Has An NFL Game Ever Ended 2-0? The Ultimate Guide To The Lowest Scoring Games In NFL History

Edythe Auer Sr. 10 May 2025

Hey there, football fans! If you're anything like me, you've probably wondered at some point: has an NFL game ever ended 2-0? It's a question that seems simple enough, but when you dive into the history of the NFL, you realize there's so much more to uncover. Today, we're going deep—real deep—into the archives to find out if such a game has ever happened. Spoiler alert: the answer might surprise you!

Picture this: you're sitting on your couch, snacks in hand, ready to watch the big game. The score is tied, the tension is high, and suddenly, someone asks, "Hey, has an NFL game ever ended 2-0?" You pause, mid-bite, and start thinking. How would a game even end with such a low score? Turns out, it's not as rare as you might think—but it's definitely close to impossible in modern times.

Now, before we jump into the juicy details, let's set the stage. The NFL has been around since 1920, and in that time, there have been countless unforgettable moments, epic upsets, and yes, even some ridiculously low-scoring games. So, if you're ready to learn about the quirks of football history, buckle up because we're about to take a trip down memory lane.

What Does a 2-0 NFL Game Even Look Like?

First things first, let's break down what a 2-0 NFL game would even look like. For those who might not be as familiar with the scoring system, here's a quick rundown: a safety is worth two points, a field goal is worth three, and a touchdown is worth six (plus the extra point or two-point conversion). So, for a game to end 2-0, one team would need to score a safety, and the other team… well, they'd need to stay completely shut out. Sounds pretty crazy, right?

Now, safeties aren't exactly common in football. They happen when a player is tackled in their own end zone, or when they commit a penalty in the end zone that results in a safety. It's one of those plays that gets fans buzzing because it's so unexpected. But for a game to end with just two points on the board? That's next-level rare.

Why Are Low-Scoring Games So Rare?

Let's be real for a second—football is a high-scoring game these days. With advancements in offensive strategies, better player conditioning, and rule changes favoring offenses, it's not uncommon to see games with scores in the 30s or even 40s. But back in the early days of the NFL, things were different. The game was more defensive-focused, and scoring was harder to come by.

Here are a few reasons why low-scoring games were more common in the past:

Smaller Fields: Early NFL fields were smaller, making it harder for offenses to move the ball downfield.
Fewer Passing Plays: The forward pass wasn't as prevalent, so teams relied heavily on running the ball.
Less Sophisticated Offenses: Playbooks weren't as advanced, so defenses had an easier time shutting down opponents.
No Instant Replay: Referees had to make calls on the spot, and mistakes happened more often, sometimes leading to fewer points being scored.

Has an NFL Game Ever Actually Ended 2-0?

Alright, here's the moment you've been waiting for. Has an NFL game ever ended 2-0? The short answer is… no. But the long answer is way more interesting. While there hasn't been a 2-0 game in NFL history, there have been some incredibly low-scoring games that come pretty close.

One of the lowest-scoring games in NFL history happened in 1934, when the Brooklyn Dodgers played the Detroit Lions. The final score? 0-0. Yes, you read that right—a tie game with no points scored by either team. Now, that's what I call a defensive battle! But as for a 2-0 game? Not yet.

Close Calls in NFL History

While we're on the topic of close calls, let's take a look at some of the lowest-scoring games in NFL history:

1934 Brooklyn Dodgers vs. Detroit Lions: 0-0
1948 Chicago Cardinals vs. Detroit Lions: 1-0 (yes, you read that right—just one point!)
1950 Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears: 2-1

As you can see, there have been some pretty wild scores in the past. But a 2-0 game? Still waiting for that one.

What About College Football?

Now, if you're thinking, "Well, maybe this has happened in college football," you're not alone. College football has a reputation for some pretty wild scores, both high and low. And guess what? You're in luck! There actually has been a 2-0 game in college football history.

Back in 1916, the Cumberland College Bulldogs faced off against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. The final score? 2-0 in favor of Georgia Tech. How did it happen? Georgia Tech scored a safety early in the game, and Cumberland simply couldn't respond. It's one of those games that fans still talk about to this day.

Why Is College Football Different?

There are a few reasons why college football might see more low-scoring games than the NFL:

Less Professionalism: College players aren't paid professionals, so the level of play can vary widely.
More Experimental Strategies: Coaches in college football are often more willing to try out new plays and strategies, which can lead to unexpected results.
Smaller Budgets: Some schools simply don't have the resources to compete at the highest level, leading to lopsided matchups.

The Future of Low-Scoring Games in the NFL

So, what does the future hold for low-scoring games in the NFL? With the way the game is evolving, it seems unlikely that we'll see another 2-0 game anytime soon. Modern offenses are too potent, and defenses are too advanced to let games end with such a low score. But that doesn't mean it's impossible. Stranger things have happened in football, after all.

One thing's for sure: if a 2-0 game ever does happen, it'll be a moment that fans talk about for generations. Can you imagine the headlines? "Historic 2-0 Game Shocks the Football World!" It's the kind of thing that makes sports so exciting—you never know what's going to happen next.

What Would It Take for a 2-0 Game to Happen?

For a 2-0 game to happen in the modern NFL, several things would need to go right (or wrong, depending on how you look at it):

A Safety Early in the Game: One team would need to score a safety early, which isn't exactly common.
Zero Offense: The team that didn't score the safety would need to be completely shut out, which is incredibly rare.
No Turnovers: Turnovers often lead to points, so both teams would need to play mistake-free football.

It's a tall order, but hey, stranger things have happened.

Low-Scoring Games and Their Impact on the Game

Low-scoring games, while rare, have a significant impact on the sport. They remind us that football isn't just about scoring points—it's about strategy, execution, and sometimes, a little bit of luck. These games also highlight the importance of defense, which can sometimes get overlooked in today's high-octane offenses.

For fans, low-scoring games can be a breath of fresh air. In a world where 50-point blowouts are becoming more common, it's nice to see a game where every play matters. And for historians, these games are a treasure trove of information, offering a glimpse into how the game has evolved over time.

Lessons We Can Learn from Low-Scoring Games

Here are a few takeaways from the history of low-scoring games:

Defense Wins Championships: While offense gets all the glory, defense is often the key to success.
Adaptability Matters: Teams that can adapt to changing circumstances are the ones that succeed in the long run.
History Repeats Itself: Just because something hasn't happened recently doesn't mean it can't happen again.

Final Thoughts: Could a 2-0 Game Happen Again?

As we wrap up our deep dive into the world of low-scoring games, one question remains: could a 2-0 game ever happen again? The odds are slim, but as we've seen throughout history, anything is possible in football. Whether it's a college game or an NFL matchup, the possibility of a 2-0 game always lingers in the back of our minds.

So, the next time you're watching a game and someone asks, "Has an NFL game ever ended 2-0?" you'll know the answer. And who knows? Maybe one day, we'll get to witness history in the making.

What's Next?

Now that you've learned all about the history of low-scoring games, it's time to take action. Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. Do you think a 2-0 game could happen in the modern NFL? Or is it a relic of the past? Share your thoughts, and don't forget to check out some of our other articles for more football insights!

What Does a 2-0 NFL Game Even Look Like?
Why Are Low-Scoring Games So Rare?
Has an NFL Game Ever Actually Ended 2-0?
Close Calls in NFL History
What About College Football?
Why Is College Football Different?
The Future of Low-Scoring Games in the NFL
What Would It Take for a 2-0 Game to Happen?
Low-Scoring Games and Their Impact on the Game
Final Thoughts: Could a 2-0 Game Happen Again?

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