When it comes to the National Football League (NFL), few things ignite fan excitement like a high-scoring game. While defense may win championships, it’s the offensive fireworks that leave lasting impressions. One such unforgettable matchup etched in NFL history is the highest-scoring game ever played — a contest that redefined what was possible on the gridiron.
The Game: Washington Redskins vs. New York Giants (1966)
The record for the highest-scoring NFL game was set on November 27, 1966, when the Washington Redskins clashed with the New York Giants. The final score? A jaw-dropping 72-41, with Washington emerging victorious in a game that totaled 113 combined points — a record that still stands today.
A Game of Offensive Mayhem
From the opening whistle, the game unfolded like a football fever dream. The Redskins, led by quarterback Sonny Jurgensen, unleashed an offensive onslaught. Jurgensen threw for over 140 yards and three touchdowns, but the real story was the team’s relentless scoring from every phase — rushing, passing, defense, and special teams.
On the Giants’ side, quarterback Gary Wood and backup Tom Kennedy tried to keep pace, but turnovers and defensive breakdowns allowed Washington to pull away. Despite putting up 41 points — enough to win most games — the Giants were overwhelmed by the sheer scoring power of the Redskins.
How the Points Added Up
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Washington Redskins: 72 points
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7 offensive touchdowns
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1 interception returned for a touchdown
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1 blocked punt returned for a touchdown
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Multiple field goals and extra points
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New York Giants: 41 points
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5 touchdowns
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2 field goals
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The game was a mix of explosive plays, blown coverages, and special teams mishaps that led to an almost arcade-style scoring barrage.
Why This Game Still Matters
In today’s NFL, scoring has increased with rule changes favoring offenses, but no team duo has yet surpassed the combined total of 113 points. Even in the era of pass-heavy attacks and record-breaking quarterbacks, this 1966 game remains the gold standard of offensive excess.
It’s a reminder of how unpredictable and thrilling football can be — even during a time when the sport was more grind-it-out than go-for-broke.
Honorable Mentions: Other High-Scoring NFL Games
While the 1966 Redskins-Giants matchup holds the crown, a few modern games have come close:
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Los Angeles Rams vs.
In 2018, the Los Angeles Rams edged out the Kansas City Chiefs 54-51 in a thrilling Monday Night Football clash that racked up 105 total points and is widely hailed as one of the most electrifying regular-season games in NFL history.
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Cincinnati Bengals vs. In 2004, the Cincinnati Bengals outgunned the Cleveland Browns with a final score of 58-48, combining for an impressive 106 points in one of the NFL’s most high-scoring battles.
Conclusion
The November 1966 showdown between the Redskins and Giants stands as a timeless testament to football’s ability to surprise, thrill, and entertain. It wasn’t just a game — it was a record-breaking explosion of scoring that continues to capture the imagination of fans and historians alike.
In a league that evolves every season, some records manage to endure for decades. And unless two teams put up a once-in-a-century performance, the 113-point masterpiece of 1966 may just stand forever.
