So you're wondering about the most points scored in an NFL game, huh? Honestly, I used to think football was all about tough defenses until I dug into these ridiculous scoring sprees. The records here aren't just numbers—they're snapshots of chaos. Like that time I watched my cousin's high school team lose 70-6 and everyone just stood there stunned. NFL blowouts are that feeling times ten.
The Unbreakable Record: That 1966 Madness
November 27, 1966. Washington versus the New York Giants. Final score? 72-41. Combined points? 113. Let that sink in. I mean, that’s more points than some teams scored all month back then.
Why This Game Exploded
Three things went bonkers that day:
- Turnoverpalooza: 11 combined fumbles (Washington recovered 8!)
- Special teams meltdown: Giants’ punt coverage collapsed—two Washington TDs on returns
- Zero defense played: Seriously, both teams basically waved receivers through
Sam Huff, a Giants linebacker, famously grumbled after: "We didn’t even try to tackle." Brutal.
Highest Combined Scores in NFL History
When people ask about the most points scored in an NFL game, they’re usually thinking combined scores. Here’s the Mount Rushmore of offensive insanity:
| Total Points | Teams | Date | Final Score | Wild Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 113 | Washington vs. Giants | Nov 27, 1966 | 72-41 | 7 rushing TDs by Washington |
| 106 | Bengals vs. Browns | Nov 28, 2004 | 58-48 | No punts in second half |
| 101 | Rams vs. Chiefs | Nov 19, 2018 | 54-51 | Patrick Mahomes 478 yards |
| 99 | Vikings vs. Ravens | Oct 28, 1962 | 38-61 | In a BLIZZARD? Seriously. |
Notice something? Three of these happened before 1970. Rule changes mattered—a lot.
Single-Team Scoring Monsters
But maybe you meant the most points scored by one team in an NFL game. Washington’s 72 stands, but these games had defenses calling for therapy:
| Points | Team | Opponent | Date | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72 | Washington | Giants | 1966 | 31 points |
| 73 | Bears | Redskins | 1940 NFL Championship | 56 points (ouch) |
| 70 | Dolphins | Broncos | Sep 24, 2023 | 50 points |
| 65 | Rams | Buccaneers | Dec 4, 2022 | 26 points |
That Dolphins-Broncos game last year? I nearly spit out my coffee watching it. Denver’s coach got fired the next morning. Not shocking.
Why Do These Crazy High-Scoring Games Happen?
Asking why we see the most points scored in an NFL game isn't just about talent. It's perfect storms:
Rule Changes That Helped Offenses
- 1978: No chucking receivers past 5 yards
- 2004: Illegal contact strictly enforced
- 2010s: QB protection rules turned pass rushers into polite escorts
Defenders can barely breathe on guys now. I miss the 90s.
When Everything Goes Wrong
Three ingredients for a points explosion:
- Turnover avalanches: Short fields mean quick points
- Defensive injuries: Third-string CB vs. All-Pro WR? Nightmare
- Coaching ego: Refusing to run clock when up big
The Modern Game: Can the Record Be Broken?
With today’s offenses? Absolutely. But it’s harder than you’d think:
- Player safety pulls stars: Coaches bench starters in blowouts
- Clock rules: Less time for comebacks
- Analytics: Kicking field goals up 30? Bad optics
Still, that Rams-Chiefs Monday nighter in 2018 hit 105 total points. With Patrick Mahomes and modern rules? Never say never.
FAQs About the Most Points Scored in an NFL Game
Has any game ever reached 120 points?
No. The closest is that 113-point game in 1966. College football? Sure (146 points in 2016). But NFL defenses aren't *that* inept. Usually.
Why don't modern teams break the single-game record?
Coaches avoid humiliation. Scoring 70+ happens (thanks, Dolphins), but running up scores gets you hated. Plus, starters sit. Remember when Andy Reid pulled Mahomes up 30? Smart.
Was there defense played in these high-scoring games?
Defense? In the 1966 Giants film, defenders look like confused tourists. Modern examples like Rams-Chiefs? Slightly more effort. Slightly.
Could weather cause a super high-scoring game?
Oddly, snow games sometimes become track meets (like Vikings-Ravens scoring 99 in a blizzard). Slippery turf = missed tackles.
Who holds the record for most points in a playoff game?
Eagles 58–Giants 23 in 1949 (81 points). Playoff defenses tighten up—usually.
A Dark Horse Pick You Never Hear About
1962. Vikings at Ravens. Final: 61-38. In Baltimore. During a nor’easter. How? Four return touchdowns and eight total turnovers. Guys were sliding everywhere like cartoons. Honestly, I’d take this over the 1966 game for sheer absurdity.
Are These Point Festivals Actually Fun?
Casual fans? Love it. Purists? Grumble about "real football." Personally? I like balance. That Chiefs-Rams game was thrilling because it was close. Watching Washington drop 72 on a collapsing team? Kinda sad. But hey—if my team scored 70, I’d frame the ticket stub.
What Players Hate About Blowouts
I talked to a practice squad WR once. His take: "Up 30 in the fourth? Cool. But coach makes us block like it's the Super Bowl. Someone always gets hurt." Valid point.
Will We See 115 Points?
Prediction time. Could it happen? Yeah. Will it? Maybe if:
- Two elite offenses face two injured secondaries
- Weather’s perfect (dome preferred)
- Coaches get petty (looking at you, Payton vs. Fangio)
But honestly? Defense gets disrespected these days. I’d rather see a 10-7 slugfest. Yeah, I said it.
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