by Have you ever watched a game where one team was significantly better than the other, making it feel unfair?
Where the final score looked more like a basketball game than a football?
That’s what happens when an NFL blowout occurs. These aren’t your typical close finishes where every play matters.
These are games where one team absolutely crushes its opponent from start to finish.
In professional football, winning by just 7 points is considered solid.
Winning by 14 is impressive. But winning by 40, 50, or even more? That’s legendary.
Top 30 Biggest Blowouts in NFL History
Credit: Denver Post-Getty Images
Today, we’re counting down the most lopsided victories in NFL history.
These games left fans speechless, set records that still stand, and created stories that football lovers still discuss decades later.
Want to discover which teams delivered the most brutal beatdowns in league history? Buckle up!
Did You Know? Loudest College Football Stadiums
The Ultimate Blowout Rankings: All 30 Games
Before we break down the stories, here’s your complete guide to NFL’s most one-sided victories:
| Rank | Winner | Loser | Final Score | Season | Margin | Era |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Miami Dolphins | Denver Broncos | 70-20 | 2023 | 50 pts | Modern |
| 2 | Atlanta Falcons | New Orleans Saints | 62-7 | 1973 | 55 pts | Super Bowl Era |
| 3 | New Orleans Saints | Indianapolis Colts | 62-7 | 2011 | 55 pts | Modern |
| 4 | Chicago Bears | Green Bay Packers | 61-7 | 1980 | 54 pts | Super Bowl Era |
| 5 | Cincinnati Bengals | Houston Oilers | 61-7 | 1989 | 54 pts | Super Bowl Era |
| 6 | New England Patriots | Tennessee Titans | 59-0 | 2009 | 59 pts | Modern |
| 7 | Dallas Cowboys | Detroit Lions | 59-13 | 1968 | 46 pts | Super Bowl Era |
| 8 | Los Angeles Rams | Atlanta Falcons | 59-0 | 1976 | 59 pts | Super Bowl Era |
| 9 | Seattle Seahawks | Arizona Cardinals | 58-0 | 2012 | 58 pts | Modern |
| 10 | Kansas City Chiefs | Atlanta Falcons | 56-10 | 2004 | 46 pts | Modern |
| 11 | New England Patriots | New York Jets | 56-3 | 1979 | 53 pts | Super Bowl Era |
| 12 | Kansas City Chiefs | Denver Broncos | 56-10 | 1966 | 46 pts | AFL |
| 13 | Dallas Cowboys | Philadelphia Eagles | 56-7 | 1966 | 49 pts | AFL/NFL |
| 14 | Green Bay Packers | Atlanta Falcons | 56-3 | 1966 | 53 pts | AFL/NFL |
| 15 | New England Patriots | Buffalo Bills | 56-10 | 2007 | 46 pts | Modern |
| 16 | Green Bay Packers | Tennessee Titans | 55-7 | 2012 | 48 pts | Modern |
| 17 | Green Bay Packers | Cleveland Browns | 55-7 | 1967 | 48 pts | Super Bowl Era |
| 18 | St. Louis Rams | Oakland Raiders | 52-0 | 2014 | 52 pts | Modern |
| 19 | Miami Dolphins | New England Patriots | 52-0 | 1972 | 52 pts | Super Bowl Era |
| 20 | Oakland Raiders | Denver Broncos | 51-0 | 1967 | 51 pts | AFL |
| 21 | Minnesota Vikings | Cleveland Browns | 51-3 | 1969 | 48 pts | Super Bowl Era |
| 22 | Cleveland Browns | Pittsburgh Steelers | 51-0 | 1989 | 51 pts | Super Bowl Era |
| 23 | San Francisco 49ers | Los Angeles Rams | 48-0 | 1987 | 48 pts | Super Bowl Era |
| 24 | Jacksonville Jaguars | Cleveland Browns | 48-0 | 2000 | 48 pts | Modern |
| 25 | New York Jets | St. Louis Rams | 47-0 | 2008 | 47 pts | Modern |
| 26 | Houston Oilers | Chicago Bears | 47-0 | 1977 | 47 pts | Super Bowl Era |
| 27 | San Diego Chargers | Denver Broncos | 45-0 | 1963 | 45 pts | AFL |
| 28 | Pittsburgh Steelers | New York Giants | 63-7 | 1952 | 56 pts | Pre-Super Bowl |
| 29 | New York Giants | Philadelphia Eagles | 62-10 | 1972 | 52 pts | Super Bowl Era |
| 30 | Philadelphia Eagles | Detroit Lions | 59-0 | 1934 | 59 pts | Early NFL |
Quick Facts:
- Most Appearing Team: Patriots with 4 appearances
- Most Shutouts: 11 games ended 0 points for the loser
- Deadliest Decade: The 1960s-1970s produced the most historic blowouts
- Rivalry Games: Almost half involved division opponents
- Perfect Follow-up: The 1972 Dolphins went undefeated after their 52-0 win
Now let’s dive into the top 10 with all the juicy details!
