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The 5 Highest Scoring NFL Games of All Time

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Published Oct 16, 2023

The National Football League has seen its fair share of high-scoring games throughout its illustrious history. These games are not only memorable for the sheer number of points scored but also for the excitement and drama they bring to the field. High-scoring NFL games often feature prolific offenses, exceptional quarterback performances, and occasionally some defensive lapses that lead to a flurry of touchdowns. Others feature wild comebacks and all sorts of twists and turns before the final whistle.

Today, we'll explore some of the highest-scoring games in NFL history, where both teams put up an impressive tally of points, providing fans with unforgettable moments and record-breaking performances on the gridiron. These games showcase the explosive and dynamic nature of professional football, making them a source of joy and fascination for fans around the world.

Here are the five highest scoring NFL games of all time:

5. Oakland Raiders vs. Houston Oilers: 101 points

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Score: Raiders 52 - Oilers 49
Date: December 22, 1963

The 1963 AFL (American Football League) regular-season game between the Oakland Raiders and the Houston Oilers is one of the most famous high-scoring games in NFL history. The contest took place on December 22, 1963, at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. This game is often referred to as the "Heidi Game" due to the way it ended, a story that still resonates with football fans and beyond.

With less than a minute left in the game and the Raiders trailing by three points, NBC cut away from the live broadcast to air the movie "Heidi" as per their scheduled programming. In the final moments of the game, the Raiders staged a dramatic comeback, scoring two touchdowns to secure their victory. But viewers who were watching the broadcast of the movie missed this thrilling conclusion, leading to a wave of complaints and the game becoming widely known as the "Heidi Game."

4. New Orleans Saints vs. New York Giants: 101 points

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Score: Saints 52 - Giants 49
Date: November 1, 2015

In this game, both teams showcased their offensive firepower, and the final score was 52-49 in favor of the New Orleans Saints. The combined 101 points made it one of the highest-scoring games in NFL history. Drew Brees, the quarterback of the New Orleans Saints, delivered a stellar performance, throwing for an astounding seven touchdowns, tying an NFL record for the most touchdown passes in a single game. Brees and the Saints' offense were in top form, and they needed every bit of that performance to outlast the New York Giants.

In the end, the Saints secured the victory with a field goal as time expired, but the high-scoring affair left a lasting impression on NFL fans and was a testament to the explosive and unpredictable nature of professional football. This game is often remembered as one of the most thrilling offensive showcases in recent NFL history.

3. Los Angeles Rams vs. Kansas City Chiefs: 105 points

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Score: Rams 54 - Chiefs 51
Date: November 19, 2018

The game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Kansas City Chiefs on November 19, 2018, was a historic and unforgettable high-scoring affair that took place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. This game, often referred to as "Monday Night Football's Greatest Game," showcased two of the NFL's most potent offenses and became one of the highest-scoring games in the league's history.

Key moments in the game included multiple lead changes, defensive touchdowns, and back-and-forth scoring. The Rams' defense sealed the victory with a late-game interception return for a touchdown, capping off an electrifying contest that thrilled fans and showcased the evolving nature of offensive football in the NFL.

2. Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns: 106 points

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Score: Bengals 58 - Browns 48
Date: November 19, 2004

The game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns on November 28, 2004, was a notable matchup for a couple of reasons, although it might not be as famous as some other high-scoring games in NFL history.

For the Bengals, quarterback Carson Palmer had a remarkable day, throwing for 401 yards and six touchdowns. He was helped by standout performances from receivers Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. The Browns, led by quarterback Kelly Holcomb, also had a strong offensive showing, with Holcomb passing for 429 yards and three touchdowns.

1. Washington Redskins vs. New York Giants: 113 points

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Score: Redskins 72 - Giants 41
Date: November 27, 1966

The game between the Washington Redskins and the New York Giants on November 27, 1966, was a historic and memorable contest in the NFL, primarily because of the weather conditions that came to define it. This game is often referred to as the "Mud Bowl."

In the end, the Redskins won the game with a final score of 72-41, setting an NFL record for the most points scored in a single game. However, the primary story of the game was the challenging playing conditions, with players slipping and sliding through the mud. It was a remarkable spectacle as players fought to keep their footing and struggled to execute even the simplest plays.