The Highest Scoring Game in NFL History
The National Football League (NFL) is known for its hard-fought, low-scoring matchups. The highest-scoring game in NFL history took place on December 22, 2012 in Week 16 between the Detroit Lions and the Atlanta Falcons. Let’s take a look at this incredible matchup and all the records it set.
Point Totals
The Lions and Falcons combined for 79 points in the shootout, setting an NFL record. Here is a breakdown of the scoring:
- Detroit Lions: 31
- Atlanta Falcons: 48
Records Set
This game set multiple new NFL records, including:
- The most combined points between two teams in a single game
- The most points scored in a non-overtime game
- The most total first-half points (42)
- The most points ever scored by a team in the first half of a game (27, by the Atlanta Falcons)
- The most total offensive yards in any game (982)
- The most total passing yards in any game (823)
- The most yards by an individual in one game (448, by Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan)
Notable Performances
This explosive matchup was fueled by a number of standout performances. Here are some of the most impressive:
- Matt Ryan (Falcons QB): 26/37, 448 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INT
- Matt Stafford (Lions QB): 24/48, 440 yards, 3 TDs, 3 INTs
- Harry Douglas (Falcons WR): 12 catches, 149 yards, 1 TD
- Calvin Johnson (Lions WR): 11 catches, 225 yards, 2 TDs
The highest-scoring game in NFL history was an instant classic, with the Atlanta Falcons outlasting the Detroit Lions 48-31. It’s a game that will live in the NFL record books for years to come.