Did You Know About? Which NFL Team Has the Most Fans in 2025
Top 30 Greatest Blowouts in NFL History
1. Miami Dolphins 70, Denver Broncos 20 (2023) — Scoring Like a Video Game
When was the last time you saw 70 points on an NFL scoreboard? For most fans, the answer is never—until September 2023.
The Miami Dolphins absolutely obliterated the Denver Broncos in a game that felt more like a scrimmage than a professional matchup. This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement that rewrote record books.
De’Von Achane, a rookie sensation, and veteran Raheem Mostert combined for an astonishing 8 touchdowns. Every time Miami touched the ball, it seemed like they scored. The Broncos defense looked completely lost, unable to stop anything.
By halftime, the game was already over. By the fourth quarter, it had become a historic event. Fans were checking their phones to see if they were witnessing the highest-scoring blowout ever.
| Category | Miami | Denver |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 70 | 20 |
| Total Touchdowns | 10 | 2 |
| Rushing TDs | 8 | 0 |
| Total Yards | 726 | 350 |
The Bottom Line: This represents the biggest NFL blowout since 2000 and the highest point total by a winning team in the modern era. People also search for this game constantly because it shattered expectations of what’s possible in today’s NFL.
2. New England Patriots 59, Tennessee Titans 0 (2009) — The Perfect Storm
Snow was falling at Gillette Stadium. The field was getting slippery. Most quarterbacks would struggle in these conditions.
Tom Brady is not the most quarterbacks.
In one of the most dominant performances of his Hall of Fame career, Brady threw 6 touchdown passes while the Titans failed to score a single point. Tennessee didn’t just lose—they were completely embarrassed on national television.
Randy Moss caught 3 of those touchdown passes, looking effortless despite the terrible weather. Wes Welker added multiple scores of his own. The Patriots offense operated like a machine while Tennessee’s offense malfunctioned completely.
Here’s the most embarrassing stat: The Titans finished with minus-7 passing yards. That means they actually went backwards when attempting to throw the football.
The Takeaway: Weather doesn’t matter when you’re playing perfect football. This stands as one of the biggest blowouts in NFL history regular season, and proved that Brady’s greatness transcends conditions. Brady threw 5 touchdowns in just the second quarter alone!
3. Atlanta Falcons 62, New Orleans Saints 7 (1973) — Rivalry Gone Wrong
When division rivals meet, you expect a battle. You expect intensity, closeness, and drama.
The Saints got none of that in their 1973 season opener.
Atlanta embarrassed their Louisiana neighbors in front of a stunned crowd. Legendary quarterback Archie Manning, father of Peyton and Eli, had perhaps the worst day of his career, throwing 5 interceptions.
One of those picks was returned 65 yards for a touchdown by Tom Hayes, adding insult to injury. The Falcons scored 45 points in just the second and third quarters combined. It was relentless.
New Orleans couldn’t stop the run, couldn’t stop the pass, and couldn’t protect their own quarterback. Everything that could go wrong did go wrong.
Why It Matters: This remains the biggest blowout in football history between these two rivals. Even 50+ years later, older Saints fans remember this disaster. It’s the kind of loss that haunts a franchise.
4. Chicago Bears 61, Green Bay Packers 7 (1980) — Sweetness and Revenge
The Bears-Packers rivalry is the NFL’s oldest and most bitter. When these teams meet, scores are usually close and every yard is contested.
Not on December 7, 1980.
