Can a Team Win a Game Without Scoring a Touchdown?
Football rewards touchdowns, but it does not require them to win.
A team can win an American football game without scoring a touchdown. It can do this by making field goals, earning a safety, and playing strong defense. For example, a team that wins 12-10 might have scored only four field goals. This kind of win is not the usual goal because touchdowns are worth more and create bigger scoring swings. Still, football is not only about reaching the end zone. Field position, turnovers, special teams, clock management, and red-zone defense can all decide a game. Teams that move the ball well enough to attempt field goals but struggle near the goal line may still stay competitive if their defense limits the opponent. These games often feel tense because every possession, punt, and missed kick becomes more important than usual.