NFL’s top 5 highest-scoring games: Quarterback showdowns and iconic moments in history

In a high-stakes showdown between AFC East rivals, the Miami Dolphins and the Buffalo Bills are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of dominance. As the game unfolds at Highmark Stadium, both teams are showcasing offensive prowess that could potentially rewrite the history books. The stakes are sky-high, with the victor poised to claim the top spot in the AFC East, armed with a crucial head-to-head tiebreaker.

The Dolphins, fueled by the memory of their last 4-0 start in the 1995 season, entered the game on the heels of a jaw-dropping 70-point explosion in Week 3. This offensive blitzkrieg showcased their formidable potential, setting the stage for an epic clash against the Bills. On the other side of the line of scrimmage, the Bills have been steadily finding their rhythm, averaging an impressive 37 points over the last two games. Their previous road victory against Washington saw their defense force a remarkable five turnovers, proving that they are not to be taken lightly.

The intensity of the game is palpable, with both teams displaying remarkable efficiency in their offensive plays. The Dolphins, led by their quarterback, have been averaging an astonishing 10.1 yards per play, while the Bills are not far behind, maintaining an impressive 7.9 yards per play.

Here are top scoring games in NFL history:
#5 – Miami Dolphins vs. New York Jets: An Overtime Thriller in 1986

Ranking fifth in the list of highest-scoring NFL games is the 1986 nail-biter between the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets. This heart-pounding encounter saw a total of 102 points, culminating in a 51-45 victory for the Dolphins in overtime. The game remains etched in NFL history as a testament to the explosive potential of both teams’ offenses.

In this unforgettable showdown, quarterbacks Dan Marino and Ken O’Brien put on a clinic, combining for a staggering 884 passing yards and an incredible 10 touchdown passes. The battle between these two signal-callers is still revered among football enthusiasts as one of the most thrilling quarterback duels in NFL history.

#4 (Tied) – Houston Oilers vs. Oakland Raiders: A 1963 Offensive Explosion

Tied at number four for the highest-scoring NFL game in history is the 1963 faceoff between the Houston Oilers and the Oakland Raiders. This legendary clash saw a staggering total of 101 points, culminating in a 52-49 victory for the Raiders over the Oilers. Notably, the second quarter alone witnessed an astounding 49 points.

In this high-octane encounter, seasoned quarterback George Blanda delivered a stellar performance for the Oilers, securing five touchdown passes. On the opposing end, Tom Flores of the Raiders wasn’t far behind, throwing an impressive six touchdown passes, just one shy of the all-time single-game record. However, both Blanda and Flores faced their fair share of challenges, each with two interceptions.

#3 – New York Giants vs. New Orleans Saints: A 2015 Superdome Showdown

Moving on to another memorable showdown, we find the 2015 duel between the New York Giants and the New Orleans Saints, which shares the same remarkable 101-point total with the 1963 Oilers vs. Raiders game. This exhilarating match took place in the Superdome, New Orleans, and ended with the Saints clinching a 52-49 victory.

The game was marked by a constant barrage of touchdowns in each of the four quarters. Drew Brees stole the show by amassing over 500 passing yards and tying the NFL record with seven touchdown throws. Eli Manning held his own, notching an impressive six touchdown passes, with three of them finding Odell Beckham Jr. Nevertheless, neither team managed to secure a rushing touchdown.

#2 – Los Angeles Rams vs. Kansas City Chiefs: A 2018 Offensive Showdown

In 2018, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Rams engaged in a memorable shootout that secured the third spot on the list of highest-scoring NFL games. This modern classic featured a showcase of high-powered offenses led by head coaches Andy Reid and Sean McVay. The game ended with a total of 105 points, as the Rams narrowly edged out the Chiefs with a 54-51 victory. The encounter showcased the brilliance of quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes, Jared Goff, and their star receivers, leaving fans in awe of the offensive prowess displayed.

#1 – New York Giants vs. Washington Redskins: The 1966 Epic Showdown

The highest-scoring NFL game in history was more than 50 years ago in 1966 between the New York Giants and the then Washington Redskins. It is also the most lopsided game in the top five by far.

Washington put up a massive 72 points compared to 41 by the Giants.

It was a balanced attack by Washington, with quarterback Sonny Jurgensen throwing three touchdowns and the team rushing for another four touchdowns. The Washington defense registered five total interceptions compared to zero thrown by Jurgensen.