Who Scored 73 Points in the NFL? Chicago Bears 73 points is the unmatched NFL record, set in the 1940 championship game against the Washington Redskins. This article explores the historic game, the team’s dominance, and the enduring impact of this unparalleled offensive performance.

The NFL has seen its fair share of offensive explosions, but one performance stands head and shoulders above the rest. A staggering 73 points, a number that seems almost mythical in today’s game. Let’s delve into the details of this unprecedented offensive onslaught.
The Unbreakable Record
The Chicago Bears hold the distinction of scoring the most points in a single NFL game, a feat accomplished in the 1940 NFL Championship Game. This game was more than just a contest; it was a demonstration of offensive dominance that would go down in history.
The Game That Changed Everything
The 1940 NFL Championship was a clash between the Chicago Bears and the Washington Redskins. What unfolded on that day would redefine the perception of offensive football.
A Dominant Performance
The Bears offense was an unstoppable force. Their ability to move the ball with efficiency and precision was unmatched. Every drive seemed to end in the endzone, leaving the Redskins defense bewildered.

The Bears’ Dominance
Chicago’s success was a culmination of years of building a formidable team. The Bears were more than just a collection of talented players; they were a well-oiled machine.
The Offensive Powerhouse
At the heart of the Bears’ offense was a group of exceptional players who contributed to the historic performance. Their chemistry and execution were unparalleled.
Sid Luckman: The Maestro
Quarterback Sid Luckman was the conductor of the Bears’ offensive symphony. His arm strength, accuracy, and decision-making were instrumental in the team’s success.

A Ground and Pound Attack
While Luckman’s passing prowess was undeniable, the Bears also possessed a potent rushing attack. Their ability to control the line of scrimmage and grind out yards was crucial to their dominance.
The Redskins’ Nightmare
The Washington Redskins defense was helpless to stop the Bears’ onslaught. The game was a nightmare for the Redskins, as they were unable to generate any offensive momentum.
A Record That Stands the Test of Time
Seventy-three points is a number that seems almost unattainable in today’s NFL. The rules of the game, the athletes, and the strategies have evolved significantly since 1940.
The Impact on the NFL
The Bears’ record-breaking performance had a profound impact on the NFL. It showcased the potential of the passing game and elevated the expectations for offensive production.
A New Era of Offense
The 1940 championship game marked a turning point in the evolution of football. Teams began to prioritize passing attacks and offensive innovation.
The Unmatched Feat
The Bears’ 73-point performance remains an unmatched achievement. It is a testament to the team’s talent, preparation, and execution.
List of highest-scoring NFL games
Rank | Points Scored | Score | Winning Team | Losing Team | Date |
1 | 113 | 72–41 | Washington Redskins | New York Giants | November 27, 1966 |
2 | 106 | 58–48 | Cincinnati Bengals | Cleveland Browns | November 28, 2004 |
3 | 105 | 54–51 | Los Angeles Rams | Kansas City Chiefs | November 19, 2018 |
4 | 101 | 52–49 | New Orleans Saints | New York Giants | November 1, 2015 |
52–49 | Oakland Raiders | Houston Oilers | December 22, 1963 | ||
6 | 99 | 51–48 | Denver Broncos | Dallas Cowboys | October 6, 2013 |
51–48 (OT) | Seattle Seahawks | Kansas City Chiefs | November 27, 1983 | ||
8 | 98 | 54–44 | San Diego Chargers | Pittsburgh Steelers | December 8, 1985 |
63–35 | Chicago Cardinals | New York Giants | October 17, 1948 | ||
10 | 97 | 70–27 | Los Angeles Rams | Baltimore Colts | October 22, 1950 |
11 | 96 | 51–45 | Cleveland Browns | Cincinnati Bengals | September 16, 2007 |
51–45 (OT) | New York Jets | Miami Dolphins | September 21, 1986 | ||
13 | 95 | 55–40 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Los Angeles Rams | September 29, 2019 |
48–47 | Green Bay Packers | Washington Redskins | October 17, 1983 | ||
15 | 94 | 48–46 | San Francisco 49ers | New Orleans Saints | December 8, 2019 |
16 | 93 | 51–42 | New Orleans Saints | St. Louis Cardinals | November 2, 1969 |
50–43 | New York Titans | Los Angeles Chargers | December 18, 1960 | ||
48–45 | Seattle Seahawks | Detroit Lions | October 2, 2022 | ||
19 | 91 | 56–35 | New York Jets | Arizona Cardinals | September 28, 2008 |
46–45 | New York Titans | Denver Broncos | November 22, 1962 | ||
21 | 90 | 70–20 | Miami Dolphins | Denver Broncos | September 24, 2023 |
52–38 | New Orleans Saints | Detroit Lions | October 15, 2017 | ||
49–41 | San Diego Chargers | Cincinnati Bengals | November 12, 2006 | ||
62–28 | New York Jets | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | November 17, 1985 | ||
57–33 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Atlanta Falcons | December 18, 1966 | ||
26 | 89 | 47–42 | Los Angeles Chargers | Cleveland Browns | October 10, 2021 |
47–42 | Baltimore Ravens | Cleveland Browns | December 14, 2020 | ||
48–41 | New Orleans Saints | Arizona Cardinals | December 18, 2016 | ||
48–41 | Chicago Bears | Minnesota Vikings | October 19, 2008 | ||
49–40 | Cleveland Browns | New York Giants | December 4, 1966 | ||
51–38 | Baltimore Colts | Chicago Bears | October 4, 1958 | ||
65–24 | Los Angeles Rams | Detroit Lions | October 29, 1950 | ||
52–37 | Los Angeles Rams | New York Giants | November 14, 1948 |
Can the Record Be Broken?
While the NFL has seen its share of high-scoring games in recent years, breaking the Bears’ record seems highly unlikely.
The Challenges of Modern Football
The NFL has implemented numerous rule changes to enhance player safety and promote more competitive games. These changes have impacted scoring and made it more difficult for teams to amass huge point totals.

