Throughout the history of the National Football League (NFL), there have been some high scoring games where you might have questioned the accuracy of the scoreboard. Of these games, there’s one that stands out above the rest.
So, what is the highest scoring NFL Game in history?
The highest scoring NFL game in history took place on Nov. 27, 1966, when the Washington Redskins defeated the New York Giants 72-41. The record-setting 113-point game still stands as the most points ever scored in an NFL game, almost 60 years later.
While this remains the highest scoring NFL game in history, there have been a number of games that have come close to scoring this amount of points. To learn more about those games, the lowest-scoring NFL game, and more – keep reading!
Highest Scoring NFL Game in History
The game with the highest combined score in the history of the NFL took place more than half a century ago, on Nov. 27, 1966. The Washington Redskins and the New York Giants were the teams at the center of this historic event.
These two franchises, both boasting potent offensive firepower, met on the field in a game that would etch their names into the NFL record books forever. On this particular occasion, the defense seemed to take a backseat as the two teams lit up the scoreboard in a manner that has yet to be replicated.
At the end of four quarters of high-flying action, an incredible 113 points were scored, setting a record that stands to this day. The final score read 72-41 in favor of the Redskins. The Redskins, with their high-octane offense, put up an awe-inspiring performance, scoring the most points ever by a single team in an NFL game. But the Giants, despite being on the losing end, also contributed significantly to the historic tally by scoring 41 points.
To give context to this scoring frenzy, the game saw a combined total of 16 touchdowns. The Redskins alone had 10 touchdowns, which included five passing touchdowns and five rushing touchdowns. On the other hand, the Giants scored six touchdowns – three through the air and three on the ground.
In the context of the modern NFL, such high scoring games are rarities due to strategic advancements and defensive improvements. Coaches today have a plethora of defensive tactics to prevent such scoring outbursts. Even the most explosive offenses of the modern era rarely approach the point totals seen in this game.
Despite many high scoring games since then, none have eclipsed the 113-point combined total. This record-setting game between the Washington Redskins and the New York Giants remains the highest scoring game in NFL history and a reminder of a different era in professional football.
The Biggest Point Differential in NFL History
In every sport, there are games that defy expectations, leave fans awestruck, and firmly etch themselves into the history books. One such game in the NFL occurred on Dec. 8, 1940.
The teams at the heart of this notable event were the Chicago Bears and the Washington Redskins. Both teams were competing for the highest honor in the league – the NFL Championship. But what transpired on that day was more than just a contest; it was a demonstration of sheer dominance by one team over the other.
The Chicago Bears, led by Hall of Fame coach George Halas, showed an offensive masterclass that day, one that Washington had no answers for. What ensued was not just a win but a comprehensive rout.
The Bears’ aggressive gameplay and stringent defense led them to a landslide victory and a shutout. The final score read a staggering 73-0 in favor of the Bears.
To put this into perspective, the Bears scored a whopping 11 touchdowns, a feat made more impressive by the fact that seven of those came from different players. This was a true testament to their potent offensive power and the depth of their roster.
On the other side, the Redskins were unable to muster any points, leaving them with the dubious distinction of being part of the game with the biggest point differential in NFL history.
Such a significant margin of victory, especially in a championship game, was a rarity then, and it remains so now. This is a record that has withstood the test of time, surviving for over eight decades without being surpassed. Despite several blowout games throughout NFL history, none have come close to the 73-point margin set by the Bears in 1940.
This game remains etched in NFL folklore as a symbol of dominance and a stark reminder of the gulf that can exist between two teams on any given day. As we move forward in the world of the NFL, the 1940 Championship game serves as a benchmark for overwhelming victory, a record that future generations of teams will find challenging to break.
Highest Scoring Overtime Game in NFL History
There are games in the annals of NFL history that are remembered for their significance, and then there are games that go down in legend due to their extraordinary narrative. The 1983 clash between the Seattle Seahawks and the Kansas City Chiefs is undoubtedly a member of the latter category.
