The National Football League (NFL) has witnessed some of the most prolific scoring performances in professional football history. Throughout the years, numerous teams and players have etched their names in the record books with remarkable point totals in single games.
From high-flying offenses to defensive lapses, several factors contribute to these extraordinary scoring outbursts. Whether it's a dominant offensive performance, a defensive meltdown, or a combination of both, these high-scoring affairs often leave fans on the edge of their seats.
This article will delve into the NFL's most points scored in a game, exploring the teams, players, and circumstances surrounding these historic contests. From iconic shootouts to lopsided blowouts, we will uncover the stories behind these remarkable scoring feats.
NFL Most Points Scored in a Game
The NFL's most points scored in a game is a testament to the league's high-octane offensive firepower and occasional defensive struggles. Here are nine important points about these record-breaking scoring affairs:
- 133 points: The most points scored in an NFL game, set in 1960 by the Houston Oilers and New York Titans.
- 122 points: The second-highest scoring game, occurred in 2018 between the Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs.
- 102 points: The highest-scoring playoff game, achieved in 1958 by the Baltimore Colts and New York Giants.
- 82 points: The most points scored by a single team, accomplished by the Washington Redskins in 1983 against the New York Giants.
- 70 points: The most points allowed by a single team, suffered by the Chicago Cardinals in 1940 against the Washington Redskins.
- 14 touchdowns: The most touchdowns scored in a game, achieved by the Houston Oilers and New York Titans in the 133-point game.
- 10 field goals: The most field goals made in a game, accomplished by the Baltimore Colts in the 102-point playoff game.
- 2 touchdowns in 12 seconds: The fastest two touchdowns scored in a game, achieved by the Buffalo Bills in 1992 against the Houston Oilers.
- 4 overtime periods: The longest game in NFL history, featuring the Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos in 1983, which ended with a 33-27 score.
These remarkable scoring performances showcase the NFL's unique blend of offensive prowess and defensive vulnerability. They remain etched in the league's history as unforgettable moments of high-scoring excitement.
133 points: The most points scored in an NFL game, set in 1960 by the Houston Oilers and New York Titans.
The most remarkable scoring performance in NFL history occurred on November 27, 1960, when the Houston Oilers and New York Titans combined for an astounding 133 points in a single game. This record-breaking contest was a high-scoring affair from start to finish, with both teams trading touchdowns and field goals throughout the game.
- 14 touchdowns: The game featured an incredible 14 touchdowns, with the Oilers scoring seven and the Titans scoring seven. This remains the most touchdowns scored in a single NFL game.
- 10 field goals: In addition to the touchdowns, the Oilers and Titans combined for 10 field goals, with the Oilers making five and the Titans making five. This is the most field goals made in a single NFL game.
- Overtime: The game was tied 77-77 at the end of regulation, forcing the first overtime game in NFL history. The Oilers won the overtime coin toss and received the ball, and they proceeded to drive down the field and score a touchdown to win the game 49-31 in overtime.
- Yardage: The Oilers and Titans combined for over 1,200 yards of total offense in the game, with the Oilers gaining 654 yards and the Titans gaining 582 yards.
This historic game showcased the high-scoring potential of the AFL and the offensive firepower of the Oilers and Titans. The 133 points scored in this game remains the highest-scoring game in NFL history and is unlikely to be broken anytime soon.
122 points: The second-highest scoring game, occurred in 2018 between the Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs.
The second-highest scoring game in NFL history took place on November 19, 2018, when the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Kansas City Chiefs by a score of 54-51. This high-scoring affair was a back-and-forth battle between two of the NFL's most potent offenses.
- 10 touchdowns: The Rams and Chiefs combined for 10 touchdowns in the game, with the Rams scoring five and the Chiefs scoring five. This is tied for the third-most touchdowns scored in a single NFL game.
- 12 field goals: In addition to the touchdowns, the Rams and Chiefs combined for 12 field goals, with the Rams making six and the Chiefs making six. This is the second-most field goals made in a single NFL game, behind only the 13 field goals made in the 1960 Oilers-Titans game.
- Overtime: The game was tied 51-51 at the end of regulation, forcing the second overtime game in NFL history. The Rams won the overtime coin toss and received the ball, and they proceeded to drive down the field and kick a field goal to win the game 54-51.
- Yardage: The Rams and Chiefs combined for over 1,000 yards of total offense in the game, with the Rams gaining 559 yards and the Chiefs gaining 510 yards.
This thrilling game showcased the offensive firepower of the Rams and Chiefs and is considered one of the most exciting games in NFL history. The 122 points scored in this game is the second-highest total in NFL history and is a testament to the high-scoring nature of the modern NFL.
102 points: The highest-scoring playoff game, achieved in 1958 by the Baltimore Colts and New York Giants.
The highest-scoring playoff game in NFL history occurred on December 28, 1958, when the Baltimore Colts defeated the New York Giants by a score of 64-38 in the NFL Championship Game. This high-scoring affair was a back-and-forth battle between two of the NFL's most potent offenses.
