Highest Scoring NFL Game: A Complete History
Fans often think of high-powered NFL offenses when they recall the highest scoring NFL game. This historic game occurred on November 27, 1966. That day, the Washington Redskins faced the New York Giants, with a total of 113 points scored – making it the highest scoring game in NFL history. The Redskins alone scored ten touchdowns.
When people ask about the highest scoring NFL game, they are referring to that unforgettable day in November. It remains a highlight in NFL history, showcasing the remarkable talent of both teams.
Key Takeaways
- The 1966 game between the Washington Redskins and New York Giants holds the record for the highest scoring NFL game with 113 total points.
- The second highest scoring game took place in 2018 with Los Angeles Rams vs Kansas City Chiefs. Final score 54-51 in favor of the Rams.
- The Chicago Bears set the record for the highest NFL score by one team: 73 points in the 1940 NFL Championship Game.
Overview of the Highest Scoring NFL Games
NFL history is full of exciting matchups and close finishes. But one game stands out for its offensive explosion.
On November 27, 1966, the Commanders (then called the Washington Redskins) defeated the Giants, 72-41. This game is famous not just for the score. It also had 16 touchdowns, becoming a legendary part of both teams' histories.
While 113 points is the record, other games have come close. One notable game was between the Los Angeles Rams and the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018. They scored a total of 105 points (54-51), making it the highest-scoring game in Monday Night Football.
Here is a look at the top scoring games throughout NFL history:
| Date | Teams | Score |
| 11/27/1966 | Washington Commanders vs. New York Giants | 72-41 |
| 11/19/2018 | Los Angeles Rams vs. Kansas City Chiefs | 54-51 |
| 11/28/2004 | Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns | 58-48 |
| 11/1/2015 | New Orleans Saints vs. New York Giants | 52-49 |
| 10/23/1983 | Seattle Seahawks vs. Kansas City Chiefs | 51-48 |
Looking at the highest-scoring NFL game shows how teams are always trying to make history. Today, with new strategies and improved player fitness, records like the 1966 game's are targets. They spur teams on to push the boundaries of what's possible in the NFL.
Get the latest NFL Predictions today for every matchup!
What Is the Most Points Scored in an NFL Game?
The highest scoring NFL game is a highlight in NFL history. It's a testament to exciting plays and shifting game dynamics. On November 27, 1966, the Washington Redskins and New York Giants created history. They scored a record-breaking 113 points.
Highest NFL Score by One Team: Top Performances
When talking about the most points scored in an NFL game by one team, we look back at history. These historic matches show the high skill levels of NFL teams when they are at their best. Such games are not just about offense; they also carve significant moments into NFL history.
Most Points Scored by a Single Team in an NFL Game
The record for the highest NFL score by one team goes to the Chicago Bears. They scored an amazing 73 points against the Washington Redskins in the 1940 NFL Championship game. This game is famous because the Bears used a new strategy: the T-formation offense. It completely took the Redskins by surprise, showing a period of Bears' dominance in the league.
Learn more about football positions explained.
Then, on November 27, 1966, the Washington Redskins made history too. They scored 72 points against the New York Giants in a regular season game. This match is remembered for its incredible offense and is one of the most talked-about games in NFL history.
In 2023, the Miami Dolphins nearly broke these records by scoring 70 points in a game against the Denver Broncos. This game showed that modern NFL teams can also achieve remarkable feats. Tua Tagovailoa's precise passes, Raheem Mostert's running, and Devon Achane's overall play were key to their amazing performance.
So far, only four NFL teams have scored 70 or more points in a game. These rare high scores showcase not just the right conditions but also excellent execution and strategy. Everything from the opponent's weak defense to flawless playing contributes to these incredible games.
Recommended Read: Best NFL Players of All-Time
Most Points Scored in NFL Game History
NFL history is rich with high-scoring games, capturing fans' and analysts' imagination alike. Scores that go beyond the usual excite and amaze everyone. These moments mark the thrilling and unforgettable matches in NFL history.
Highest Scoring Game in NFL Playoff History
Even playoffs have seen huge scores. The NFL record for most points in a game during the playoffs was in 2010. The Arizona Cardinals beat the Green Bay Packers. The final score was 51-45, totaling 96 points.
Looking at these games shows how NFL game strategies and offensive plays have evolved.
Highest Scoring Super Bowl Games
Every year, football fans look forward to the Super Bowl. It's not just a game, but a show of talent and strategy. Some games are unforgettable due to their high scores. They show the NFL's thrill at its peak. Let's look at the history of Super Bowl games that had sky-high scores.
What Is the Highest Scoring Super Bowl?
- Super Bowl XXIX in January 1995 set the record. The San Francisco 49ers beat the San Diego Chargers, scoring 75 points. The final score was 49-26. This game showcased the teams' fighting spirit and their offensive power.
- Super Bowl LII in February 2018 is next, with 74 points. The Philadelphia Eagles won against the New England Patriots, 41-33. This game was almost a record-breaker, thrilling fans with its action.
- Super Bowl LVII took place in February 2023. It had a total of 73 points. The Kansas City Chiefs won against the Philadelphia Eagles, 38-35. This match was not only close but also showed how unpredictable the NFL can be.
The scores highlight tactical skill and how offense shapes the Super Bowl. The game keeps evolving, focusing on aggressive plays.
