NFL history is full of explosive offenses, record-breaking touchdowns, and unforgettable shootouts. Some games produce more points than teams score in several weeks.
The highest-scoring NFL game of all time happened on November 27, 1966. Washington defeated the New York Giants 72–41, producing an incredible 113 combined points.
But combined points tell only part of the story. The Chicago Bears hold the record for most points scored by one team, with 73 against Washington in 1940.
Let’s explore the highest-scoring NFL regular-season games, playoff battles, Super Bowl records, and individual team performances.
How Are the Highest-Scoring NFL Games Ranked?
NFL scoring records use two different measurements.
- Combined points: The total points scored by both teams.
- Single-team points: The points scored by one team during a game.
For example, Washington and the Giants combined for 113 points in 1966. Chicago scored 73 points by itself against Washington in 1940.
Regular-season, playoff, and Super Bowl records also have separate rankings. This distinction helps explain why different games hold different NFL scoring records.
Highest-Scoring NFL Regular-Season Games of All-Time
The regular season has produced some of the biggest offensive performances in football history. Several games have crossed 100 combined points.
Here are some of the highest-scoring matchups:
| Rank | Teams | Final Score | Combined Points | Year |
| 1 | Washington vs. NY Giants | 72–41 | 113 | 1966 |
| 2 | Bengals vs. Browns | 58–48 | 106 | 2004 |
| 3 | Rams vs. Chiefs | 54–51 | 105 | 2018 |
| 4 | 49ers vs. Brooklyn Dodgers | 63–40 | 103 | 1948 |
| 5 | Saints vs. Giants | 52–49 | 101 | 2015 |
| 5 | Raiders vs. Oilers | 52–49 | 101 | 1963 |
| 7 | Broncos vs. Cowboys | 51–48 | 99 | 2013 |
| 7 | Seahawks vs. Chiefs | 51–48 | 99 | 1983 |
| 9 | Chargers vs. Steelers | 54–44 | 98 | 1985 |
| 9 | Chicago Cardinals vs. Giants | 63–35 | 98 | 1948 |
These historical results include the pre-merger AFL game between Oakland and Houston, as reflected in FOX Sports’ historical ranking.
Washington 72, New York Giants 41 (1966) – 113 Points
On November 27, 1966, Washington defeated the New York Giants 72–41. The teams produced 113 combined points and scored 16 touchdowns.
Washington quarterback Sonny Jurgensen delivered an outstanding performance. Charley Taylor caught six passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensive back Brig Owens also contributed two defensive touchdowns through a fumble recovery and an interception return. This unusual combination of offensive and defensive scoring helped create an NFL record that still stands.
Cincinnati Bengals 58, Cleveland Browns 48 (2004) – 106 Points
The Bengals defeated the Browns 58–48 on November 28, 2004. Their 106 combined points made this the highest-scoring NFL game since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger at that time.
Cincinnati running back Rudi Johnson rushed for 202 yards and two touchdowns. Browns quarterback Kelly Holcomb threw for 413 yards and five touchdowns.
Both offenses consistently found ways through opposing defenses. The result became one of the most memorable divisional shootouts in NFL history.
Los Angeles Rams 54, Kansas City Chiefs 51 (2018) – 105 Points
The Rams defeated the Chiefs 54–51 on November 19, 2018. The Monday Night Football matchup featured quarterbacks Jared Goff and Patrick Mahomes.
Both offenses produced explosive passing plays and multiple touchdowns. The game also featured defensive touchdowns, turnovers, and several changes in momentum.
It became the highest-scoring Monday Night Football game in history and one of the defining offensive battles of the modern NFL era.
New Orleans Saints 52, New York Giants 49 (2015) – 101 Points
On November 1, 2015, the Saints defeated the Giants 52–49. Drew Brees threw seven touchdown passes, while Eli Manning also delivered a strong passing performance.
The teams combined for 13 passing touchdowns. New Orleans secured the victory with a late field goal.
Denver Broncos 51, Dallas Cowboys 48 (2013) – 99 Points
Peyton Manning and Tony Romo led their teams in a thrilling October 6, 2013 matchup.
Denver won 51–48 after a late field goal. Manning threw four touchdown passes, while Romo threw five.
Both quarterbacks produced exceptional offensive numbers, making this one of the most memorable games of the 2013 season.
Seattle Seahawks 51, Kansas City Chiefs 48 (1983) – 99 Points
The Seahawks defeated Kansas City 51–48 in overtime on November 27, 1983.
Seattle running back Curt Warner rushed for 207 yards and three touchdowns. Norm Johnson kicked the winning 42-yard field goal in overtime.
This remains the highest-scoring NFL overtime game, with 99 combined points.