Chicago humiliated their hated rivals at Soldier Field in a game that wasn’t competitive from the opening kickoff. Walter Payton—nicknamed “Sweetness”—lived up to his name by rushing for 130 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Quarterback Vince Evans completed 18 of 22 passes for 316 yards and 3 more touchdowns. The Bears offense couldn’t be stopped. The Packers defense had no answers.
Green Bay’s legendary quarterback Bart Starr was the head coach by this point, and he watched helplessly as his team got destroyed.
Historic Achievement: This represents the most points the Chicago Bears have scored in any game since the NFL-AFL merger. For a storied franchise with decades of history, that’s saying something.
5. Cincinnati Bengals 61, Houston Oilers 7 (1989) — When Coaches Collide
Sometimes, blowouts are about more than just football. Sometimes, they’re personal.
Bengals coach Sam Wyche and Oilers coach Jerry Glanville absolutely despised each other. Their rivalry was well-known throughout the league. When their teams met on a freezing day in Cincinnati, Wyche wanted to make a statement.
He made one, alright.
Quarterback Boomer Esiason threw 4 touchdown passes, including 2 to receiver Eddie Brown. The Bengals held Warren Moon—one of the era’s best quarterbacks—to just 96 passing yards.
But here’s where it got personal: With a 54-7 lead in the fourth quarter, Wyche called for an onside kick. Then he called for a trick play. He wasn’t just trying to win; he was trying to humiliate.
The Irony: Even though Cincinnati destroyed Houston, the Bengals finished 8-8 and missed the playoffs. The Oilers went 9-7 and made the postseason. But Glanville was fired anyway, partly because of this embarrassment.
6. Miami Dolphins 52, New England Patriots 0 (1972) — Perfection in Progress
The 1972 Miami Dolphins accomplished something no NFL team has done before or since: a perfect season. They went 17-0, including the playoffs and Super Bowl.
This demolition of the Patriots was part of that magical run.
Miami shut out New England completely while scoring 52 points. Running back Mercury Morris scored 3 rushing touchdowns and showcased the speed that made him famous. Even the third-string quarterback got playing time and threw touchdown passes.
For the Patriots, it was rock bottom. Quarterback Jim Plunkett threw 2 interceptions and couldn’t generate any offense. The team looked outmatched in every aspect.
The next day, Patriots coach John Mazur resigned in shame.
Legacy Moment: This was the biggest blowout in NFL history all time for the Dolphins franchise and proved they were destined for greatness. That perfect season remains unmatched five decades later.
7. New Orleans Saints 62, Indianapolis Colts 7 (2011) — Sunday Night Destruction
Sunday Night Football is the NFL’s premier showcase. Millions of fans tune in expecting excitement and drama.
They got a massacre instead.
Drew Brees put on an absolute clinic, throwing 5 touchdown passes in just three quarters of work. Two went to Marques Colston, two to Jimmy Graham. The Colts couldn’t cover anyone.
Indianapolis was playing without Peyton Manning, who was injured. Backup Curtis Painter looked completely overwhelmed, failing to reach even 70 passing yards. The Colts were in the middle of an 0-13 start to the season.
By halftime, the game was essentially over. By the fourth quarter, Saints fans were celebrating one of the franchise’s greatest performances.
The Context: This was one of the top 10 biggest blowouts in NFL history and came during Indy’s worst season in decades. Both coach Jim Caldwell and GM Bill Polian were fired after the season ended at 2-14.
8. Seattle Seahawks 58, Arizona Cardinals 0 (2012) — The Legion of Boom Arrives
Two years before winning the Super Bowl, the Seahawks were already becoming dangerous. This game announced their arrival as an elite team.
Seattle scored on offense. They scored on defense. They scored on special teams. It was total domination across all three phases.
Marshawn Lynch—known as “Beast Mode”—broke tackles and dragged defenders into the end zone on multiple scores. Quarterback Russell Wilson was efficient. The defense was suffocating.
Cardinals quarterback John Skelton threw 4 interceptions, including an easy pick-six by Richard Sherman that became an iconic moment. Arizona never had a chance.
The Message: This game showed the NFL that Seattle was no longer rebuilding—they were contenders. Within two seasons, they’d be champions. The performance demonstrated how dangerous the Seahawks were becoming before their Super Bowl run.
9. Oakland Raiders 51, Denver Broncos 0 (1967) — AFL Powerhouse Statement
Before the Super Bowl era fully began, the American Football League featured some of the most exciting football around. The Oakland Raiders were one of its premier franchises.
