NFL Records: The Most Points Ever Scored in a Single Game
As much as true football fans can enjoy a well-played defensive game, there’s nothing like watching two great offenses duel in the NFL. In some instances, neither one has seemingly been able to stop the other, leading to dual offensive outbursts. Let’s take a look at the highest-scoring games in NFL history, culminating with the record holder.
5. New York Giants vs. New Orleans Saints — 2015
- 101 points
This game was one of the wildest of the 2015 NFL season. Eli Manning and Drew Brees combined for the most passing touchdowns by two quarterbacks in a single game with 13.
The Saints prevailed 52-49 and when the game ended, both teams were 4-4. While neither of these teams went on to make the playoffs that year, they do share the honor of playing one of the highest-scoring games of all time.
4. Houston Oilers vs. Oakland Raiders — 1963
- 101 points
The Raiders prevailed, also by a score of 52-49, in a high-scoring game from an earlier era. Quarterback/kicker George Blanda led the offense for the Raiders, throwing five touchdown passes while also kicking seven extra points.
Oakland outgained Houston in total yards by a count of 540-468. Quarterback Tom Flores, who later coached the team, threw for 407 yards and six touchdowns. Both quarterbacks threw two interceptions.
Two receivers stood out — Oilers’ wideout Willard Dewveall hauled in seven catches for 137 yards and two scores. Meanwhile, Raiders wide receiver Art Powell had 10 catches, 247 yards, and four touchdowns. Fantasy football hadn’t yet gained prominence, but this game had several players who would have sent fantasy scores at the time through the roof.
3. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Rams — 2018
- 105 points
Originally slated to play this game in Mexico City but moved to Los Angeles due to concerns about the field conditions, this was one of the most hotly anticipated contests of the 2018 season. It did not disappoint.
Two of the league’s most high-octane offenses put on an absolute show as the Rams defeated the Chiefs, 54-51, on Monday Night Football. It was the first game in NFL history in which both teams scored over 50. It featured four lead changes in the fourth quarter and the two teams combining for over 1,000 yards of total offense.
In the loss, Patrick Mahomes threw for six touchdowns for the second time that season, making him only the third player with multiple six-touchdown games in a season.
2. Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns — 2004
- 106 points
When one thinks of the Bengals playing the Browns, “high-scoring” is probably not the first term that comes to mind. But in 2004, that’s exactly what happened. The Bengals defeated the Browns, 58-48.
Bengals’ quarterback Carson Palmer threw for four touchdowns while Browns’ starter Kelly Holcomb threw for five. The over/under in the game was 37.5 at kickoff, so needless to say anyone taking the over that day was a happy camper. The aftereffect of this game was devastating for Cleveland, as they saw head coach Butch Davis resign only two days later.
1. New York Giants vs. Washington Redskins — 1966
- 113 points
Today’s modern era is known for rules that encourage offensive production, more scoring, and more passing. But the highest-scoring game in NFL history was in 1963 and has yet to be topped.
The Washington Redskins defeated the New York Giants, 72-41. Unlike the other games on this list, this one was actually a blowout. Despite the Giants putting up a decent amount of points, they were never really in the game. The Redskins led 31-14 at halftime and 48-28 entering the fourth quarter. Washington’s offense was led that day by Sonny Jurgenson, who threw 145 yards and three touchdowns.
