Highest-Scoring Games in NFL History - Top 10 Records and Thrills
by B Kishwar
Updated Sep 26, 2023
Top 10 Highest - Scoring Games in NFL History
1
Washington Redskins vs. New York Giants
72–41
2
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
58–48
3
Los Angeles Rams vs. Kansas City Chiefs
54–51
4
New Orleans Saints vs. New York Giants
52–49
5
Oakland Raiders vs. Houston Oilers
52–49
6
Denver Broncos vs. Dallas Cowboys
51–48
7
Seattle Seahawks vs. Kansas City Chiefs
51–48 (OT)
8
San Diego Chargers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
54–44
9
Chicago Cardinals vs. New York Giants
63–35
10
Los Angeles Rams vs. Baltimore Colts
70–27
S.No
Highest - Scoring Games in NFL History
Total Points
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Highest - Scoring Games in NFL History
The highest-scoring games in NFL history are captivating spectacles that showcase the dynamic nature of American football. These memorable matchups feature teams piling on points in a relentless battle of offense and defense, often producing thrilling moments that linger in the annals of the sport. In this brief exploration, we'll delve into some of the most remarkable and high-scoring contests that have left an indelible mark on the NFL's rich history.
1. Washington Redskins vs. New York Giants (72–41)
The game between the Washington Redskins and the New York Giants on November 27, 1966, remains one of the highest-scoring contests in NFL history. The Redskins, led by Hall of Fame quarterback Sonny Jurgensen, unleashed an offensive explosion, racking up an astonishing 72 points. Jurgensen threw for an incredible 7 touchdown passes in the game, a record that still stands today. The Redskins' offensive prowess was complemented by their ability to capitalize on turnovers and create scoring opportunities.
On the other side, the New York Giants put up a respectable 41 points in a losing effort, demonstrating their offensive capabilities as well. However, it was the Redskins who emerged victorious in this high-scoring shootout. This game is remembered not only for its record-breaking point total but also for showcasing the sheer excitement and unpredictability that football can offer.
2. Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns (58–48)
The matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns on November 28, 2004, is etched in NFL history as a thrilling, high-scoring affair. This game saw a combined total of 106 points scored, with the Bengals prevailing with a 58-48 victory. Both teams showcased offensive brilliance, and the scoreboard lit up with touchdowns and field goals throughout the contest.
Quarterbacks Carson Palmer (Bengals) and Kelly Holcomb (Browns) put on an aerial display, combining for over 900 passing yards and 11 touchdown passes. The game featured numerous lead changes, dramatic plays, and high-intensity moments. It remains an iconic example of an NFL shootout, highlighting the exhilarating nature of the sport and the ability of teams to put up big numbers when the offense is firing on all cylinders.
3. Los Angeles Rams vs. Kansas City Chiefs (54–51)
The November 19, 2018 clash between the Los Angeles Rams and the Kansas City Chiefs is often regarded as one of the most memorable and high-scoring games in recent NFL history. Played on Monday Night Football, this contest was a true showcase of offensive firepower. Both teams possessed dynamic young quarterbacks in Jared Goff (Rams) and Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs), who combined for a staggering 891 passing yards and 11 touchdown passes.
In addition to the aerial assault, the game featured key turnovers, defensive touchdowns, and a back-and-forth scoring battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Ultimately, the Rams emerged victorious with a narrow 54-51 win, solidifying the game's reputation as a modern classic. The high-scoring showdown highlighted the evolution of offensive strategies in the NFL and demonstrated the league's capacity for delivering thrilling, high-stakes football contests.
4. New Orleans Saints vs. New York Giants (52–49)
The New Orleans Saints' showdown with the New York Giants on November 1, 2015, was nothing short of an offensive extravaganza. This high-scoring affair saw both teams combining for a jaw-dropping 101 points, making it one of the highest-scoring games in NFL history.
The game was marked by an incredible display of passing prowess, with quarterbacks Drew Brees of the Saints and Eli Manning of the Giants putting on a masterclass. Brees threw for seven touchdowns, while Manning responded with six of his own.
The lead changed hands multiple times throughout the game, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Ultimately, the Saints secured the victory with a late field goal, solidifying this contest as a true classic and a testament to the explosive potential of NFL offenses.
5. Oakland Raiders vs. Houston Oilers (52–49)
The matchup between the Oakland Raiders and the Houston Oilers on December 22, 1963, remains legendary in NFL history as one of the highest-scoring games ever played. The teams combined for a staggering 101 points in a contest that showcased the wild and unpredictable nature of professional football in the 1960s.
Raiders quarterback Cotton Davidson had a career day, throwing for five touchdowns, while the Oilers' George Blanda countered with seven touchdown passes. The game was filled with thrilling plays, and the lead changed hands frequently. In the end, the Raiders secured the victory with a last-minute field goal, etching this game into the annals of NFL lore as an enduring symbol of high-scoring excitement.
6. Denver Broncos vs. Dallas Cowboys (51–48)
The October 6, 2013 clash between the Denver Broncos and the Dallas Cowboys stands as a prime example of NFL drama at its finest. With a final score of 51–48, this game highlighted the incredible offensive firepower possessed by both teams.
Peyton Manning, the Broncos' quarterback, had one of the most remarkable performances of his career, throwing for 414 yards and four touchdowns. On the other side, Tony Romo led the Cowboys with an impressive 506 yards passing and five touchdowns.
