at Arrowhead Stadium as the Kansas City Chiefs played host to the Miami Dolphins. The bone-chilling temperatures plummeted to an unforgiving minus-4 degrees, casting an icy spell over the field and turning the game into an extraordinary spectacle in the NFL postseason. The subzero conditions presented an additional layer of challenge for both teams, testing their mettle in an environment where only the toughest could thrive.
In the face of this polar vortex, the Kansas City Chiefs exhibited their prowess and adaptability, showcasing a level of resilience that defined their performance that day. The final score of 26-7 reflected their dominance on the field, sealing their victory and extending the Miami Dolphins’ playoff victory drought to a staggering 23 seasons. Despite the freezing temperatures, the Chiefs not only secured a win but also earned a coveted spot in the divisional playoff round for the sixth consecutive season, further solidifying their status as a force to be reckoned with in the league.
6. 2007 NFC Championship Game (-1 Degree)
The 2007 NFC Championship Game, hosted at the legendary Lambeau Field, stands as an indelible chapter in NFL history, marked by bone-chilling conditions that plunged the temperature to a frigid minus-1 degree. This gripping clash unfolded between the New York Giants and the Green Bay Packers, etching its place in the annals of the sport. The Giants clinched a dramatic 23-20 overtime victory, with the enduring image of Giants head coach Tom Coughlin’s frostbitten face capturing the essence of the brutal weather.
This iconic game, played in extreme cold, held far-reaching consequences. The Giants, propelled by their triumph in these harsh conditions, went on to deliver a stunning upset in Super Bowl 43, thwarting the undefeated New England Patriots and preventing them from achieving a perfect season. The 2007 NFC Championship Game serves as a powerful testament to the physical and mental fortitude demanded by athletes in the relentless pursuit of football glory.
7. 1993 AFC Divisional Playoff (0 Degrees)
The enduring memory of the 1993 AFC Divisional Playoff lingers as a chilling testament to the resilience of the Buffalo Bills and the extreme conditions they overcame at Rich Stadium. This iconic matchup against the Los Angeles Raiders is etched in the annals of NFL history as one of the coldest games ever played. The temperature plummeted to an astonishing 0 degrees, creating an inhospitable environment that tested the mettle of every player on the field.
As if the freezing mercury wasn’t enough, a biting wind chill of minus-14 degrees intensified the challenge. Yet, the Buffalo Bills proved their mettle in the face of adversity, demonstrating an unwavering determination that would define their journey to a fourth consecutive Super Bowl appearance. In a true display of resilience, the Bills emerged victorious with a hard-fought 29-23 win over the Raiders.
8. 1980 AFC Divisional Playoff (2 Degrees)
The stage was set for an unforgettable clash on the frozen field of Cleveland Municipal Stadium during the 1980 AFC Divisional Playoff between the Oakland Raiders and the Cleveland Browns. The biting cold weather, with a bone-chilling temperature of a mere 2 degrees, set the backdrop for what would later be known as the infamous Red Right 88 game. This playoff encounter is etched in NFL history for the ill-fated decision made by Browns quarterback Brian Sipe – a decisive throw that resulted in a crucial interception in the end zone.
The atmosphere was charged with both the frigid conditions and the high stakes of the game, adding an extra layer of intensity to the matchup. The Raiders, resilient against the elements, emerged triumphant with a narrow 14-12 victory. This win not only propelled them forward in the playoffs but also etched their name in the annals of NFL history as the first wild-card team to claim a Super Bowl title. The freezing temperatures of that playoff showdown, coupled with the dramatic turn of events, imbued the Red Right 88 game with a historical significance that continues to be remembered and discussed in the lore of the league.
9. 1996 NFC Championship Game (3 Degrees)
In what has been retrospectively labeled “Ice Bowl II,” the 1996 NFC Championship Game unfolded at the iconic Lambeau Field, pitting the Green Bay Packers against the Carolina Panthers in a spectacle of frigid conditions. The mercury plummeted to a bone-chilling 3 degrees, setting the stage for a showdown that would echo the historic original Ice Bowl. While not reaching the same depths of cold, this game etched itself into NFL lore as a pivotal moment for the Packers, propelling them to their first Super Bowl appearance since the illustrious 1967 season.
10. 2003 AFC Divisional Playoff (4 Degrees)
The bone-chilling winter of 2003 bore witness to a memorable clash in the AFC Divisional Playoff between the New England Patriots and the Tennessee Titans at the formidable Gillette Stadium. The temperature, a mere 4 degrees, set the stage for a gridiron battle that epitomized the unforgiving nature of winter football. Against the backdrop of freezing winds and snowflakes, the Patriots and Titans engaged in a fierce contest that would be etched into NFL history.
In this frigid playoff spectacle, the New England Patriots emerged triumphant with a hard-fought 17-14 victory, showcasing their resilience in the face of brutal weather conditions. The game’s pivotal moment came in the form of a late-game field goal by the ice-veined kicker, Adam Vinatieri, whose accuracy in the freezing cold secured the Patriots’ advancement in the postseason.
What is the coldest NFL game ever?
The coldest game in NFL history is known as the “Ice Bowl,” which was played between the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers in 1967
What is the snowiest game in NFL history?
The coldest game in NFL history is the 1967 NFL Championship game, also known as the Ice Bowl, between the Cowboys and the Packers in Green Bay. The game-time temperature was -13 degrees Fahrenheit with a wind chill of -48 degrees. The temperature dropped
What are the coldest NFL stadiums?
Here are the top five coldest NFL locations based on monthly averages in degrees Fahrenheit during the 2021-22 regular season1:
1. Green Bay, Lambeau Field, 38 degrees
2. Orchard Park, NY, (Buffalo) Highmark Stadium, 42
3. Foxborough, Mass., Gillette Stadium, 42.8
4. Denver, Empower Field at Mile High 44.6
There have been colder games in the past, such as the 1982 AFC Championship Game between the Cincinnati Bengals and San Diego Chargers at Riverfront Stadium, where the temperature was -9 degrees and the wind chill was -59 degrees2.
What was the coldest bowl game in history?
With a kickoff temperature of nine degrees below zero and a minus 59-degree wind chill, what would be dubbed the “Freezer Bowl” was the coldest game in NFL history.