Biggest blowouts in NFL history: 6 teams that got whipped big time

The NFL is widely renowned for its dramatic overtime games, late conversions, last-minute field goals, and suspenseful finishes, but things go differently than planned occasionally.

Sometimes, the difference in class between squads can be glaring, which has undoubtedly happened several times. Teams continue to play aggressively and take their opposition to the ground. Here are the top six recent NFL routes:

#6 - 1973: Falcons 62, Saints 7

Both clubs were still weak at this time in their respective histories. The Atlanta Falcons, however, benefited from the New Orleans Saints' terrible showing on this particular day.

Archie Manning threw five interceptions, one of which was returned for a score, in a game he would never like to remember. In the second and third quarters, the Falcons did most of their damage, scoring 45 points in those two quarters as the Saints suddenly lost control of the situation.

#5 - 2000: Miami Dolphins 7, Jacksonville Jaguars 62

Although Dan Marino is regarded as among the best quarterbacks in league history, his last contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Divisional Playoff was a disappointment.

Even before Marino had thrown his first successful pass, the Jaguars had amassed 520 offensive yards and were 38-0 in front of their opponents. The Jaguars would later fall to the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Championship Game that season.

#4 - 2011: Saints 62, Colts 7

This epic defeat occurred during the Colts' 0-13 start to the season. The Colts' starting quarterback, Curtis Painter, was unable to reach 70 yards as Drew Brees tossed five touchdowns, two to Jimmy Graham and two to Marques Colston, as Peyton Manning looked on from the bench. After the campaign's conclusion, GM Bill Polian and Jim Caldwell lost their jobs. While the Saints finished 13-3, it was another of the numerous playoff close calls during Brees's reign.

#3 - 2012: Seahawks 58, Cardinals 0

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll led his club to a Super Bowl victory in 2014, and the Seahawks' 58-0 thrashing of the Arizona Cardinals at CenturyLink Field provided a preview of things to come.

Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin had over 100 yards on the ground, and the defensive unit shut down quarterback John Skelton, who tossed four INTs.

#2 - 1976: Rams 59, Falcons 0

The Los Angeles Rams, who would go on to win the NFC title, outgained the Atlanta Falcons by 561 yards and established a then-record seven TDs. The Falcons were the underdogs going into the game before, and the result showed exactly why that was the case. Legendary defensive tackle Merlin Olsen, who appeared in his 207th and last regular-season contest with the Rams, appreciated the victory as a fitting send-off.

#1 - 2009: Patriots 59, Titans 0

The joint most dominant pro football contest of the twenty-first century was played fourteen years ago between the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans.

Tom Brady's severe knee injury from the previous year, which forced him to miss all but the opening game of the 2008 season, allowed him to play again in 2009.

Jonathan Wilhite and Mike Wright returned fumbles, while Darius Butler made an interception as New England's defensive line shut down their opposition at every moment. Even with his exacting quality, Tom Brady's performance on the attack was extraordinary.