The National Football League (NFL) has seen its share of high-scoring, action-packed games throughout its storied history. Some games have been thrilling, edge-of-your-seat affairs, while others have become unforgettable due to their incredible offensive firepower. High-scoring games in the NFL often showcase outstanding performances by both teams, with the scoreboard continuously lighting up. In this article, we’ll look at some of the highest scoring games in NFL history and break down what made them so memorable.
1. Washington Redskins vs. New York Giants (1966) — 113 Points
Final Score: Washington Redskins 72, New York Giants 41
Date: November 27, 1966
One of the most explosive games in NFL history took place in 1966 when the Washington Redskins faced the New York Giants. The game saw a record-breaking 113 points scored, with Washington dominating the Giants. The Redskins were led by quarterback Sonny Jurgensen, who threw for several touchdowns, while running back A.J. Duhe added to the offensive surge with multiple touchdowns of his own. This game still stands as the highest-scoring NFL game to date.
2. Los Angeles Rams vs. Kansas City Chiefs (2018) — 105 Points
Final Score: Los Angeles Rams 54, Kansas City Chiefs 51
Date: November 19, 2018
In a game that became an instant classic, the Los Angeles Rams and the Kansas City Chiefs put on a show during the 2018 NFL season. This Monday Night Football matchup saw 105 total points scored, making it one of the highest-scoring games of the modern NFL era. Both offenses were at their peak, with quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs and Jared Goff of the Rams leading the charge. Mahomes threw for 478 yards and six touchdowns, while Goff tossed for 413 yards and four touchdowns. The game featured incredible offensive displays, with the Rams emerging victorious in a 54-51 win.
3. Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns (2004) — 106 Points
Final Score: Cincinnati Bengals 58, Cleveland Browns 48
Date: November 28, 2004
Another game in the 2000s that featured a high-scoring affair was between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns in 2004. The two teams combined for 106 points in a thrilling contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer threw for over 300 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Bengals to a 58-48 victory. The Browns fought back with Jeff Garcia at the helm, but Cincinnati’s offense proved too much to overcome.
4. Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers (2011) — 104 Points
Final Score: Detroit Lions 45, Green Bay Packers 41
Date: September 25, 2011
In 2011, the Detroit Lions faced the Green Bay Packers in a high-octane battle in which 104 total points were scored. Both teams were in great offensive form, and the game was a back-and-forth contest with incredible performances. Matthew Stafford of the Lions threw for 311 yards and four touchdowns, while Aaron Rodgers of the Packers threw for 400 yards and four touchdowns as well. The game ultimately went to Detroit, who clinched a narrow victory, 45-41, in one of the most exciting NFC North matchups in recent memory.
5. San Francisco 49ers vs. New Orleans Saints (2011) — 105 Points
Final Score: San Francisco 49ers 49, New Orleans Saints 46
Date: December 4, 2011
The 2011 matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and the New Orleans Saints turned into an unforgettable game that featured a remarkable 105 points. The 49ers’ quarterback Alex Smith threw for 303 yards and three touchdowns, including a game-winning touchdown pass to Vernon Davis. However, Drew Brees and the Saints were also putting on a spectacular show, with Brees throwing for 406 yards and three touchdowns. The game was a wild back-and-forth affair, with both teams playing high-paced offense. The 49ers clinched a last-second win, 49-46, in a game that has gone down as one of the most exciting games in NFL history.
6. Denver Broncos vs. Dallas Cowboys (2013) — 104 Points
Final Score: Denver Broncos 51, Dallas Cowboys 48
Date: October 6, 2013
In a thrilling game between the Denver Broncos and the Dallas Cowboys, the two teams combined for 104 points. The game is most remembered for the incredible performances by Peyton Manning, who threw for 414 yards and four touchdowns, and Tony Romo, who threw for 506 yards and five touchdowns. The Broncos ultimately came out on top in a high-scoring affair, winning 51-48, thanks to a late touchdown drive by Manning and his offense.
7. Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2018) — 105 Points
Final Score: Chicago Bears 48, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 45
Date: September 30, 2018
In this exciting game during the 2018 season, the Chicago Bears and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers combined for 105 points in a thrilling contest. Mitchell Trubisky led the Bears with six touchdown passes, while Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 400 yards and four touchdowns for the Buccaneers. The back-and-forth nature of the game kept fans engaged until the very end, with the Bears pulling off a 48-45 victory.
The NFL has seen some of the most exciting and high-scoring games in sports history. These thrilling showdowns have given fans unforgettable moments of offensive firepower, where teams set aside defensive struggles in favor of pure scoring. Whether it’s through incredible quarterback performances or explosive offensive plays, the highest-scoring games in NFL history will always remain iconic examples of the league’s entertainment value. From the 1966 Redskins vs. Giants game to the 2018 Rams vs. Chiefs, these games have pushed the boundaries of what we thought was possible in American football.
