The National Football League (NFL) has witnessed numerous high-scoring games throughout its history, with some matches featuring a combined total of over 100 points. In this article, we'll delve into the top 5 highest-scoring NFL games, exploring the teams, scores, and notable performances that made these contests so unforgettable. We'll also examine the key factors that contributed to such high scores, including the teams' offenses, defenses, and special teams units.
Key Points
- The highest-scoring NFL game was the 1966 game between the Washington Redskins and the New York Giants, with a combined score of 113 points.
- The 2018 game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Kansas City Chiefs is the highest-scoring game in the modern era, with a combined score of 105 points.
- Strong offenses, weak defenses, and favorable game conditions are key factors that contribute to high-scoring games.
- Special teams units can also play a significant role in high-scoring games, with kickoff and punt returns often leading to scoring opportunities.
- Coaching strategies and player performances are crucial in determining the outcome of high-scoring games.
Highest Scoring NFL Games
The NFL has a rich history of high-scoring games, with some matches featuring a combined total of over 100 points. Here are the top 5 highest-scoring NFL games:
1. Washington Redskins vs. New York Giants (1966) - 113 Points
The 1966 game between the Washington Redskins and the New York Giants remains the highest-scoring NFL game in history, with a combined total of 113 points. The Redskins won the game 72-41, with quarterback Sonny Jurgensen throwing for 411 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Giants’ quarterback, Fran Tarkenton, threw for 345 yards and 2 touchdowns, but also had 4 interceptions. This game is often cited as one of the most iconic in NFL history, with its high-scoring offense and porous defense.
2. Los Angeles Rams vs. Kansas City Chiefs (2018) - 105 Points
The 2018 game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Kansas City Chiefs is the highest-scoring game in the modern era, with a combined total of 105 points. The Rams won the game 54-51, with quarterback Jared Goff throwing for 413 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Chiefs’ quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, threw for 478 yards and 6 touchdowns, but also had 3 interceptions. This game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading touchdowns and neither able to gain a decisive advantage.
3. Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns (2004) - 98 Points
The 2004 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns was a high-scoring affair, with a combined total of 98 points. The Bengals won the game 58-40, with quarterback Carson Palmer throwing for 382 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Browns’ quarterback, Kelly Holcomb, threw for 413 yards and 5 touchdowns, but also had 2 interceptions. This game was notable for its explosive offense, with both teams combining for over 900 total yards.
4. New Orleans Saints vs. Cincinnati Bengals (2014) - 97 Points
The 2014 game between the New Orleans Saints and the Cincinnati Bengals was a high-scoring game, with a combined total of 97 points. The Saints won the game 52-45, with quarterback Drew Brees throwing for 381 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Bengals’ quarterback, Andy Dalton, threw for 284 yards and 2 touchdowns, but also had 2 interceptions. This game was notable for its strong offense, with both teams combining for over 800 total yards.
5. Green Bay Packers vs. Arizona Cardinals (2009) - 96 Points
The 2009 game between the Green Bay Packers and the Arizona Cardinals was a high-scoring affair, with a combined total of 96 points. The Packers won the game 51-45, with quarterback Aaron Rodgers throwing for 423 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Cardinals’ quarterback, Kurt Warner, threw for 432 yards and 5 touchdowns, but also had 2 interceptions. This game was notable for its explosive offense, with both teams combining for over 900 total yards.
| Game | Score | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Redskins vs. New York Giants | 113 points | 1966 |
| Los Angeles Rams vs. Kansas City Chiefs | 105 points | 2018 |
| Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns | 98 points | 2004 |
| New Orleans Saints vs. Cincinnati Bengals | 97 points | 2014 |
| Green Bay Packers vs. Arizona Cardinals | 96 points | 2009 |
Factors Contributing to High-Scoring Games
There are several factors that contribute to high-scoring games in the NFL. These include:
Strong Offenses
A strong offense is the foundation of a high-scoring game. When a team has a potent offense, with a talented quarterback, skilled wide receivers, and a dominant running back, they are capable of scoring points in bunches. The 2018 Los Angeles Rams, for example, had a strong offense that featured quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Brandin Cooks, and running back Todd Gurley.
Weak Defenses
A weak defense is also a key factor in high-scoring games. When a team’s defense is porous, they are unable to stop the opposing team’s offense, leading to a high-scoring affair. The 2018 Kansas City Chiefs, for example, had a weak defense that struggled to stop the Los Angeles Rams’ offense.
Favorable Game Conditions
Favorable game conditions, such as good weather and a fast playing surface, can also contribute to high-scoring games. When the weather is good and the playing surface is fast, teams are able to move the ball more easily and score points more quickly. The 2018 game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Kansas City Chiefs, for example, was played in good weather and on a fast playing surface, which contributed to the high score.
Special Teams Units
Special teams units can also play a significant role in high-scoring games. When a team has a strong special teams unit, with a talented kicker, punter, and return specialists, they are able to score points on kickoffs and punts. The 2018 Los Angeles Rams, for example, had a strong special teams unit that featured kicker Greg Zuerlein and return specialist Pharoh Cooper.
What is the highest-scoring game in NFL history?
+The highest-scoring game in NFL history is the 1966 game between the Washington Redskins and the New York Giants, with a combined score of 113 points.
What are the key factors that contribute to high-scoring games in the NFL?
+The key factors that contribute to high-scoring games in the NFL include strong offenses, weak defenses, favorable game conditions, and strong special teams units.
Who are some of the most notable players in high-scoring games in the NFL?
+Some of the most notable players in high-scoring games in the NFL include quarterbacks such as Jared Goff, Patrick Mahomes, and Drew Brees, as well as wide receivers such as Brandin Cooks and Michael Thomas.