Rule Changes and Scoring Adjustments
Factors such as the emphasis on pass interference, overtime rules, and the emphasis on player safety have contributed to a decline in scoring averages.
The Evolving Game
The NFL is a constantly evolving game. While offensive innovations continue to emerge, breaking the Bears’ record remains a daunting challenge.
The Enduring Legacy
While the Bears’ record-breaking performance may seem like a distant memory, its impact on the NFL is undeniable. It set a benchmark for offensive excellence that continues to inspire teams and players today.
The Quest for Perfection
The pursuit of perfection is a fundamental aspect of sports. While the Bears’ record stands as an unreachable peak, the relentless drive to improve and innovate has shaped the NFL into the high-scoring spectacle it is today.
Lessons from the Past
By studying the Bears’ dominant performance, modern teams can gain valuable insights into offensive strategies and player development. The principles of ball control, efficiency, and exploiting matchups remain essential components of successful offenses.
The Future of Offensive Football
As technology and player development continue to advance, the NFL will undoubtedly witness new records and offensive breakthroughs. While surpassing the Bears’ mark may be improbable, the spirit of competition will drive teams to push the boundaries of the game.
Conclusion of Who Scored 73 Points in the NFL?
The Chicago Bears’ 73-point explosion in the 1940 NFL Championship remains an unparalleled feat in professional football history. While the game has evolved dramatically since then, the echoes of that dominant performance continue to resonate. It serves as a testament to the power of teamwork, exceptional talent, and a perfect storm of circumstances. While the record may be untouchable, the spirit of offensive innovation it ignited lives on, shaping the NFL into the high-scoring spectacle it is today.
FAQs
Who scored the most points in a single NFL game?
The Chicago Bears hold the record for the most points scored in a single NFL game with 73 points. They achieved this feat in the 1940 NFL Championship against the Washington Redskins.
When did the Chicago Bears score 73 points?
The Chicago Bears scored 73 points on December 8, 1940, in the NFL Championship game against the Washington Redskins.
Who was the quarterback for the Chicago Bears when they scored 73 points?
Sid Luckman was the quarterback for the Chicago Bears when they scored 73 points in the 1940 NFL Championship game.
Has the NFL record for most points scored in a game ever been tied?
No, the Chicago Bears’ record of 73 points in a single game has never been tied in NFL history.
What factors contributed to the Chicago Bears’ record-breaking performance?
Several factors contributed to the Bears’ record-breaking performance, including exceptional offensive talent, a well-executed game plan, and the relatively lower scoring environment of the era.