NFL Records on the Brink of Change
As the 2026 NFL season approaches, fans and analysts are buzzing with excitement not just about the upcoming games but also about the records that stand on the brink of being broken. Every season brings new talent and fresh opportunities for players to etch their names in history, and this year is no different. Several noteworthy records are under scrutiny, with a group of star players each poised to make a run at greatness. Let's delve into the eight records that have drawn particular attention.
Touchdown Milestone: Patrick Mahomes vs. Aaron Rodgers
One of the most celebrated records in the NFL is the career touchdown passes record, currently held by Aaron Rodgers with 300 in just 144 games. Patrick Mahomes, coming off a significant knee injury but expected to start Week 1, is targeting this coveted number. As of now, Mahomes has 267 touchdown passes in just 126 games, meaning he needs to throw 33 touchdowns this season to break Rodgers' record. Although Mahomes hasn't surpassed the 33-touchdown mark in a single season since 2022, his past performance and resilience suggest that this goal may very well be within reach.
Quarterback Rating: Brock Purdy's Rise
Lamar Jackson and Aaron Rodgers currently share the record for the highest career passer rating at 102.2. However, Brock Purdy has a chance to dethrone them, boasting an impressive career rating of 104.0. The 26-year-old quarterback needs to maintain his rating above 102.2 until he throws his 1,500th career pass to officially claim the title. With only 147 pass attempts remaining to hit that mark, Purdy's chances look promising. However, the volatility of quarterback performances suggests that competition remains fierce, and any fall in form could swiftly change the landscape.
Scrimmage Yards: Bijan Robinson's Ambitious Pursuit
Chris Johnson's record of 2,509 scrimmage yards set in 2009 stands tall, but Bijan Robinson is making headlines after leading the league with 2,298 scrimmage yards last season. For Robinson to break Johnson's record, he would need to elevate his yards-per-game total from 135.2 to 147.7 while playing the full 17 games. Given his abilities as both a rusher and receiver, and the possibility of enhanced quarterback play with Tua Tagovailoa joining the squad, Robinson's pursuit of this record seems not just ambitious but also attainable.
Reception History: Can Nacua or Chase Shine?
The single-season reception record is held by Michael Thomas with 149 receptions. Two players, Puka Nacua and Ja'Marr Chase, are in close contention to challenge this record in 2026. Nacua, who caught 129 passes last season, needs to improve his average catches from 8.06 per game to 8.82 over the full season. Similarly, Chase, who has had back-to-back seasons with over 125 catches, faces a similar task. Both players have the potential to reach these figures; however, achieving such high reception totals will require exceptional consistency and possibly some fortuitous circumstances, such as favorable offensive play structures and injury luck.
Sack Milestones: Myles Garrett's Next Chapter
The sack record, currently held by Myles Garrett at 23 in the 2025 season, is another record to watch closely. Garrett's next season with the Rams will dictate his ability to replicate or exceed his previous achievements. With his remarkable four-game stretch last year contributing to that sack total, it raises the question of whether such performance can be sustained. The pressure may also increase for the 30-year-old defensive star with a notable target on his back from opposing offenses.
Defensive Pressure: Denver Broncos' Quest
The Chicago Bears hold the league record for team sacks in a season at 72, set in 1984. The Denver Broncos, with a total of 63 sacks in 2024 and 68 in 2025, are on a similar trajectory and require 73 sacks to break that record. Given that the Broncos' core players remain intact and the 2026 schedule appears manageable, they have an excellent chance of surpassing this longstanding milestone. They’ve demonstrated a promising start to the previous seasons, making their objective feel within reach.
Rushing Records: Can Daniels Beat Jackson?
Lamar Jackson's single-season rushing record of 1,206 yards is within reach for young talent. Daniels, with 891 rushing yards in his previous healthy season, will need to increase his per-game average significantly to threaten Jackson's record. Achieving an average of 71.0 rushing yards in the upcoming season will require consistency and an efficient offensive scheme. The potential presence of fewer designed quarterback runs under the new offensive coordinator may affect his performance, making this goal appear daunting but not impossible based on his strong finish last year.
Playoff Legends: Travis Kelce's Chase for Rice
The legendary Jerry Rice's playoff receiving record of 2,245 yards faces a challenge from Travis Kelce, who is currently second in all-time playoff receiving yards with 2,078. Kelce needs at least 168 yards in the 2026 playoffs to surpass Rice. With the Chiefs eyeing another deep playoff run, much will hinge on Kelce’s performance as he approaches his 37th birthday. While he has previously excelled in playoff moments, including a standout 175 yards in the 2024 playoffs, the question remains whether he can deliver consistent high-level performances as his career progresses.
As the 2026 NFL season unfolds, the excitement around these potential records is sure to captivate fans. Some of these achievements are steep and will require extraordinary performances, while others are distinctly within reach for the players contending for them. Regardless of the outcomes, this season promises to deliver moments that could redefine NFL history.