This shutout of the Denver Broncos proved it.
Quarterback Daryle Lamonica—nicknamed “The Mad Bomber”—threw multiple touchdown passes as Oakland’s offense looked unstoppable. The Raiders outgained Denver by over 350 total yards, completely controlling the line of scrimmage.
Denver’s offense never got going. They couldn’t run, couldn’t pass, and couldn’t compete with Oakland’s talented roster.
Historical Significance: This was one of the biggest blowouts in football history during the AFL years and showed why the Raiders became one of pro football’s most successful franchises.
10. Kansas City Chiefs 56, Atlanta Falcons 10 (2004) — The Rushing TD Record
Sometimes, one player has an incredible game. But when TWO players on the same team have incredible games? That’s when records get broken.
Priest Holmes and Derrick Blaylock—Kansas City’s starting and backup running backs—combined to score 8 rushing touchdowns. That’s right: EIGHT.
Holmes scored 4. Blaylock scored 4. They combined for 316 scrimmage yards. Atlanta’s defense looked like they’d never tackled anyone before.
The Chiefs offensive line, loaded with future Hall of Famers, dominated at the line of scrimmage. Every running play seemed to create massive holes. The Falcons, who were supposed to be Super Bowl contenders, looked helpless.
Record Book: The 8 combined rushing touchdowns by two teammates in one game remains an NFL record to this day. People also search for this game when discussing the most explosive offensive performances ever.
11. New England Patriots 56, New York Jets 3 (1979) — Grogan’s Aerial Assault
Steve Grogan wasn’t the most famous Patriots quarterback, but on this September day, he looked like a Hall of Famer.
Grogan threw 5 touchdown passes—3 to Harold Jackson and 2 to Stanley Morgan. Every touchdown pass went for at least 28 yards, showcasing deep-ball dominance.
Both Jackson and Morgan were Pro Bowl receivers who combined for 9 Pro Bowl selections in their careers. Against the Jets, they were completely unstoppable.
New York managed just a field goal all game. Their offense couldn’t generate any momentum against New England’s defense, which controlled the line of scrimmage.
The Result: Neither team made the playoffs, but the Patriots sent a message with this Week 2 demolition. It remains one of the most one-sided games in this historic rivalry.
12. Kansas City Chiefs 56, Denver Broncos 10 (1966) — Super Bowl Season Statement
Before the first Super Bowl existed, the Kansas City Chiefs were preparing to make history. This thrashing of Denver showed they were ready.
Quarterback Len Dawson led the Chiefs to a 28-3 halftime lead. Running back Bert Coan scored 3 rushing touchdowns and caught another TD pass, totally dominating Denver’s defense.
This was actually the second time in two weeks Kansas City destroyed Denver—they’d won 37-10 just 14 days earlier. The Broncos had no answers.
The Chiefs went on to play in Super Bowl I (then called the AFL-NFL Championship Game), representing the AFL against the NFL’s Green Bay Packers.
Historical Impact: This blowout came during the AFL’s golden era and proved the Chiefs were the league’s elite team.
13. Dallas Cowboys 56, Philadelphia Eagles 7 (1966) — Texas-Sized Beating
The Cowboys-Eagles rivalry produced one of its most lopsided games ever when Dallas exploded for 56 points.
Don Meredith led Dallas’ offense with surgical precision. The Cowboys scored early and never stopped. Philadelphia’s defense couldn’t contain Dallas’ multi-faceted attack.
This came during the Cowboys’ rise to prominence in the 1960s. They were building toward becoming “America’s Team” and performances like this announced their arrival.
The Eagles, meanwhile, struggled throughout the season and couldn’t compete with Dallas’ superior talent and coaching.
The Legacy: This remained tied for the most points Dallas ever scored and stands as one of the NFC East’s most brutal beatings.
14. Green Bay Packers 56, Atlanta Falcons 3 (1966) — Lombardi’s Powerhouse
When expansion teams face championship contenders, the results can be ugly. The Atlanta Falcons learned this lesson the hard way.
Vince Lombardi’s Packers were three months away from winning the first Super Bowl. They were at their peak, loaded with Hall of Famers.
