NFL Scoring by Quarter: Highest & Average Per Game

Ever wondered which quarter is the highest scoring in the NFL?  Looking at the data, scoring patterns aren’t evenly distributed across all four quarters.

On this page, we break down NFL scoring by quarter, showing you the average points scored in each quarter and explaining why the second and fourth quarters tend to produce more offense.

Whether you are curious about NFL points per quarter, comparing the first half vs the second half, or just want to know the highest scoring quarter or half in NFL history, you’ll find the answers here, backed by stats and betting insights.

What Is the Highest Scoring Quarter in the NFL

Historically, the second quarter is the highest-scoring in the NFL.  Teams often settle into the flow of the game, coaches become more aggressive with play calling, there are clock stoppages in the final two minutes of the half that lead to extra possessions and scoring chances, and the starting position is better than the first or third quarters.

The fourth quarter is usually the next highest scoring thanks to late-game urgency, two-minute drills, and prevent defenses, but teams also milk the clock to end the game quicker.

NFL Average Points By Quarter

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Since 2006 

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First Half vs Second Half NFL Scoring

I found it interesting that the first half was higher scoring than the second half, but then again, teams do try to run the clock to end the game if they have a big lead in the fourth quarter. Bettors looking at totals or live wagers should always account for this halftime split, and if you want to know more about halftime wagering, our NFL betting guide has details on this bet type and others to get you ready for the season.

Since 2001

Since 2006

Since 2010

First Half Lines

My original assumption was that the first half lines should be approximately half of the line for the full game, but it appears from the data that home teams win by nearly two points per game in the first half and only one point in the second.  Thus, the NFL lines should be higher than more than simply half the odds for the entire game. It should be closer to 2/3rds of the odds for the entire game.

Quarters

Both the first and the second quarters are nearly a full point advantage!  I originally assumed it would be close to a 25% advantage to the winning team in each quarter, but that does not appear to be the case.

Betting on who is going to win the first quarter is something I almost feel uncomfortable with unless I know who is going to get the ball first. It just seems to me that with such a short 15-minute time frame that whoever receives is going to have a significant advantage.  However, I might have to reconsider that strategy from this point forward and start looking at first-quarter lines.

Totals

There are more points scored in the first half on average than in the second.  This really shouldn’t come as any surprise.  If a team is ahead in the fourth quarter, they are going to kill the clock, whereas in the second quarter, they are going to keep trying to put points on the board.  There should be about a point extra given to the first half total compared to the second half total.

However, it appears that over the last two seasons, this tendency has evened out.  I’m not sure if that’s due to the league going towards more pass-heavy offenses or if it’s just a smaller sample size.

Why Are the 2nd and 4th Quarters Higher Scoring?

• Two-minute drills before halftime and the end of the game
• Aggressive playcalling when teams want points before the break or when they are trailing late
• More possessions are created by clock stoppages and turnovers
• Prevent defenses late in games that trade time for yardage
• Starting position isn’t one team kicking off; it’s where the previous quarter left off, which could be close to the goalline.

Highest Scoring Quarter in NFL History

The Chicago Bears poured on 49 points in the second quarter of their famous blowout of the Washington Redskins in the 1940 NFL Championship game.  The Bears went on to win the game by a score of 73-0, which is also the most lopsided score in NFL history.

A more modern example is in 2015.  The Arizona Cardinals and Chicago Bears combined for 45 points in the second quarter, which is the highest-scoring quarter in the Super Bowl era.

Most Points in a Single Half

The Oakland Raiders and the Houston Oilers put up 59 points in an AFL matchup back in 1963.  This was in the first half and remains the record.

A more modern record came in 2004 when the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns put up 58 first-half points in a wild shootout that had over bettors rejoicing!

Highest Scoring Game in NFL History

Back in 1966, the Washington Redskins beat the New York Giants by a score of 72-41 for 113 total points, which is still the record for most points in a single game.

Other Classic Shootouts in the NFL

2018: LA Rams 54, Kansas City Chiefs 51 (105 points)

This is the highest-scoring game in Monday Night Football history and was a great game to watch.

2004: Cincinnati Bengals 58, Cleveland Browns 48 (106 points)

The highest-scoring half in the modern era didn’t slow down much in the second half either.

2013: Denver Broncos 51, Dallas Cowboys 48 (99 points)

There were plenty of fireworks produced by Peyton Manning and Tony Romo when they combined for nearly 900 passing yards.

Our handicappers put out full game sides and totals for their premium subscribers, but will occasionally post free NFL picks on quarters or halftime bets.  Make sure to come back every week for some free advice on who to take this season!

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