Saquon Barkley [L] and Lamar Jackson [R] (Image Credit: Getty Images)
As the 2024 NFL regular season enters its final weeks, the playoff race isn’t the only drama unfolding. Several players are on the verge of making history by taking down some of the league’s most iconic NFL records.
Here’s a look at the records that could fall and the players chasing them.
Rushing Yards, Single Season
Philadelphia Eagles’ Saquon Barkley is set on breaking Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, set in 1984. Barkley currently leads the league with 1,688 rushing yards and needs to average 139.3 yards over the last three games to surpass Dickerson. Though a minor setback limited him to 65 rushing yards in a recent win over the Steelers, Barkley has already hit 140+ yards in five games this season. Philadelphia’s race for the NFC’s No. 1 seed means Barkley likely won’t get much rest, keeping the record within reach.
Yards From Scrimmage, Single Season
Barkley’s bid for Dickerson’s rushing record puts him in contention for another milestone: most yards from scrimmage in a season. Tennessee Titans’ Chris Johnson holds the mark with 2,509 yards, set in 2009. Barkley, who’s already crossed the 2,000-yard threshold, needs to average 182 yards per game to overtake Johnson. While that’s a tall order, Barkley has already achieved 182+ yards in four games this season, making this record a possibility.
Passer Rating, Single Season
Lamar Jackson is chasing Aaron Rodgers’ record for the highest single-season passer rating of 122.5, set during Rodgers’ 2011 MVP season. Jackson currently sits at 120.7, the fourth-best mark in history. His efficient play, combined with his ability to limit turnovers and deliver big plays, makes the record achievable. Jackson’s fewer passing attempts compared to players like Rodgers might work against him, but his precision could tip the scales. Earlier this season, Jackson became the first quarterback to record four career games with a perfect passer rating of 158.3.
Passer Rating by a Rookie
Washington Commanders’ rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is on track to break Dak Prescott’s rookie passer rating record of 104.9, set in 2016. Daniels, currently at 101.2, needs a strong finish to eclipse Prescott. If he keeps up his steady play, Daniels could secure this milestone while also leading the Commanders into a promising future.
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Rushing Yards by a Rookie Quarterback
Daniels is also in contention to break the NFL record for most rushing yards by a rookie quarterback. Robert Griffin III set the standard in 2012 with 815 rushing yards. Daniels, who’s already surpassed 600 yards, needs just 160 more to claim the top spot. With his dual-threat ability and Washington’s reliance on his mobility, this record seems well within reach.
Career Rushing Yards by a Quarterback
Lamar Jackson’s dynamic running ability has already placed him in NFL history. He joined Michael Vick as the only quarterback to surpass 6,000 career rushing yards, but he’s poised to go further. Jackson needs just 109 more yards to surpass Vick’s all-time mark of 6,109 rushing yards, which Vick achieved over 13 seasons. Jackson, now in his seventh season, could claim the record in far fewer games.
Touchdown-to-Interception Ratio, Single Season
Jackson’s 34-to-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio this season is already stunning. If he throws nine more touchdown passes without an interception, he’ll break Tom Brady’s 2016 record of 28 touchdowns against just two interceptions. Jackson’s improved accuracy and decision-making make this feat a realistic goal.
Receiving Yards by a Rookie Tight End
Las Vegas Raiders’ rookie Brock Bowers is rewriting the record books for tight ends. He’s already surpassed Sam LaPorta’s rookie reception record (86) and now has his eyes on Mike Ditka’s 63-year-old rookie tight end receiving yard record of 1,076 yards. Bowers needs just 109 more yards to eclipse Ditka. Considering Bowers’ consistent production, this milestone seems likely.
Receptions by a Rookie
Bowers isn’t done yet. With 90 catches so far, he’s closing in on Puka Nacua’s rookie receptions record of 105, set just last season. Bowers needs 16 more receptions to break the record, and with his current average of 6.4 catches per game, he’s on track to achieve it.
Pick-Sixes in a Season
Tennessee Titans’ second-year quarterback Will Levis’ rough season included throwing four pick-sixes before being benched. Jameis Winston’s record of seven pick-sixes in 2019 seems safe, as Levis would need to throw three more to tie it. With the Titans unlikely to reinstate him, this dubious record will likely remain untouched.
The final stretch of the 2024 season promises plenty of excitement, both for teams chasing playoff glory and players vying for immortality in the NFL record books. Whether it’s Barkley’s pursuit of rushing greatness or Jackson’s continued domination as a dual-threat quarterback, the next few weeks will be must-watch for football fans.