Bart Starr needed just 8 completions to throw for 220 yards, averaging nearly 28 yards per completion. Everything was working perfectly.
The Falcons were in their inaugural season and completely overmatched. Atlanta quarterbacks threw 4 interceptions, two of which were returned for touchdowns.
What It Showed: The talent gap between the NFL’s best team and an expansion franchise was massive in that era.
15. New England Patriots 56, Buffalo Bills 10 (2007) — Perfect Season Perfection
The 2007 Patriots were on a mission to complete the first 16-0 regular season in NFL history. Against Buffalo in Week 11, they looked unstoppable.
Tom Brady found Randy Moss for 4 touchdowns in a prime-time showcase. Moss caught 10 passes for 128 yards, embarrassing Buffalo’s secondary.
This was Brady’s third 5-touchdown game of the season. He would finish with 50 TD passes, breaking Peyton Manning’s record.
The Bills had no answers defensively. Every time New England touched the ball, it felt like they’d score. The Patriots’ offense was operating at a historic level.
Season Context: New England went 16-0 in the regular season before losing Super Bowl XLII to the Giants in one of football’s biggest upsets.
16. Green Bay Packers 55, Tennessee Titans 7 (2012) — Rodgers’ December Dominance
Aaron Rodgers had the Titans’ defense seeing ghosts in this Week 16 Christmas matchup at Lambeau Field.
Rodgers threw 3 touchdowns and sliced through Tennessee for 342 passing yards on a cold Wisconsin day. Receivers Randall Cobb, Greg Jennings, and James Jones all found the end zone.
Surprisingly, Green Bay scored 35 points in the second half after leading just 20-7 at halftime. The Titans completely collapsed in the final 30 minutes.
Tennessee quarterback Jake Locker was sacked 7 times and couldn’t generate any offense. The Titans finished 6-10 while the Packers made another playoff run.
The Performance: This showcased Green Bay’s peak during their eight-year playoff streak under Rodgers and showed how dangerous they were at home in December.
17. Green Bay Packers 55, Cleveland Browns 7 (1967) — Lombardi’s Final Championship Run
In Vince Lombardi’s final season as Packers coach, Green Bay was still dominating opponents. The Browns became their latest victim.
Cleveland was a good team that made the playoffs, but they were no match for the Packers in Week 9. Running back Donny Anderson scored 4 touchdowns and topped 100 receiving yards.
Return specialist Travis Williams returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, setting the tone immediately. The Packers intercepted Browns quarterback Frank Ryan 4 times.
Green Bay’s Hall of Fame-filled defense suffocated Cleveland’s offense. The Browns never established any rhythm.
Championship Pedigree: Two months later, Lombardi’s Packers won their fifth championship of the 1960s, cementing their dynasty.
18. St. Louis Rams 52, Oakland Raiders 0 (2014) — Mason’s Breakout Game
In one of the Rams’ few bright spots during a 6-10 season, rookie running back Tre Mason exploded for a career-defining performance.
Mason scored 3 touchdowns, including an 89-yard burst that showcased his speed. He totaled 164 scrimmage yards while the Raiders defense looked helpless.
Oakland quarterback Derek Carr threw 2 interceptions in his rookie season. Backup Matt Schaub entered and immediately threw a pick-six to Trumaine Johnson.
The Rams shut out Washington the following week, making it back-to-back shutouts. But this Raiders demolition was the more impressive performance.
Career Note: Unfortunately for Mason, this was the peak of his NFL career. Injuries derailed what looked like a promising future.
19. Miami Dolphins 52, New England Patriots 0 (1972) — Perfect Season Perfection
On their way to the only undefeated season in NFL history, the 1972 Dolphins made the Patriots look like a high school team.
Running back Mercury Morris scored 3 rushing touchdowns, continuing his breakout year. Even Miami’s third-string quarterback, Jim Del Gaizo, threw 2 TD passes on just 6 attempts.
Patriots quarterback Jim Plunkett—years before his Super Bowl success—threw 2 interceptions and couldn’t move the ball. New England was completely outclassed.
Coach John Mazur resigned the next day, unable to face the embarrassment. The Patriots finished 3-11 in one of their worst seasons ever.
Perfect Legacy: The Dolphins went 17-0 that season, a feat that remains unmatched over 50 years later. This blowout was part of that legendary run.