The lead swung back and forth, and the game ended with Matt Prater's dramatic 28-yard field goal, securing the victory for Denver. This matchup not only showcased the high-scoring capabilities of NFL teams but also demonstrated the resilience and skill of the players involved, leaving fans with a lasting memory of an electrifying contest.
7. Seattle Seahawks vs. Kansas City Chiefs (51–48)
The showdown between the Seattle Seahawks and the Kansas City Chiefs in a thrilling 51–48 contest on November 27, 1983, remains etched in NFL lore as one of the highest-scoring and most exciting games in history. The game, which went into overtime, featured an offensive shootout that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Seahawks quarterback Dave Krieg threw for a staggering 410 yards and four touchdowns, while Chiefs signal-caller Bill Kenney responded with 372 yards and three touchdowns. The game's defining moment came in overtime when the Seahawks' Norm Johnson nailed a 42-yard field goal to secure the victory, sealing the fate of this instant classic.
8. San Diego Chargers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (54–44)
The high-scoring battle between the San Diego Chargers and the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 1985, produced a combined total of 98 points, making it one of the most explosive contests in NFL history. Both teams demonstrated offensive prowess, with Chargers quarterback Dan Fouts throwing for 440 yards and four touchdowns, and Steelers quarterback Mark Malone contributing with 312 yards and three touchdowns.
The game was marked by big plays and scoring drives, keeping fans on their toes throughout. While the Chargers ultimately emerged victorious, the game highlighted the explosive potential of NFL offenses and remains a memorable chapter in the league's history.
9. Chicago Cardinals vs. New York Giants (63–35)
The 1948 matchup between the Chicago Cardinals and the New York Giants stands out as one of the highest-scoring games in NFL history, ending in a remarkable 63–35 scoreline. This offensive explosion took place on October 17, 1948, and featured a relentless display of scoring prowess.
The Cardinals, led by quarterback Paul Christman, put on a show with 10 touchdowns, a record that still stands in the NFL today. On the other side, the Giants fought valiantly but couldn't match the Cardinals' offensive output. The game showcased the explosive potential of football in the post-war era and remains a testament to the league's enduring appeal.
10. Los Angeles Rams vs. Baltimore Colts (70–27)
The game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Baltimore Colts on October 22, 1950, is legendary for its extraordinary scoring, with the Rams defeating the Colts by an astonishing score of 70–27. This high-scoring spectacle featured a barrage of touchdowns, and the Rams' offense, led by quarterback Bob Waterfield, was in peak form.
Waterfield threw for 338 yards and seven touchdowns, a record for most touchdown passes in a single game, which still stands. The Colts' Y.A. Tittle also had a strong showing with three touchdown passes, but they couldn't keep pace with the Rams' relentless offensive onslaught. This game remains one of the most iconic in NFL history and a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of professional football.
What Records Were Set in These High-Scoring NFL Games?
Los Angeles Rams vs. Baltimore Colts (70–27):
In the game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Baltimore Colts on October 22, 1950, several remarkable records were set. The most notable was quarterback Bob Waterfield's performance for the Rams. He threw seven touchdown passes in a single game, which remains an NFL record to this day. Waterfield's exceptional feat showcased his incredible passing abilities and cemented his legacy in NFL history.
San Diego Chargers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (54–44):
The high-scoring clash between the San Diego Chargers and the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 1985, saw some records related to points scored. The combined total of 98 points in the game remains one of the highest-scoring NFL games ever. While no individual player records were set in this game, the sheer volume of points demonstrated the explosive potential of NFL offenses when two high-caliber teams compete.
Chicago Cardinals vs. New York Giants (63–35):
The 1948 game between the Chicago Cardinals and the New York Giants was characterized by its incredible offensive display. The Cardinals scored a remarkable 63 points, a record for the most points scored by a single team in an NFL game. This record has stood for decades, illustrating the rarity and significance of such a high-scoring performance.
Seattle Seahawks vs. Kansas City Chiefs (51–48):
The thrilling contest between the Seattle Seahawks and the Kansas City Chiefs on November 27, 1983, was marked by its overtime finish. The total of 99 points scored in this game, along with the overtime period, remains one of the highest-scoring and closest games in NFL history. While no single-player records were set in this matchup, the game's intense competitiveness and dramatic conclusion set it apart in the NFL record books.
Highest - Scoring Games in NFL History - FAQs
The highest-scoring NFL game in history was between the Los Angeles Rams and the Baltimore Colts on October 22, 1950, with a final score of 70–27 in favor of the Rams.
The thrilling game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Kansas City Chiefs on November 27, 1983, went into overtime and ended with a score of 51–48 in favor of the Seahawks.
Quarterback Bob Waterfield of the Los Angeles Rams holds the record for the most touchdown passes in a single NFL game with seven touchdowns, a feat achieved in the 1950 game against the Baltimore Colts.
The San Diego Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers played a high-scoring game on December 8, 1985, which ended with a final score of 54–44 in favor of the Chargers.
The 1948 NFL game between the Chicago Cardinals and the New York Giants was notable for its exceptional scoring, with the Cardinals winning 63–35. This game featured 10 touchdowns by the Cardinals, a record that still stands in the NFL.