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.
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.
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!
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.
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.