Yes — there has been exactly one NFL playoff game with no touchdowns, decided entirely by a single field goal. It remains one of the most unusual and lowest-scoring postseason games in league history.
The Only NFL Playoff Game With No Touchdowns
Pittsburgh Steelers 3, Miami Dolphins 0
- Date: January 6, 2008
- Round: AFC Wild Card
- Venue: Heinz Field
- Weather: Heavy snow and freezing conditions
This game featured:
- 0 touchdowns
- 0 extra points
- 1 field goal total
The lone score came on a 24-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, which proved to be the difference in a defensive struggle dominated by harsh winter weather.
Why Was There No Touchdown Scored?
Several factors contributed to this historically low-scoring playoff game.
Extreme Weather Conditions
Snow blanketed the field throughout the game, severely limiting:
- Traction
- Passing accuracy
- Route timing
- Ball security
Defensive Dominance
Both teams relied heavily on defense and field position, resulting in:
- Minimal explosive plays
- Conservative play-calling
- Frequent punts
Offensive Limitations
Turnovers, dropped passes, and poor footing made sustained scoring drives nearly impossible, even when teams reached scoring range.
Is This the Lowest-Scoring NFL Playoff Game Ever?
Yes.
- Fewest combined points in an NFL playoff game: 3
- Fewest scoring plays in a playoff game: 1
- Only playoff game decided solely by field goals: Yes
No other NFL postseason game has finished without a touchdown being scored.
Have There Been Other No-Touchdown Games in the NFL?
Regular Season
While rare, regular-season NFL games have ended without touchdowns, including:
- 3–0 finals
- 6–0 finals
- Field-goal-only games from early professional football eras
Playoffs
- No other playoff games have matched this outcome
- Modern postseason football almost always features at least one touchdown
Why This Game Still Matters
This matchup is frequently referenced when discussing:
- The impact of weather on football outcomes
- Defensive playoff battles
- The rarity of ultra-low scoring games in the modern NFL
It remains a benchmark example of how defense, conditions, and field position can determine a playoff outcome.
Final Verdict
Yes, an NFL playoff game has been played with no touchdowns — but it has only happened once.
The Steelers’ 3–0 win over the Dolphins remains one of the most unique postseason games in league history.