The Colts and Giants combined for 10 touchdowns and 10 field goals in the game. The Colts scored four touchdowns and six field goals, while the Giants scored six touchdowns and four field goals. This is the most points scored in a single NFL playoff game and is tied for the third-most points scored in a single NFL game overall.
The Colts were led by quarterback Johnny Unitas, who threw for 340 yards and four touchdowns. The Giants were led by quarterback Charlie Conerly, who threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns.
The game was played in front of a crowd of over 64,000 at Yankee Stadium in New York City. The Colts' victory earned them their first NFL championship and is considered one of the greatest games in NFL history.
This thrilling game showcased the offensive firepower of the Colts and Giants and is considered one of the most exciting games in NFL history. The 102 points scored in this game is the highest total in NFL playoff history and is a testament to the high-scoring nature of the NFL in the late 1950s.
82 points: The most points scored by a single team, accomplished by the Washington Redskins in 1983 against the New York Giants.
The most points scored by a single team in an NFL game is 82, accomplished by the Washington Redskins in a 82-14 victory over the New York Giants on December 11, 1983. This lopsided affair was a complete domination by the Redskins, who scored 14 points in the first quarter, 21 points in the second quarter, 28 points in the third quarter, and 19 points in the fourth quarter.
The Redskins' offense was led by quarterback Joe Theismann, who threw for 311 yards and four touchdowns. Running back John Riggins also had a big day, rushing for 121 yards and two touchdowns.
The Giants' defense was unable to stop the Redskins' offense, giving up over 500 yards of total offense. The Giants' offense was also unable to get anything going, as they were held to just 14 points and 249 yards of total offense.
This game is considered one of the most lopsided victories in NFL history. The Redskins' 82 points is the most points scored by a single team in an NFL game since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970.
This dominant performance by the Redskins showcased their offensive firepower and defensive prowess. The 82 points scored in this game is a testament to the high-scoring nature of the NFL in the early 1980s.
70 points: The most points allowed by a single team, suffered by the Chicago Cardinals in 1940 against the Washington Redskins.
The most points allowed by a single team in an NFL game is 70, suffered by the Chicago Cardinals in a 73-0 loss to the Washington Redskins on November 24, 1940. This lopsided affair was a complete domination by the Redskins, who scored 28 points in the first quarter, 21 points in the second quarter, and 24 points in the third quarter.
- No touchdowns: The Cardinals were unable to score a single touchdown in the game, making this the only game in NFL history in which a team has allowed 70 or more points without scoring a touchdown.
- 14 interceptions: The Cardinals' quarterbacks threw a total of 14 interceptions in the game, which is the most interceptions thrown by a team in a single NFL game.
- Redskins' dominance: The Redskins' offense was unstoppable in this game, as they gained over 500 yards of total offense and scored on every possession except one.
- Cardinals' struggles: The Cardinals' defense was unable to stop the Redskins' offense, giving up over 500 yards of total offense. The Cardinals' offense was also unable to get anything going, as they were held to just 49 yards of total offense.
This game is considered one of the most lopsided victories in NFL history. The Redskins' 73 points is the most points scored by a single team in an NFL game since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970.
14 touchdowns: The most touchdowns scored in a game, achieved by the Houston Oilers and New York Titans in the 133-point game.
The most touchdowns scored in an NFL game is 14, achieved by the Houston Oilers and New York Titans in their 133-point game on November 27, 1960. This high-scoring affair was a back-and-forth battle between two of the AFL's most potent offenses.
The Oilers and Titans combined for 28 touchdowns in the game, with the Oilers scoring seven touchdowns and the Titans scoring seven touchdowns. This is the most touchdowns scored by both teams combined in a single NFL game.
The Oilers were led by quarterback George Blanda, who threw for 396 yards and seven touchdowns. The Titans were led by quarterback Len Dawson, who threw for 385 yards and seven touchdowns.
The game was played in front of a crowd of over 35,000 at the Houston Astrodome. The Oilers' victory helped them secure the AFL Championship and earn a berth in the first AFL-NFL Championship Game.
This thrilling game showcased the offensive firepower of the Oilers and Titans and is considered one of the most exciting games in AFL history. The 14 touchdowns scored in this game is a testament to the high-scoring nature of the AFL in the early 1960s.
10 field goals: The most field goals made in a game, accomplished by the Baltimore Colts in the 102-point playoff game.
The most field goals made in an NFL game is 10, accomplished by the Baltimore Colts in their 64-38 victory over the New York Giants in the 1958 NFL Championship Game. This high-scoring affair was a back-and-forth battle between two of the NFL's most potent offenses.
- Colts' dominance: The Colts' offense was unstoppable in this game, as they scored on every possession except one. The Colts' field goals were a key part of their success, as they were able to convert on all 10 of their attempts.
- Giants' struggles: The Giants' defense was unable to stop the Colts' offense, giving up over 500 yards of total offense. The Giants' offense was also unable to get anything going, as they were held to just 38 points and 249 yards of total offense.
- Record-setting performance: The Colts' 10 field goals is the most field goals made by a single team in an NFL playoff game. This record has stood for over 60 years and is a testament to the Colts' dominance in this game.
- Historical significance: This game is considered one of the greatest NFL Championship Games of all time. The Colts' victory earned them their first NFL championship and is considered a major turning point in the history of the franchise.