This riveting match was a testament to the will, determination, and sheer tenacity of both teams and holds the record as the highest scoring overtime game in NFL history, with a combined total of 99 points.
The crowd was treated to an offensive masterclass as both teams mounted relentless drives against each other, breaking through the defensive lines time and again. By the conclusion of regulation, the score was tied. Eventually, after an adrenaline-pumping overtime, the Seahawks clinched the 51-48 win.
This high-scoring showdown is remembered not only for its record-setting scoreline but also for the exceptional skill, strategy, and resolve demonstrated by both teams. Even after four decades, this game remains the highest scoring overtime game in NFL history.
This epic game serves as a constant reminder of the electrifying spectacle that the NFL can offer when two powerful teams collide on the gridiron. The 1983 encounter between the Seahawks and the Chiefs has undoubtedly set a high benchmark for future generations of the sport, encapsulating the thrill and drama that is quintessentially NFL.
Top 15 Highest NFL Scores
Throughout the history of the NFL, there have been numerous games that featured extraordinary point totals. Here, we delve into the top 15 highest scoring games in NFL history, highlighting the offensive shootouts.
| Rank | Teams | Date | Score |
| 1 | Washington Redskins vs. New York Giants | Nov. 27, 1966 | 113 |
| 2 | Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns | Nov. 28, 2004 | 106 |
| 3 | Los Angeles Rams vs. Kansas City Chiefs | Nov. 19, 2018 | 105 |
| 4 | New Orleans Saints vs. New York Giants | Nov. 1, 2015 | 101 |
| 4 | Oakland Raiders vs. Houston Oilers | Dec. 22, 1963 | 101 |
| 6 | Denver Broncos vs. Dallas Cowboys | Oct. 6, 2013 | 99 |
| 6 | Seattle Seahawks vs. Kansas City Chiefs | Nov. 27, 1983 | 99 |
| 8 | San Diego Chargers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers | Dec. 8, 1985 | 98 |
| 8 | Chicago Cardinals vs. New York Giants | Oct. 17, 1948 | 98 |
| 10 | Los Angeles Rams vs. Baltimore Colts | Oct. 22, 1950 | 97 |
| 11 | Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals | Sept. 16, 2007 | 96 |
| 11 | New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins | Sept. 21, 1986 | 96 |
| 13 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Los Angeles Rams | Sept. 29, 2019 | 95 |
| 13 | Green Bay Packers vs. Washington Redskins | Oct. 17, 1983 | 95 |
| 15 | San Franciso 49ers vs. New Orleans Saints | Dec. 8, 2019 | 94 |
Highest Scoring Super Bowl in NFL History
Super Bowl XXIX played on Jan. 29, 1995, stands as the highest scoring Super Bowl in NFL history. This game featured the San Francisco 49ers and the San Diego Chargers, with the 49ers securing the 49-26 victory.
The 49ers’ quarterback, Steven Young, put on a masterclass performance, throwing for six touchdowns. But the Chargers, despite being outmatched, didn’t back down and managed to contribute significantly to the final tally.
This historic game is remembered not just for the record-setting combined score, but also for the individual brilliance displayed on the field. Young’s performance earned him the Super Bowl MVP and cemented his place in NFL lore.
It’s worth noting that while high scoring Super Bowls are exhilarating to watch, they aren’t very common. Most Super Bowls are tightly contested affairs, with defenses playing a crucial role. However, Super Bowl XXIX stands as an exception, showcasing what happens when offensive units truly dominate on football’s biggest stage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is the Highest NFL Score by One Team?
The record for the highest NFL score by one team belongs to the Washington Redskins, who scored 72 points against the New York Giants on Nov. 27, 1966. This game also holds the record for the highest combined score in NFL history, with a total of 113 points.
What Is the Lowest Scoring Game in NFL History?
The lowest scoring game in NFL history took place on Nov. 7, 1943, when the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants game ended in a 0-0 tie. More recently, Super Bowl LIII, held on Feb. 3, 2019, saw the New England Patriots defeat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3, making it the lowest scoring Super Bowl ever.