When was the last time an NFL game had no touchdown scored?
Let's take a look at the last time when teams went all game without scoring a touchdown.
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Rams vs Niners, a no TD affair (Image via AP)
NFL is one of the most watched sporting leagues around the world. The fast-paced and action-filled games have lured fans from around the globe. Due to the massive fanbase of this entertaining league, it stands as one of the most profitable sports leagues around the world. Every week during the NFL season, fans tune in regularly to see their team scoring touchdown after touchdown, but sometimes they’ll be disappointed.
In recent times, the league has grown to be an offensive-friendly one with some rules restricting the defenders to be more aggressive. Besides, new-age quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson are changing the way offenses used to play in the olden days. The defensive players are also quickly adapting to the new rules, but it might take a long time.
Most of the teams in the NFL currently are running a pass-happy offense which helps them score points at will. People rarely see a quarter of an NFL game go by without either team scoring a touchdown. However, the 2022 season was an exception. The teams struggled offensively in this season, resulting in multiple low-scoring games where both teams failed to score a single touchdown.
The last time an NFL game ended with zero touchdowns
The Rams-Niners game on Thursday night was the latest NFL matchup in history to end without a touchdown, with Los Angeles defeating San Francisco 12-6 in Santa Clara in Week 15 of the 2024 NFL season. Both teams faced challenges offensively, particularly in the rain-soaked first half, but the Rams managed to make the most of their scoring opportunities.
San Francisco’s defense held the Rams out of the end zone, but their offense faltered, producing just 191 total yards—their lowest output under coach Kyle Shanahan.
Things, however, could have changed in the third quarter with the score tied at 3. San Francisco’s quarterback Brock Purdy targeted Deebo Samuel on a third-and-10 slant pass, but Samuel dropped it, turning a potential touchdown into a field goal.
The Rams pulled ahead with three more field goals, taking a 12-6 lead. San Francisco’s attempts to regain momentum fell short, including an interception by Purdy in the end zone late in the fourth quarter. Both defenses were strong throughout the game, but offensive struggles defined the night.
How often do we see games with zero touchdowns?
Since modern football games rely heavily on explosive pass offense and, with quarterbacks who are getting paid handsomely, the NFL teams wouldn’t struggle a lot to score a single touchdown in a game.
In the 2022 season, the league saw two games where neither team scored a touchdown and the 2021 season also saw the same number of games with zero touchdowns. It’s just one or two where the offenses don’t click for the entire game. It will continue to happen in the future too.
When the Miami Dolphins faced the New York Jets during week 18 of the 2022 NFL regular season, no touchdowns were scored from either side. Both teams were playing with their backup quarterbacks due to injuries.
That was a crucial game for the Dolphins since they were playing for a postseason spot. But both defenses had a solid outing and kept the offenses in check in that matchup. In the end, the Dolphins won the game 11-6 and clinched a playoff spot. The quarterbacks of both teams combined for 301 passing yards and 0 touchdowns.
The Jets were so bad that they only had 187 total yards for the game. The Dolphins also struggled but managed to accumulate 302 total yards, thanks to their rushing game. There were a total of five field goals and one safety in the game, but no touchdowns.
Nevertheless, teams are looking to eliminate games like those as they continue to invest and improve their offense to score more and more points. The defense might win championships, but touchdowns sell tickets, and the owners would like to see more of it.
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Aravind Raj
(2075 Articles Published)