NFL Records for Most Points Scored in a Game
Most Points Scored in a Single Game by Position
Scoring in an NFL game changes a lot. It's based on the positions and tactics used in the game. Let’s look at the record scores by different positions in important NFL games.
| Position | Player | Points Scored | Date | Team |
| Quarterback | Norm Van Brocklin | Repeats Record for Highest Individual Score | 9/28/1951 | LA Rams |
| Kicker | Rob Bironas | Records Highest Points for a Kicker | 10/21/2007 | Tennessee Titans |
| Wide Receiver | Jerry Rice | Multiple High-Scoring Games | Several Dates | San Francisco 49ers |
| Running Back | Gale Sayers | Most Points in a Single Game by RB | 12/12/1965 | Chicago Bears |
The table shows amazing moments from different positions. They added a lot to the NFL's highest scores. High scores come from various tactics and great individual plays.
Most Points in NFL History: Team and Player Records
NFL games are known for their high scores, thrilling fans everywhere. Teams and players have set records that have dazzled the world. These records from touchdowns to total points show the NFL's greatest moments.
The Miami Dolphins once scored an amazing 70 points in a game against the Denver Broncos. They became the third NFL team to score so high in a single game. This highlighted their incredible offensive skills.
In that game, Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane each scored four touchdowns, tying the team's record. They became the second pair in NFL history to do this. This shows the NFL's turn towards high-scoring games.
Who Has the Most Touchdowns in NFL History?
In the NFL, some players have amazed fans with their ability to score touchdowns. The record for the most touchdowns in a game is especially intriguing. It adds a layer of excitement to the careers of players and strategies of teams.
Looking at high scores, it's interesting to see how teams outdo each other. The table below with years, teams, and scores captures these moments. It shows both great offense and moments where defenses faltered:\
| Year | Teams | Points Scored | Total Yards |
| 2019 | Buccaneers vs. Rams | 95 | 982 |
| 1986 | Jets vs. Dolphins | 96 | 1066 |
| 2007 | Bengals vs. Browns | 96 | 1085 |
| 1950 | Rams vs. Colts | 97 | N/A |
| 1985 | Steelers vs. Chargers | 98 | 875 |
| 2013 | Broncos vs. Cowboys | 99 | 1039 |
Popular Pages: 2024 Mock NFL Draft
Factors Contributing to High Scoring Games
Looking into the highest scoring NFL game, and the top score in football history shows complex factors. These include NFL's changing strategies and conditions. Tactical, environmental, and rules changes have all boosted scores.
Teams now adopt a more forward-looking offense strategy. There's a big focus on passing, raising the game's attempts and completions. This approach showcases the talent of quarterbacks and wide receivers. They continually set new records in the highest scoring NFL game stats. Protecting quarterbacks and wide receivers has made the game safer. It also leads to longer drives and more scores.
Scoring trends over the years show an interesting pattern:
| Season | Average Points per Game | Percentage Increase from Previous Year |
| 2000 | 20.8 | - |
| 2010 | 22.0 | 5.7% |
| 2020 | 24.8 | 12.7% |
The table shows scoring has steadily increased. It reflects major shifts in gameplay, rules, and other factors. The highest score in football history involves many elements. These include strategy changes, rule tweaks, and weather impacts.
Learn how to bet on NFL football.
Comparison: Highest Scoring Games in Different Eras
When we look back at the NFL's past, high scoring games highlight how the league has changed. A comparison of highest scoring NFL games shows a big shift in strategy and scoring over the years.
These high-scoring matches reflect major changes in how NFL games are played. The 1966 game and the 2018 game both show how strategies in football have shifted. Changes in rules, how talented athletes are, and how the game is played have impacted these iconic games.
Analyzing the numbers, like first downs and passing yards, shows that quarterbacks lead more offenses now. This helps us understand why NFL scores are generally higher. The excitement and entertainment in NFL games have stayed the same, even as scores have gone up.
Also, the last few seasons have continued this trend. In 2020 and 2021, games had an average of 49.6 and 47.0 points per game, respectively. This shows not just a rise in scores but in the skill and strategies of the game, marking the NFL's journey through the years.
Highest Scoring NFL Game FAQs
What is the highest scoring NFL game ever?
The record-breaking game was on November 27, 1966. The Washington Redskins beat the New York Giants. They scored 72-41, totaling 113 points.
Get in on the action with the latest NFL betting odds for the entire 2024-25 NFL schedule.
What is the most points scored in an NFL game by one team?
The Washington Redskins hold the record with 72 points against the Giants in 1966. Before the NFL merged, the Chicago Bears scored 73 points in the 1940 Championship Game.
What are the top 5 highest scoring NFL games of all time?
The top 5 are:
- Redskins vs Giants - 113 points in 1966.
- Bengals vs Browns - 106 points in 2004.
- Rams vs Chiefs - 105 points in 2018.
- Raiders vs Oilers - 98 points in 1963.
- Cardinals vs Packers - 96 points in a 2010 playoff game.
What is the highest scoring Super Bowl game?
Super Bowl XXIX in 1995 is the highest scoring game. The San Francisco 49ers won against the San Diego Chargers by 49-26, making 75 points.
Who has the most touchdowns in NFL history?
Jerry Rice holds the record with 208 touchdowns.
Why are some NFL games higher scoring than others?
High scores happen for many reasons. These include aggressive plays, quarterback skills, and making use of turnovers. Rule changes and new strategies also play a part.
How has the scoring in the NFL evolved over different eras?
The way teams score has changed over time. This is due to rule changes, training improvements, and new strategies. The game moved from run-focused plays to more passing, leading to higher scores sometimes.
Our editorial content strives to be highly informative and educational to our audience, especially for visitors who are new or relatively new to analyzing and predicting sporting event results. All of our content is created by informed writers with backgrounds in their subject area and reviewed for omissions or mistakes.
Our editorial team is run by individuals with many years of experience in digital publishing, editorial, and content production. Our editorial content is always marked clearly in any instances where it may be sponsored by a third party, though it is still reviewed by our staff to ensure it remains consistent with our company mission.