20. Oakland Raiders 51, Denver Broncos 0 (1967) — AFL Domination
The Raiders and Broncos were heading in completely opposite directions when they met in this AFL showdown. Oakland was building a dynasty; Denver was struggling.
Quarterback Daryle Lamonica—”The Mad Bomber”—threw multiple touchdowns as Oakland’s offense overwhelmed Denver. The Raiders outgained the Broncos by over 350 yards.
Denver couldn’t run, pass, or stop Oakland’s attack. It was complete domination from opening kickoff to final whistle.
The Raiders finished 13-1 that season and advanced to Super Bowl II, where they lost to Vince Lombardi’s Packers.
AFL Powerhouse: This victory showcased why Oakland became one of the AFL’s—and later the NFL’s—most successful franchises.
21. Minnesota Vikings 51, Cleveland Browns 3 (1969) — Purple People Eaters Feast
The Vikings’ legendary defense—nicknamed the “Purple People Eaters”—gave the Browns a preview of Super Bowl IV heartbreak.
Minnesota held Hall of Fame running back Leroy Kelly to just 24 rushing yards. The Vikings intercepted 4 passes, with cornerback Bobby Bryant grabbing 3 of them.
Receiver Gene Washington caught 3 touchdown passes from quarterback Joe Kapp. The Vikings offense was efficient while the defense was suffocating.
This Week 8 beatdown foreshadowed the teams’ January playoff rematch, which ended 27-7 in Minnesota’s favor.
Defensive Dominance: This game exemplified how the Vikings’ historically great defense could completely shut down even quality opponents.
22. Cleveland Browns 51, Pittsburgh Steelers 0 (1989) — Rivalry Revenge
The Browns-Steelers rivalry is one of football’s fiercest. When Cleveland shut out Pittsburgh 51-0, it became one of the rivalry’s most memorable games.
Everything went right for Cleveland. Their offense scored at will. Their defense pitched a shutout. Pittsburgh couldn’t do anything correctly.
The Steelers had no answers for Cleveland’s attack. Every drive seemed to end in either a Browns touchdown or a Steelers turnover.
This remains the most lopsided game in the history of this storied rivalry. Pittsburgh fans still cringe at the memory decades later.
Statement Game: The Browns proved they owned the rivalry that season with this complete and utter domination of their hated rivals.
23. San Francisco 49ers 48, Los Angeles Rams 0 (1987) — Rice’s Record Season
Jerry Rice was in the middle of a historic season when the 49ers hosted the Rams on Sunday Night Football. The result was a masterpiece.
Rice caught 2 touchdown passes, bringing his season total to 22 TDs in just 12 games—a record that stood for 21 years. He and Joe Montana were in perfect sync.
Steve Young also saw action, as both Montana and Young combined for 5 touchdown passes. The Rams’ backup quarterback threw for just 50 yards.
This was Week 16 of the strike-shortened season. San Francisco entered the playoffs as the NFL’s top offense and defense but lost to Minnesota.
Historic Performance: This showcased the 49ers at their peak and Rice during his record-breaking campaign.
24. Jacksonville Jaguars 48, Cleveland Browns 0 (2000) — Taylor’s Takeover
The expansion Browns were struggling in their return season when they traveled to Jacksonville. It got ugly fast.
Running back Fred Taylor dominated with 181 yards and 3 touchdowns on 30 carries. He was unstoppable, breaking tackles and gashing Cleveland’s defense.
Browns quarterback Spergon Wynn—making his first career start—threw for just 17 yards. Cleveland managed only 53 total yards and 2 first downs all game.
The Jaguars outgained the Browns 449-53 in one of this century’s most thorough beatdowns. Jacksonville’s 28 first downs dwarfed Cleveland’s 2.
Low Point: This was the nadir of a 3-13 season for Cleveland, which scored only 161 points all year—seventh-fewest in a 16-game season.
25. New York Jets 47, St. Louis Rams 0 (2008) — Favre’s Brief Jets Glory
Before Brett Favre’s season with the Jets unraveled, they were 8-3 and dominating teams. This was their statement win.
Tight end Dustin Keller posted 107 receiving yards as the only Jets receiver to top 20 yards, but it was enough. Running back Thomas Jones bludgeoned the Rams for 149 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns.