Highest-Scoring NFL Playoff Games of All-Time
NFL playoff games bring additional pressure because one loss can end a team’s championship hopes. However, several postseason matchups have also produced extraordinary offensive numbers.
Here are the highest-scoring NFL playoff games:
| Rank | Matchup | Final Score | Combined Points | Year |
| 1 | Cardinals vs. Packers | 51–45 | 96 | 2010 |
| 2 | Eagles vs. Lions | 58–37 | 95 | 1995 |
| 3 | Colts vs. Chiefs | 45–44 | 89 | 2014 |
| 4 | Jaguars vs. Steelers | 45–42 | 87 | 2018 |
| 5 | Rams vs. Vikings | 49–37 | 86 | 2000 |
Arizona Cardinals 51, Green Bay Packers 45 (2010) – 96 Points
The Cardinals defeated the Packers in an unforgettable NFC Wild Card game on January 10, 2010.
Kurt Warner threw for 379 yards and five touchdowns. Aaron Rodgers also delivered an impressive performance, helping Green Bay fight back from an early deficit.
The game finished 45–45 in regulation. Arizona then secured the victory through a defensive touchdown in overtime.
Linebacker Karlos Dansby recovered a fumble after a sack on Rodgers and returned it for the winning score. The 96-point total remains the NFL postseason scoring record.
Philadelphia Eagles 58, Detroit Lions 37 (1995) – 95 Points
Philadelphia defeated Detroit 58–37 in the NFC Wild Card round on December 30, 1995.
The Eagles scored consistently and created major problems for Detroit’s defense. Their 58 points helped establish a postseason scoring mark that remained the highest until Arizona and Green Bay combined for 96 points in 2010.
Indianapolis Colts 45, Kansas City Chiefs 44 (2014) – 89 Points
The Colts produced one of the greatest postseason comebacks on January 4, 2014.
Kansas City built a 38–10 lead, but Andrew Luck helped Indianapolis fight back. The Colts eventually won 45–44.
Luck finished with four touchdown passes and a memorable fumble recovery touchdown. This Wild Card game remains a classic example of an NFL playoff comeback.
Jacksonville Jaguars 45, Pittsburgh Steelers 42 (2018) – 87 Points
Jacksonville defeated Pittsburgh in the AFC Divisional Round on January 14, 2018.
Blake Bortles led the Jaguars’ offense, while the defense created important turnovers. Pittsburgh attempted a late comeback, but Jacksonville held on for the victory.
St. Louis Rams 49, Minnesota Vikings 37 (2000) – 86 Points
The Rams defeated Minnesota 49–37 in the NFC Divisional Round on January 16, 2000.
Kurt Warner and the Rams’ explosive offense continued their strong performance from the 1999 championship season. Minnesota also produced points, creating one of the highest-scoring playoff games ever.
Highest-Scoring Super Bowl Games of All-Time
The Super Bowl is the biggest championship event in American football. Even with championship pressure, several teams have produced remarkable offensive performances.
The following are the highest-scoring Super Bowls by combined points.
| Rank | Super Bowl | Matchup | Final Score | Total |
| 1 | XXIX | 49ers vs. Chargers | 49–26 | 75 |
| 2 | LII | Eagles vs. Patriots | 41–33 | 74 |
| 3 | LVII | Chiefs vs. Eagles | 38–35 | 73 |
| 4 (tie) | XXVII | Cowboys vs. Bills | 52–17 | 69 |
| 4 (tie) | XXXVII | Buccaneers vs. Raiders | 48–21 | 69 |
| 6 | XIII | Steelers vs. Cowboys | 35–31 | 66 |
Super Bowl XXIX: San Francisco 49ers 49, San Diego Chargers 26 – 75 Points
Super Bowl XXIX took place on January 29, 1995. The 49ers defeated the Chargers 49–26, producing 75 combined points.
Steve Young threw a Super Bowl-record six touchdown passes. Jerry Rice caught three of those touchdowns and finished with 149 receiving yards.
San Francisco’s offensive dominance made this the highest-scoring Super Bowl in history.
Super Bowl LII: Philadelphia Eagles 41, New England Patriots 33 – 74 Points
Philadelphia defeated New England on February 4, 2018.
Nick Foles threw three touchdown passes and caught a touchdown on the famous Philly Special trick play. Tom Brady passed for 505 yards in the loss.
The 74 combined points made it the second-highest-scoring Super Bowl.
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Super Bowl LVII: Kansas City Chiefs 38, Philadelphia Eagles 35 – 73 Points
The Chiefs defeated the Eagles on February 12, 2023.
Jalen Hurts delivered an outstanding rushing performance, while Patrick Mahomes led Kansas City’s second-half comeback.
A late field goal by Harrison Butker secured Kansas City’s victory. The teams combined for 73 points, placing this matchup among the highest-scoring Super Bowls.
