NFL Record: The Most Points Scored by One Team in an NFL Game

The National Football League is built on bone-crushing hits, thrilling action, legendary athletic performances, and scoring. For fans, there’s nothing quite like watching their favorite team dominate on the field, racking up points as if the defense is merely a suggestion. In a league where every yard is hard-earned, certain games stand out as extraordinary, where one team simply could not be stopped. As you check the latest NFL odds and lines by Betus for your next wager, it’s worth studying the highest-scoring NFL games in history, especially if you want to bet on the total team points odds.

The Most Points Scored by One Team in an NFL Game

These high-scoring battles are epic stories of preparation, execution, and sometimes a bit of luck. When a team finds itself in the zone, firing on every cylinder, the scoreboard lights up in a way that leaves fans, the opposing team, and the entire league in awe. For an in-depth look at the NFL’s highest-scoring teams, keep reading to explore the history of record-breaking point totals in a single game.

What Is the Most Points Scored in an NFL Game by a Team?

The most points ever scored by a single team in an NFL game is a jaw-dropping 73, a record that has stood since December 8, 1940. The game was the NFL Championship, where the Chicago Bears obliterated the Washington Redskins with a 73-0 victory. This lopsided affair remains the most points scored by one team in an NFL game and is a testament to the Bears’ dominance during that era.

The 1940 Chicago Bears were coached by the legendary George Halas and were known for their innovative T-formation offense, which was ahead of its time. In the championship game, everything went right for the Bears, and everything went wrong for the Redskins. Chicago’s offense was unstoppable, while their defense was impenetrable, leading to one of the most one-sided games in NFL history.

The Story Behind the 73-0 Victory

The 1940 NFL Championship game was played at Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C., and the Redskins were actually favored to win by many experts of the time. Washington had defeated the Bears 7-3 just three weeks earlier, and their owner, George Preston Marshall, reportedly taunted the Bears by calling them crybabies. If there’s one thing to take away from this story, it’s that taunting an opponent can backfire spectacularly.

The Bears, fueled by Halas’s leadership and Marshall’s comments, came out with a vengeance. From the first play, it was clear that Chicago was on a different level. The T-formation, which utilized multiple running backs and a versatile passing attack, left Washington’s defense bewildered. The Bears scored early and often, with touchdowns coming from both their offense and defense. By halftime, the score was already 28-0, and the Redskins looked completely outmatched. The second half was more of the same, with Chicago continuing to pile on the points, ultimately finishing with a record-setting 73-0 victory.

This game wasn’t just a blowout; it was a demonstration of how motivation, preparation, innovation, and execution can lead to historic results. The Bears’ 73 points remain the most points scored by one team in an NFL game, a record that has stood unchallenged for over 80 years.

What NFL Teams Have Scored 70 Points in a Game?

Only four teams have eclipsed the 70-point mark. While the Chicago Bears hold the record for the most points scored in a game, other teams have also achieved the rare feat of scoring 70 or more points. These games are a testament to offensive prowess and often involve a perfect storm of factors: a high-powered offense, a struggling defense, and sometimes, special teams contributions that push the score even higher.

Here are the NFL teams that have scored 70 points in a game:

1. Chicago Bears – 73 points  

● Opponent: Washington Redskins  

● Date: December 8, 1940  

● Final Score: Bears 73, Redskins 0  

What more is left to say about the biggest blowout in NFL history? On December 8, 1940, the Chicago Bears scored a record-breaking 73 points against the Washington Redskins in the NFL Championship game. Deploying their innovative T-formation offense, the Bears overwhelmed the Redskins from start to finish, capitalizing on every mistake and executing their game plan to perfection. By the end of the game, the Bears had not only secured the win but also cemented their place in NFL lore and the NFL record books with the most points ever scored by one team in a single game. The record still stands today.

2. Washington Redskins – 72 points  

● Opponent: New York Giants  

● Date: November 27, 1966  

● Final Score: Redskins 72, Giants 41  

It took 26 years, 1 month, and 19 days, but Washington finally countered the 73-point blowout by scoring 72 points against the Giants. The game was a shootout from the start, with both teams combining for 113 points—the highest combined score in a single game at the time. The Redskins, led by quarterback Sonny Jurgensen, unleashed an offensive barrage that overwhelmed the Giants.

3. Los Angeles Rams – 70 points  

● Opponent: Baltimore Colts  

● Date: October 22, 1950  

● Final Score: Rams 70, Colts 27  

Before they were The Greatest Show on Turf, the Rams delivered one of the most dominant performances in NFL history against the Colts. The Rams’ 70 points were the result of a balanced attack that saw contributions from both the passing and running games.

4. Miami Dolphins – 70 points  

● Opponent: Denver Broncos  

● Date: September 24, 2023  

● Final Score: Dolphins 70, Broncos 20  

In a more recent game, the Miami Dolphins showcased one of the most explosive offenses in modern NFL history, scoring 70 points against the Denver Broncos. This game saw the Dolphins execute flawlessly on both sides of the ball, with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa leading the charge.

The Context of High-Scoring Games

High-scoring games are often seen as anomalies in the NFL, where defenses typically play a significant role in controlling the score. However, when an offense is firing on all cylinders and facing a defense that’s struggling, the results can be extraordinary. Factors such as weather, injuries, turnovers, and even coaching decisions can all contribute to a team scoring a large number of points.

In many cases, these games also highlight the importance of preparation and game planning. Teams that score 70 or more points aren’t just lucky; they’re executing a game plan to near perfection, capitalizing on every opportunity and exploiting their opponent’s weaknesses.

Conclusion

The highest-scoring NFL games are a fascinating aspect of the league’s history, showcasing what can happen when an offense reaches its full potential. The Chicago Bears’ 73-point performance in the 1940 NFL Championship remains the gold standard for offensive dominance, a record that has stood for over eight decades.

In the end, these records serve as a reminder of what can be achieved on the gridiron, inspiring future teams to aim for greatness and perhaps, one day, rewrite the history books themselves.