The Jets led 40-0 at halftime in the most dominant half in franchise history. Kicker Jay Feely even hit a 55-yard field goal.
The Rams were terrible, finishing 2-14, while the Jets finished 9-7 in Favre’s only New York season.
Franchise Record: This remains the biggest blowout in Jets history—a franchise that dates back 60+ years.
26. Houston Oilers 47, Chicago Bears 0 (1977) — Shoes and Shutout
In one of the weirdest games on this list, the loser made the playoffs while the winner stayed home. But on this November day, Houston dominated.
Quarterback Dan Pastorini connected with receiver Ken Burroughs 6 times for 180 yards and 2 touchdowns—both from beyond 40 yards.
Return specialist Billy “White Shoes” Johnson scored on a 61-yard reverse and added a 75-yard punt return touchdown in the fourth quarter. He was electric.
The Bears quarterbacks combined for minus-16 passing yards in one of the most embarrassing offensive performances ever. Yet Chicago won 6 straight after this and made the playoffs.
The Twist: The Bears went 9-7 and made the postseason. The Oilers missed out despite this dominant win.
27. San Diego Chargers 45, Denver Broncos 0 (1963) — AFL Early Era Beatdown
In the early years of the American Football League, the Chargers were a powerhouse. This shutout of Denver proved it.
San Diego’s offense was balanced and efficient, scoring touchdowns through the air and on the ground. Denver had no answers defensively.
The Broncos’ offense was equally helpless, unable to generate any points against San Diego’s swarming defense.
This was part of the AFL’s formative years when talent disparities between teams were more pronounced than today’s parity-driven NFL.
AFL History: Games like this were common in the AFL’s early days before the league matured and eventually merged with the NFL.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers 63, New York Giants 7 (1952) — Pre-Super Bowl Era Destruction
Long before the Super Bowl existed, the Steelers demolished the Giants in one of the pre-merger era’s most lopsided games.
This game happened in 1952 when the NFL looked very different. Teams weren’t as evenly matched, and blowouts happened more frequently.
Pittsburgh’s 63 points were exceptional for that era when scoring wasn’t as prolific as today’s pass-happy NFL. The Giants managed just one touchdown.
The 56-point margin of victory remains tied for the largest in NFL history regardless of era.
Historical Context: This showcases how dominant some teams could be before the NFL instituted measures to create competitive balance.
29. New York Giants 62, Philadelphia Eagles 10 (1972) — Big Blue’s Biggest Explosion
After trading away Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton earlier that year, the Giants found success with replacement Norm Snead.
Snead led an offensive explosion at Yankee Stadium that included 100+ rushing yards from Ron Johnson and 100+ receiving yards from Bob Tucker. They combined for 4 touchdowns.
Backup quarterback Randy Johnson added 2 more TD passes in the second half, piling on against an overwhelmed Eagles defense.
This remains the Giants’ highest-scoring post-merger game and the most lopsided in NFC East history—a division known for close, hard-fought battles.
Franchise Milestone: The Giants went 8-6 that season, showing they could compete even without Tarkenton.
30. Philadelphia Eagles 59, Detroit Lions 0 (1934) — Early NFL Beatdown
We’re going way back for this one—to 1934, when the NFL was still young and professional football was finding its identity.
The Eagles shut out the Lions 59-0 in a game that showcased the talent disparities of early pro football. Detroit couldn’t score a single point.
This was before the modern era, before television, before most of the rules we know today. But even then, blowouts could happen.
The 59-point shutout remains one of the largest margins in league history and reminds us that dominant performances have always been part of football.
Historical Significance: This game is a reminder that NFL history stretches back 100 years, and blowouts have always fascinated fans.
Also Check: Best NFL Defenses of All Time
Breaking Down the Numbers: Blowout Statistics
Let’s look at what makes these games so historically significant:
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Highest Score by Winner | Miami Dolphins – 70 points (2023) |
| Largest Margin of Victory | Patriots vs. Titans – 59 points (2009) |
| Most Shutouts | 11 games ended with 0 points scored |
| Most Touchdowns (One Team) | Dolphins – 10 TDs (2023) |
| Most Common Score Range | 55-62 points by the winner |
| Era with Most Blowouts | 1960s-1970s (15 games) |
| Modern Era Blowouts (2000+) | 7 games in the top 30 |
Interesting Patterns:
Division rivalry games account for nearly half of all historic blowouts. When teams know each other well, losses can be particularly brutal.