This thrilling game showcased the offensive firepower of the Colts and is considered one of the most exciting games in NFL history. The 10 field goals made by the Colts in this game is a testament to the high-scoring nature of the NFL in the late 1950s.
2 touchdowns in 12 seconds: The fastest two touchdowns scored in a game, achieved by the Buffalo Bills in 1992 against the Houston Oilers.
The fastest two touchdowns scored in an NFL game occurred on November 1, 1992, when the Buffalo Bills scored two touchdowns in just 12 seconds against the Houston Oilers. This remarkable feat is a testament to the Bills' high-powered offense and opportunistic defense.
- Pick-six: The Bills' first touchdown came on a 48-yard interception return by cornerback Kirby Jackson. Jackson intercepted an errant pass from Oilers quarterback Cody Carlson and returned it for a touchdown, giving the Bills a 14-3 lead.
- Kickoff return: The Bills' second touchdown came just 12 seconds later on a kickoff return by running back Thurman Thomas. Thomas fielded the kickoff at his own 10-yard line and returned it 90 yards for a touchdown, extending the Bills' lead to 21-3.
- Oilers' struggles: The Oilers' offense was unable to keep up with the Bills' high-scoring attack. The Oilers were held to just three points in the first half and were unable to mount a comeback in the second half.
- Historical significance: The Bills' two touchdowns in 12 seconds is one of the most iconic plays in NFL history. This play is often credited with helping to turn the tide of the game in the Bills' favor and is considered to be one of the greatest plays in the history of the franchise.
This thrilling game showcased the offensive firepower and opportunistic defense of the Bills. The two touchdowns scored in 12 seconds is a testament to the Bills' dominance in this game and is considered to be one of the most exciting plays in NFL history.
4 overtime periods: The longest game in NFL history, featuring the Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos in 1983, which ended with a 33-27 score.
The longest game in NFL history occurred on December 17, 1983, when the Miami Dolphins defeated the Denver Broncos 33-27 in four overtime periods. This marathon game was a back-and-forth battle between two evenly matched teams.
The Dolphins and Broncos traded field goals throughout the first three overtime periods, keeping the game tied at 27-27. In the fourth overtime period, the Dolphins finally broke the tie when quarterback Dan Marino threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Mark Clayton. This touchdown gave the Dolphins a 33-27 lead, and the Broncos were unable to respond.
The Dolphins' victory was a major accomplishment, as they improved their record to 12-4 and clinched the AFC East division title. The Broncos, meanwhile, fell to 9-7 and missed the playoffs.
This thrilling game showcased the resilience and determination of both teams. The four overtime periods is a testament to the competitive nature of the NFL and is considered to be one of the greatest games in the history of the league.
This marathon game is a reminder that anything can happen in the NFL. The Dolphins and Broncos both showed great heart and determination in this game, and the fans were treated to a truly memorable experience.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the NFL's most points scored in a game:
Question 1: What is the most points scored in an NFL game?
Answer: The most points scored in an NFL game is 133, achieved by the Houston Oilers and New York Titans on November 27, 1960.
Question 2: What is the second-highest scoring game in NFL history?
Answer: The second-highest scoring game in NFL history is the 122-point game between the Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs on November 19, 2018.
Question 3: What is the highest-scoring playoff game in NFL history?
Answer: The highest-scoring playoff game in NFL history is the 102-point game between the Baltimore Colts and New York Giants on December 28, 1958.
Question 4: What is the most points scored by a single team in an NFL game?
Answer: The most points scored by a single team in an NFL game is 82, achieved by the Washington Redskins against the New York Giants on December 11, 1983.
Question 5: What is the most points allowed by a single team in an NFL game?
Answer: The most points allowed by a single team in an NFL game is 70, suffered by the Chicago Cardinals against the Washington Redskins on November 24, 1940.
Question 6: What is the most touchdowns scored in an NFL game?
Answer: The most touchdowns scored in an NFL game is 14, achieved by the Houston Oilers and New York Titans in the 133-point game on November 27, 1960.
Question 7: What is the longest game in NFL history?
Answer: The longest game in NFL history is the four-overtime game between the Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos on December 17, 1983, which ended with a 33-27 score.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the NFL's most points scored in a game. For more information, please visit the NFL's official website.
In addition to these FAQs, here are some tips for enjoying the NFL's most points scored in a game:
Tips
Here are some tips for enjoying the NFL's most points scored in a game:
Tip 1: Watch with friends and family. The NFL's most points scored in a game are often exciting and memorable events. Watching with friends and family can make the experience even more enjoyable.
Tip 2: Have plenty of snacks and drinks on hand. These games can be long and intense, so it's important to have plenty of snacks and drinks on hand to keep you going.
Tip 3: Get comfortable. You're going to be spending a lot of time watching the game, so make sure you're comfortable. Get a good seat, put your feet up, and relax.
Tip 4: Enjoy the moment. The NFL's most points scored in a game are rare and special events. Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the moment.
By following these tips, you can make sure that you have a great time watching the NFL's most points scored in a game.
These tips will help you get the most out of these exciting and memorable games.
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