Every Sunday in the NFL brings something fresh, whether it’s a great play or a never-seen-before score. Yes, even after more than a century of NFL history, the league continues to surprise fans with unique final scores. This rare occurrence, known as scorigami, is about finding final scores in NFL games that have never happened before.
Let’s dive into the fascinating world of scorigami, its origins, and why it keeps football fans hooked.
What Does Scorigami Mean?
The term “scorigami” was given by Jon Bois of SB Nation. It refers to final scores in NFL games that have never been achieved before. Bois explored the concept in-depth in a 2017 video, breaking down every score ever recorded and analyzing what’s possible on an NFL scoreboard.
From touchdowns to field goals to safeties, football’s scoring system creates countless possibilities for game outcomes. Scorigami celebrates those unique combinations and keeps track of which scores have yet to appear in the league’s history.
How Is Scorigami Tracked?
Scorigami has become a live phenomenon. A dedicated Scorigami Twitter account, developed by three-time Jeopardy! champion Dave Mattingly, analyzes NFL games in real time to calculate the odds of a scorigami. The account also predicts the most likely scorigami outcomes during ongoing games.
The NFL Scorigami website archives every final score in league history and lists the scores that remain unachieved, giving fans a comprehensive view of scorigami milestones.
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How Many Unique Final Scores Have There Been?
As of now, the NFL has seen 1,085 different final scores.
- The lowest possible score is 0-0, which has occurred 73 times. The most recent scoreless tie dates back to November 7, 1943.
- The highest-scoring game was when the Chicago Bears put up 73 points in a shutout win against Washington, the most lopsided victory in league history.
Also Read: How Do NFL Betting Odds Work? A Complete Guide to Getting Started
What Are the Most Common NFL Scores?
Some scores are far more likely to appear, and due to the waypoints, they are typically earned in football. NFL history’s most common final score is 20-17, followed by 27-24. Here are the top 10 most frequent scores:
- 20-17: 291 times
- 27-24: 234 times
- 23-20: 202 times
- 17-14: 200 times
- 24-17: 178 times
- 13-10: 169 times
- 24-21: 158 times
- 17-10: 148 times
- 16-13: 145 times
- 24-14: 139 times
Scorigami Highlights: 2023 and 2024 Seasons
The 2023 season brought nine scorigamis, proving that even after 100 years, unique scores keep happening. Here’s the full list:
- 25-9: Ravens over Texans, Week 1
- 70-20: Dolphins over Broncos, Week 3
- 25-11: Eagles over Buccaneers, Week 3
- 43-20: Cowboys over Rams, Week 8
- 39-37: Texans over Buccaneers, Week 9
- 29-12: Broncos over Browns, Week 12
- 45-15: Dolphins over Commanders, Week 13
- 63-21: Raiders over Chargers, Week 15
- 56-19: Ravens over Dolphins, Week 17
In 2024, scorigami continued early. During Week 1, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the New York Jets 32-19, marking the first scorigami of the season.
Why Can’t Some Scores Happen?
Football’s unique scoring rules create interesting scenarios. For example, a score of 6-1 is possible, but 7-1 is not. Here’s why:
- A 6-1 score could occur if Team A scores a touchdown, and Team B gets a one-point safety during the PAT attempt.
- A 7-1 score, however, isn’t feasible. If Team A scores a touchdown and attempts a PAT, they either:
- Make the kick, bringing the score to 7-0.
- Missing the kick left the score at 6-0, with no way for Team B to stay at one point after scoring.
So close to a @NFL_Scorigami. Last time a 31-2 final happened was 59 years ago! https://t.co/RCFXx6Q9aL
— Zach Maskavich WESH (@ZachMaskavich) December 26, 2024
This explains why scores like 1-0, 2-1, or 7-1 are impossible in NFL games.
Scorigami is a quirky yet captivating aspect of the NFL that keeps fans and statisticians alike on their toes. Whether it’s a common 20-17 or a never-before-seen 32-19, every score tells a unique story-and there’s always the possibility of witnessing history in the making.