Highest-Scoring NFL Overtime Games
Overtime gives teams another opportunity to score after regulation ends in a tie. Some NFL overtime games have produced exceptionally high combined totals.
Seattle Seahawks 51, Kansas City Chiefs 48 (1983)
The 1983 Seahawks-Chiefs matchup holds the record for the highest-scoring NFL overtime game.
Seattle won 51–48 after Norm Johnson kicked a 42-yard field goal. The teams produced 99 combined points.
Arizona Cardinals 51, Green Bay Packers 45 (2010)
This postseason overtime thriller produced 96 points.
Arizona’s Karlos Dansby scored the winning defensive touchdown after recovering a fumble caused by a sack on Aaron Rodgers.
How Do NFL Overtime Rules Affect Scoring?
NFL overtime rules have changed over time. Modern regular-season games use a 10-minute overtime period, while postseason games continue through additional periods until a winner emerges.
Current postseason rules give both teams an opportunity to possess the ball during overtime. These rules affect game strategy and the chances of additional scoring.
Highest-Scoring NFL Games of the Modern Era
The modern NFL has produced several explosive offensive performances. Improved passing strategies, talented quarterbacks, and versatile running backs have helped teams reach impressive scoring totals.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Kansas City Chiefs (2018) – 105 Points
The Rams-Chiefs matchup remains one of the greatest modern NFL shootouts.
Jared Goff and Patrick Mahomes combined for 105 points in a game filled with touchdowns, turnovers, and explosive passing plays.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns (2004) – 106 Points
This game remains the highest-scoring post-merger NFL matchup, with Cincinnati winning 58–48.
Rudi Johnson and Kelly Holcomb delivered major individual performances.
Chicago Bears vs. Carolina Panthers (2026) – 96 Points
On September 13, 2026, the Chicago Bears defeated the Carolina Panthers 59–37.
The teams combined for 96 points, making it the highest-scoring Week 1 game in NFL history.
Caleb Williams threw for 269 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for two scores, while D’Andre Swift added three rushing touchdowns.
Chicago finished with 552 total yards. The victory was also the Bears’ highest-scoring season opener in franchise history.
Miami Dolphins vs. Denver Broncos (2023) – 90 Points
The Dolphins defeated Denver 70–20 on September 24, 2023.
Tua Tagovailoa directed Miami’s explosive offense, while De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert produced major rushing performances.
Miami finished with 726 total yards. The 70 points also set a franchise record for the Dolphins.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Los Angeles Chargers (2023) – 84 Points
The Raiders defeated the Chargers 63–21 on December 14, 2023.
Las Vegas scored eight offensive touchdowns and added a defensive touchdown. The 63 points marked one of the biggest single-team scoring performances of the modern NFL era.
What Is the Highest Score by One NFL Team in History?
The highest-scoring NFL team performance belongs to the Chicago Bears, who scored 73 points against Washington in 1940.
However, Washington holds the regular-season single-team scoring record with 72 points against the New York Giants in 1966.
These records belong to different game categories.
Chicago Bears 73, Washington 0 (1940)
On December 8, 1940, Chicago defeated Washington 73–0 in the NFL Championship Game.
The Bears scored 11 touchdowns and dominated both sides of the field. Their defense also created eight interceptions, including three interception-return touchdowns.
The 73-point performance remains the highest single-team score in NFL history.
Washington 72, New York Giants 41 (1966)
Washington scored 72 points in its historic 1966 regular-season victory.
This remains the highest score by one team in a regular-season NFL game. It also produced the league’s highest combined scoring total of 113 points.
Miami Dolphins 70, Denver Broncos 20 (2023)
Miami’s 70-point performance against Denver stands among the biggest offensive displays of the modern NFL era.
The Dolphins used a balanced attack with passing touchdowns, explosive runs, and excellent red-zone execution.
What Is the Biggest Blowout in NFL History?
The biggest blowout in NFL history is the Chicago Bears’ 73–0 victory over Washington in 1940.
Chicago won by 73 points in the NFL Championship Game. No other NFL team has matched that winning margin.
A blowout is measured by the difference between the winning and losing team’s scores. It is different from a high-scoring game, where both teams contribute heavily to the total.
For example, Washington’s 72–41 victory over the Giants produced more combined points, but Chicago’s 73–0 victory created a much larger winning margin.
What Are the Highest-Scoring Games by NFL Teams?
NFL franchises have produced different scoring records throughout their histories. Some teams are known for historic offensive performances, while others have set modern scoring marks.
