What are the most points scored in a half in an NFL game?
Scoring more than 30 points in two quarters is an impressive feat, but how about 40? Let’s take a look at some of the best NFL offensive perfomances in a half
The most recent incredible point performance in a half came from the Las Vegas Raiders on Dec. 14, 2023. They thrashed the Los Angeles Chargers in the first half of the game 42-0. The Raiders went on to win 63-21 and set a franchise record.
Raiders score 42 points in the first half after going scoreless last week 👀
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 15, 2023
That's the most points in a first half in NFL history after being shut out the previous game. pic.twitter.com/oSbr1XCtK6
Record setting first half performances
On September 8, 2019 the Baltimore Ravens scored 42 points against the Miami Dolphins in the first half and then went on to win 59-10. The Ravens were led by second-year QB Lamar Jackson who passed for 210 yards and four touchdowns in the first half. In 2019 The Dolphins managed to score 10 points in the second quarter, but were then shut out in the third and fourth quarters against John Harbaugh’s team.
Ravens’ 42 points are the most an NFL team has scored in the first half of Week 1 in NFL history.
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) September 8, 2019
But the record goes to the New England Patriots, who beat the Tennessee Titans 59-0 on Oct. 18, 2009. By halftime the Patriots, led by Tom Brady, had scored 45 points! New England didn’t score on its first drive that snowy day, but then scored on their next nine possessions. The score was 35-0 after 15 minutes!
Who else remember the aesthetically pleasing 59-0 Patriots snow game win over the Titans?
— Jordan Moore (@iJordanMoore) March 30, 2020
Good times, good times. pic.twitter.com/iqCZ8aimjE
Previous NFL first half scoring record
Back in 1948 The Chicago Cardinals also scored 42 points against the New York Giants in the first half, which stood as the National Football League record for over 60 years.
Bring back the Chicago Cardinals! Too hot in Arizona.#chicagocardinals pic.twitter.com/z8VLSu4t1G
— RedDog44 (@WhyOldSchool) December 15, 2022
Another interesting tidbit related to one-half scores: The New Orleans Saints are the third team in NFL history to score 30 or more points in a half in its first two games. In 2024 the Saints led the Panthers 30-3 at halftime in week 1 and the following week went up 35-16 after two quarters against the Dallas Cowboys.
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