NFC Championship No-Call PI — Saints vs. Rams (2019)

The NFC Championship no-call pass interference in 2019 is widely regarded as the worst officiating miss in NFL history. With 1:49 remaining and the Saints leading 20-17, Rams defensive back Nickell Robey-Coleman delivered a helmet-to-helmet hit to Saints receiver Tommylee Lewis before the ball arrived—a clear case of pass interference and illegal contact per NFL Rule 8, Section 5. Referee Bill Vinovich threw no flag despite being 5 yards away. The Saints attempted a 58-yard field goal instead of a first down from the 13-yard line, which would have nearly sealed the game. This error cost New Orleans a 92% win probability, per ESPN analytics. The NFL's failure to review the play cost the Saints a Super Bowl berth; two days later, Commissioner Roger Goodell admitted the call was missed. No decision on this list better illustrates how one missed penalty can erase $20 million in potential Super Bowl revenue for a franchise.