When defense takes the day off and quarterbacks go full throttle, magic happens. We’re talking about those wild, high-octane NFL matchups that break records, light up the scoreboard, and leave fans breathless. These aren’t just exciting games—they’re iconic milestones in football history. So if you’ve ever asked, “What was the highest scoring NFL game of all time?” or “How many games have passed 100 points?”—this list has your answers. From legendary 1960s blowouts to modern primetime thrillers, here are the highest-scoring NFL games to ever hit the gridiron.

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1. Washington Redskins 72–New York Giants 41 — 113 Total Points (Nov 27, 1966)

This iconic clash still stands as the highest-scoring NFL game ever. With a jaw-dropping 113 combined points, the Redskins roared to a 72–41 win—the stuff of legend. Washington quarterback Sonny Jurgensen threw multiple long touchdown passes, and the team’s offense was relentless, scoring on drive after drive. The Giants, though on the losing side, matched that energy, keeping the scoreboard busy. The game featured 16 total touchdowns—nine of them long bombs—turning D.C. Stadium into a scoring carnival. Even today, referring to this as the highest-scoring NFL game is no exaggeration.

16 total touchdowns scored in the game (an NFL record)
Washington scored 10 touchdowns and a field goal
Still holds the record for most points by one team (72)

2. Cincinnati Bengals 58–Cleveland Browns 48 — 106 Total Points (Nov 28, 2004)

Nearly four decades later, the Bengals and Browns engaged in one of the most intense modern-day point duels—the second-highest combined score in regular-season NFL history. With 106 points on the board, this remains among the most explosive, highest-scoring NFL games. Cincinnati quarterback Carson Palmer threw for multiple touchdowns, and Rudi Johnson contributed a few on the ground. The Browns responded in kind, crafting a back-and-forth affair that stayed tight until the final whistle. This clash remains a highlight in any conversation about the highest-scoring NFL game matchups of recent memory.

Carson Palmer threw for 251 yards and 4 touchdowns
Game featured three defensive touchdowns and two 100-yard rushing performances
Deltha O'Neal’s pick-six helped seal the Bengals’ win

‍3. Los Angeles Rams 54–Kansas City Chiefs 51 — 105 Total Points (Nov 19, 2018)

Night-time offense lit up the Coliseum on Monday Night Football in 2018, making this one of the most thrilling, highest-scoring NFL games in recent history. With a total of 105 combined points, this matchup holds the record for the highest-scoring MNF ever. Superstars Jared Goff and Patrick Mahomes turned the game into an offensive masterclass, both surpassing 400 passing yards and peppering the scoreboard with multiple touchdowns. The Rams ultimately posted the winning points, but the Chiefs etched their name in history as the first team to score more than 50 points and still lose. As a milestone highest-scoring NFL game it's a modern testament to how high-tempo offense can completely dominate the gridiron narrative.

Mahomes: 478 yards, 6 touchdowns, 3 turnovers
Goff: 413 yards, 5 touchdowns, 0 interceptions
First game in NFL history where both teams scored over 50 points

‍4. New Orleans Saints 52–New York Giants 49 — 101 Total Points (Nov 1, 2015)

The Saints-Giants game cracked the 100-point ceiling, delivering a fascinating duel of deep-threat offenses and veteran quarterback play. With 101 combined points, it stands among the most impressive entries in the highest-scoring NFL game rankings. Drew Brees delivered an astonishing seven touchdown passes, matching the Saints' penchant for explosive offensive drives. But Eli Manning and the Giants countered with six TDs of their own, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final Saints’ field goal sealed the win.

13 combined passing touchdowns—a single-game NFL record
Brees: 505 passing yards, 7 touchdowns
Game-winning 50-yard field goal by Kai Forbath as time expired

‍5. Oakland Raiders 52–Houston Oilers 49 — 101 Total Points (Dec 22, 1963)

Even before integration and big TV deals, the NFL had its share of shootouts—and the 1963 Raiders-Oilers game is proof. With a 52–49 finish and 101 total points, it ranks among the top highest-scoring NFL games of the pre-merger era. Raiders quarterback Tom Flores tossed six touchdown passes, while Oilers legend George Blanda answered in kind with five. This gritty, high-scoring clash showcased how elevated offense could dominate even early football eras.

11 total passing touchdowns between both teams
Blanda passed for over 400 yards in a losing effort
Raiders sealed the game with a field goal in the final minute

When Offense Runs the Show

From 113-point showdowns to 105-point primetime classics, these highest-scoring NFL games remind us that sometimes, it’s all about putting points on the board—fast and often. Each game on this list brought explosive offense, standout quarterback performances, and a piece of history that won’t soon be forgotten. Whether it was the Redskins' unstoppable 1966 rout, the modern-day firepower of Mahomes vs. Goff, or Brees and Manning’s touchdown duel, these games prove that offensive shootouts are as thrilling as football gets. So the next time you're looking for the wildest, most action-packed football ever played, start with the highest scoring NFL game in league history—and don’t blink.