5 lowest-scoring NFL games since merger feat. Vikings vs Raiders' 2023 matchup

The modern NFL seemingly embraces offense while ignoring defense. It has become relatively common to see teams exchange points for the duration of a game, with the final score being over a combined 50 points.

However, the league was more defensively sound back in the day, with the odd high-scoring matchup. So, with that in mind, let's look at a handful of the lowest-scoring games since the merger.

Five lowest-scoring NFL games since merger

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3, Kansas City Chiefs 0 in 1979

The recent games of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs have been filled with stellar offensive showings in the NFL. It's only natural when you have the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Tom Brady, Mike Evans and Antonio Brown on the Gridiron. However, once upon a time, these teams combined for a mere three points in the "Monsoon Game."

That's right. The franchises faced off on Dec. 16, 1979, in a game decided by special teams. The Bucs secured the win with a Neil O’Donoghue 19-yard field goal in the fourth quarter.

4. New England Patriots 3, Miami Dolphins 0 in 1982

The New England Patriots know something about shutting down opposing teams. They did it for years under defensive specialist head coach Bill Belichick, and their solidity at that side of the ball was crucial in almost two decades of dominance.

Interestingly, the Patriots were defensively sound long before Belichick took over the reins. In 1982, the Patriots held a Don Shula-coached Dolphins team scoreless at the New England field. Patriots kicker John Smith secured the win with a well-placed field goal to break Dolphins hearts.

3. New York Jets 3, Washington Redskins 0 in 1993

New York Jets fans have endured pain over the years. The franchise is on a playoff drought, and they're set to continue their unfortunate run in 2024 despite having a future Hall of Fame quarterback on their roster. Hence, it's rare that the franchise has a genuine win to celebrate.

Well, in 1993, the Jets secured a hard-fought 3-0 win over the then-Washington Redskins at the RFK Stadium, Washington DC. The Redskins did not reach the Jets' 30-yard line for the duration of a NFL contest that was decided by Cary Blanchard's 45-yard field goal.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers 3, Miami Dolphins 0 in 2007

The Pittsburgh Steelers, under Mike Tomlin, are known to stifle opposition defenses and grind out victories. This is a legacy that the team has built for almost two decades in the NFL.

The Steelers held the Miami Dolphins scoreless on Nov. 26, 2007, at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. A Jeff Reed field goal in the fourth quarter decided the game.

1. Minnesota Vikings 3, Las Vegas Raiders 0 in 2023

When the Minnesota Vikings lost Justin Jefferson to a chest injury in the second quarter of their December matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, they knew it would be a low-scoring game. However, few at Allegiant Stadium would have predicted the game ending in a 3-0 scoreline.

However, some hesitant play from both sides saw the game decided by Greg Joseph's 36-yard field goal. This scoreline might not be repeated for the foreseeable future.