The 1960s featured more blowouts than any other decade, possibly due to talent disparities during the AFL-NFL merger period.
Modern blowouts (since 2000) are rarer but more spectacular when they occur, with the Dolphins’ 70-point explosion topping all previous records.
Shutout victories are the most psychologically devastating, with losing teams failing to score a single point in 11 of the 30 biggest blowouts.
What Do These Blowouts Tell Us About Football?
These games teach us valuable lessons about the sport we love:
- No Team Is Invincible
Even playoff contenders and championship teams have bad days. The Falcons were NFC Championship Game-bound when the Chiefs destroyed them 56-10. Sometimes, everything goes wrong at once.
- Momentum Is Everything
Once a blowout starts, it often snowballs. Losing teams press too hard, make mistakes, and fall further behind. Winning teams gain confidence and execute perfectly.
- Coaching Matters
Several of these games resulted in coaching changes. When you lose 52-0 (like the 1972 Patriots), your coach might not survive the week.
- Records Are Made to Be Broken
The Dolphins’ 70-point explosion showed that even in the modern NFL with its parity, historic performances are still possible. Who knows what records will fall next?
- History Remembers
Fans talk about these games decades later. They become part of franchise lore—either as proud moments or painful memories.
For context, the biggest blowout in NBA history saw Memphis beat the Clippers 133-73 (60 points) in 2021.
The biggest blowout in college football history remains Georgia Tech’s absurd 222-0 victory over Cumberland in 1916.
NFL blowouts might not reach those extremes, but they’re rare enough to remain special.
Your Burning Questions Answered
- What’s the biggest blowout in NFL history?
By point total, the Miami Dolphins’ 70-20 victory over Denver in 2023. By margin of victory, several games tied at 59 points, including the Patriots’ 59-0 shutout of Tennessee in 2009.
- Has any team scored 70+ points in NFL history?
Yes! The Dolphins scored 70 in 2023. Before that, the Washington Redskins scored 72 points against the Giants way back in 1966, though that remains the record.
- What’s the biggest Super Bowl blowout?
The San Francisco 49ers destroyed the Denver Broncos 55-10 in Super Bowl XXIV (January 1990). Joe Montana threw 5 touchdown passes in what many consider the most dominant championship performance ever.
- Which NFL team has the most blowout victories?
The New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers both have multiple entries on the all-time list. The Patriots especially dominated during the Tom Brady era with several 40+ point victories.
- Do blowouts happen more often now than in the past?
Actually, they’re rarer now. The NFL has achieved greater parity through the salary cap and draft system. The 1960s-1970s saw more frequent blowouts due to talent imbalances during the league merger period.
- Can teams come back from huge deficits?
It’s extremely rare. The biggest comeback in NFL history was the Buffalo Bills recovery from a 32-point deficit against Houston in a 1993 playoff game. But coming back from 50+ points down? That’s basically impossible.
- What causes such lopsided games?
Usually, a combination of factors: injuries to key players, bad weather favoring one team, poor coaching decisions, and sometimes just one team having a perfect day while the opponent has their worst day ever.
Final Thoughts: When Domination Becomes History
Football is beautiful because of its unpredictability. Every Sunday brings new possibilities, new heroes, and new stories.
But sometimes, unpredictability means watching one team completely dominate another.
These aren’t the close games that come down to the final play. These are the games where superiority is undeniable.
The biggest blowouts in NFL history remind us that perfection is possible—at least for one game.
They show us that even professional athletes can have days where nothing goes right, or days where everything does.
From Tom Brady throwing snowballs-turned-touchdowns to the Dolphins scoring like a video game glitch, these performances created moments that transcended the final score.
They embarrassed losing teams, galvanized winning franchises, and gave fans stories to share for generations. Some teams came back stronger after humiliating defeats. Others never fully recovered.
That’s the thing about blowouts—they’re more than just numbers on a scoreboard. They’re turning points, defining moments, and historical markers in NFL history.
Whether your team delivered one of these beatdowns or suffered through one, these games prove that in football, anything can happen. And sometimes, what happens is absolutely unforgettable.
These are the biggest blowouts in NFL history that fans will never stop talking about.