Here are several notable examples:
| NFL Team | Notable Scoring Record | Score |
| Chicago Bears | vs. Washington, 1940 | 73–0 |
| Washington | vs. NY Giants, 1966 | 72–41 |
| Miami Dolphins | vs. Denver Broncos, 2023 | 70–20 |
| Las Vegas Raiders | vs. Chargers, 2023 | 63–21 |
| New Orleans Saints | vs. Giants, 2015 | 52–49 |
| Los Angeles Rams | vs. Chiefs, 2018 | 54–51 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | vs. Atlanta Falcons, 2004 | 56–10 |
These are selected franchise scoring highlights, not a complete ranking of all 32 teams. Historical franchise relocations and name changes must be considered when comparing older records.
Why Do Some NFL Games Produce So Many Points?
High-scoring NFL games usually result from several offensive and defensive factors. A strong offense can create scoring opportunities, but defensive mistakes can make the total even higher.
Explosive Quarterback Performances
Quarterbacks play a major role in offensive production. Accurate passing, quick decisions, and deep throws can create multiple scoring opportunities.
Players such as Patrick Mahomes, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, and Kurt Warner have delivered memorable performances in high-scoring games.
Weak Defensive Performances
Defensive mistakes can allow opponents to score quickly. Poor coverage, missed tackles, and missed assignments often create opportunities for long touchdowns.
When both defenses struggle, the combined score can increase rapidly.
Turnovers and Defensive Touchdowns
Interceptions and fumble recoveries can change a game’s direction. Defensive players can return turnovers directly for touchdowns.
Washington’s 1966 victory is a strong example. Its defense contributed important scoring plays to the 113-point total.
Fast-Paced Offensive Systems
Modern offenses often use quick passes, spread formations, and no-huddle strategies.
These approaches can create mismatches and give opposing defenses less time to adjust.
Overtime and Additional Possessions
Overtime can provide extra scoring opportunities. The 1983 Seahawks-Chiefs matchup reached 99 combined points after an overtime field goal.
However, overtime alone does not explain every high-scoring result. Offensive efficiency and defensive performance remain important factors.
How NFL Scoring Has Changed Throughout History
NFL scoring has changed as teams have developed new offensive strategies and adapted to rule changes.
Early NFL Era: 1920s–1950s
Early football relied heavily on running plays and physical defense. The Chicago Bears’ 73-point championship victory in 1940 remains one of the strongest examples of historical offensive dominance.
NFL Offensive Evolution: 1960s–1980s
Passing offenses became increasingly important. Washington’s 72-point performance in 1966 demonstrated how passing, rushing, and defensive scoring could combine.
The Seahawks-Chiefs game in 1983 also showed how explosive offenses could produce huge totals.
Modern Passing Era: 1990s–2010s
Quarterbacks became central to many successful offensive systems.
The Rams, Patriots, Saints, and Broncos produced memorable scoring performances during this period. Players such as Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Peyton Manning helped shape modern passing football.
Current NFL Era: 2020–2026
Modern offenses use versatile quarterbacks, creative formations, and multiple rushing options.
The Dolphins’ 70-point performance in 2023 and the Bears’ 59-point performance in 2026 demonstrate that modern teams can still produce historic scoring totals.
NFL Scoring Records: Quick Reference
Here is a summary of the most important records discussed in this article.
| NFL Record | Record Holder | Score |
| Highest combined points | Washington vs. Giants | 113 |
| Most points by one team | Chicago Bears | 73 |
| Highest regular-season team score | Washington | 72 |
| Highest-scoring playoff game | Cardinals vs. Packers | 96 |
| Highest-scoring Super Bowl | 49ers vs. Chargers | 75 |
| Highest-scoring overtime game | Seahawks vs. Chiefs | 99 |
| Largest winning margin | Chicago Bears | 73 points |
These records cover different categories, so they should not be treated as interchangeable.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Highest-Scoring NFL Games
Has There Been a 100 Point NFL Game?
Yes. Several NFL games have produced more than 100 combined points.The record belongs to Washington and the New York Giants. Washington won 72–41 in 1966, producing 113 combined points..
What NFL Team Scored 73 Points in a Game?
The Chicago Bears scored 73 points against Washington on December 8, 1940. Chicago won the NFL Championship Game 73–0. This remains the highest number of points scored by one team in an NFL game.
What Is the Biggest Blowout in NFL History?
The Chicago Bears’ 73–0 victory over Washington in 1940 holds the record. Chicago won by 73 points, making it the largest winning margin in NFL history.
What’s the Highest Scoring NFL Game by Team?
The Chicago Bears hold the overall single-team scoring record with 73 points against Washington in 1940. For regular-season games, Washington holds the record with 72 points against the New York Giants in 1966.
Conclusion
The highest-scoring NFL games of all time show how explosive offenses can create unforgettable football moments.
Washington’s 113-point shootout against the Giants remains the combined scoring record. The Chicago Bears’ 73-point championship performance remains the single-team scoring record.
From the Cardinals-Packers playoff thriller to the 49ers’ record-setting Super Bowl victory, these games continue to define NFL scoring history