Highest Scoring Football Game Ever: 113 Points in 1966

By Sarah Miller · September 11, 2049

The highest scoring football game in professional history occurred on November 27, 1966, when the Washington Redskins defeated the New York Giants 72–41, totaling 113 points in a single NFL game. This remains the record for combined points in a regulation American football game.

Understanding High-Scoring Football Games

When discussing the highest scoring football game ever, it's essential to clarify which code of football is being referenced — American football, soccer (association football), or another variant. In this context, we focus on American football, particularly the National Football League (NFL), where scoring is higher than in most other football codes due to rules favoring offensive play and frequent touchdowns.

Key Factors That Influence Game Scoring

Offensive strategies emphasizing passing and speed
Defensive weaknesses or aggressive blitzing schemes
Weather conditions favorable to passing games
Number of turnovers leading to short-field scoring opportunities
Game pace and number of possessions per half

NFL's Highest Scoring Game: 1966 Redskins vs. Giants

The record-setting game between the Washington Redskins and New York Giants on November 27, 1966, took place at Yankee Stadium. The two teams combined for 113 points, with Washington scoring 72 and New York tallying 41. This game surpassed previous high-scoring contests and remains unmatched in NFL history.

Why This Game Was So Explosive

Both teams had aggressive offensive coordinators focused on passing
The Giants' defense was among the worst in the league that season
Washington quarterback Sonny Jurgensen threw for 506 yards and six touchdowns
There were five lead changes, encouraging continuous offensive aggression
Minimal penalties and stoppages allowed for a fast-paced game

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Total Points
Washington Redskins	14	21	28	9	72
New York Giants	7	17	7	10	41
Total Combined	21	38	35	19	113

Table data source:1, 2

The scoring distribution shows an explosive second and third quarter, where 73 total points were scored. Washington's ability to sustain drives and capitalize on turnovers led to their dominant performance. Despite the Giants keeping pace early, defensive breakdowns in the third quarter allowed the Redskins to pull away.

Other Notable High-Scoring NFL Games

While the 1966 game stands alone in total points, several other matches have come close in terms of offensive output.

2011: Green Bay Packers vs. New Orleans Saints (62–34) — Total: 96 points
1940: Chicago Bears vs. Washington Redskins (73–0) — Highest margin, not combined score
2020: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers (38–31 OT) — Regular-season overtime shootout

Historical Context of Offensive Evolution

The 1966 game predates the modern NFL era, yet its scoring reflects trends that would later dominate the 2000s and 2010s. Rule changes favoring quarterbacks, increased use of spread offenses, and reduced physicality on defense have all contributed to higher scores across recent decades.

Highest Scoring Games in Other Football Codes

In association football (soccer), high scores are rare due to lower scoring nature. However, some historical matches feature extreme results:

AS Adema 149–0 SO l'Emyrne (2002) — A protest match in Madagascar where the losing team scored own goals
Portugal 31–0 Mozambique (1939) — Unofficial friendly, not FIFA-recognized
Australia 31–0 American Samoa (2001) — Official FIFA record for largest margin in international match

Frequently Asked Questions About the Highest Scoring Football Game Ever

What was the score of the highest scoring NFL game ever?

The highest scoring NFL game ended with the Washington Redskins defeating the New York Giants 72–41 on November 27, 1966, combining for 113 points.

Has any NFL game had more than 100 total points?

Yes, the 1966 Redskins vs. Giants game totaled 113 points. Only a few other games have exceeded 100 combined points, such as the 2011 Packers vs. Saints game (96 points).

Who holds the record for most points scored by one team in an NFL game?

The Chicago Bears hold the record with 73 points in the 1940 NFL Championship Game against the Washington Redskins.

Has a Super Bowl ever been a high-scoring game?

The highest-scoring Super Bowl was Super Bowl LII, where the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41–33, combining for 74 points.

Why don't modern NFL games break the 1966 scoring record?

Although offenses are more advanced today, better overall defenses, strategic clock management, and conservative coaching in blowouts prevent teams from sustaining the level of scoring seen in 1966.