The top 10 Most Passing Touchdowns in a Single Season in NFL History
The top 10 Most Passing Touchdowns in a Single Season in ...
By Jason Bolton July 22, 2024 08:25
In the NFL, passing touchdowns are huge. They are an indication of a quarterback's ability to both move the ball and score points. Through the years, we've seen several all-time single-season performances that have resulted in quarterbacks smashing records for passing touchdowns and showing off their elite arm talent with clutch regular-season results.
Here, we will break down the top 10 seasons in NFL history by passing touchdowns. We'll illustrate the players who made history, detail their rosters and teammates, and provide examples of how crucial these record-setting feats were in a historical context.
Top 10 Single-Season Passing Touchdowns
1. Peyton Manning - 55 passing touchdowns (2013)
Peyton Manning enjoyed one of the greatest seasons by a quarterback in NFL history when he threw 55 passing touchdowns, which was a record at that time for the Denver Broncos en route to finishing with an identical mark and an appearance in Super Bowl XLVIII. Manning was surrounded by an elite supporting cast of wide receivers Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker, and Wes Welker. Behind Manning's quick decisions and pinpoint passing, the Broncos overwhelmed defenses with perhaps the best offense ever. Manning was already among the best to do it at quarterback, but this record-breaking game solidified his legacy.
2. Tom Brady - 50 passing touchdowns (2007)
In 2007, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots would construct one of the greatest offensive seasons in NFL history. Brady tossed an incredible 50 touchdown passes, shattering Peyton Manning's then-single-season record for the most passing touchdowns. Brady had the luxury of throwing to Randy Moss, Wes Welker, and Donte Stallworth, all of whom enjoyed career years at wide receiver. Brady was afforded the time and scheme to cut opposing defenses with surgical precision by way of a revolutionary offensive system implemented by New England, which rewarded its quarterback with top-notch accuracy surrounded by kind decision-making, leading them toward an undefeated regular season (16-0) before kicking off in what ended up being a Super Bowl berth.
3. Patrick Mahomes - 50 passing touchdowns, (2018)
Patrick Mahomes had a massive season in 2018, throwing for 50 passing touchdowns while starting the entire year just from his second season as the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback. With the perfect storm of arm strength, mobility, and football insight he brings to his position, Mahomes was a nightmare for opposing defenses. He has Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce to make plays for him, and together, they helped them cut through defenses.
4. Lamar Jackson - 36 passing touchdowns (2019)
Lamar Jackson threw 36 passing touchdowns in a transcendent year for the Baltimore Ravens QB in 2019. Their Youngstown-style offense included plenty of unique but effective three tight end packages that they trot out each week to put Jackson in the best position possible. Jackson's season propelled the Ravens to claim home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs and earned him NFL MVP honors.
5. Dan Marino - 48 passing touchdowns (1984)
In 1984 Dan Marino threw for 48 passing touchdowns to set a new standard in the NFL. With his rocket arm and rapid release, Marino could pick defenses apart and had some terrific targets in complementing wideouts Mark Clayton and Mark Duper. Marino set the then record during an era when the NFL was a more run-minded league.
6. Aaron Rodgers - 45 passing touchdowns (2011)
In 2011, Aaron Rodgers put together one of the greatest seasons in NFL history by tossing 45 passing touchdowns for the Green Bay Packers. Rodgers showed off his accuracy, intelligence, and ability to play at the highest level under pressure during a 15-1 regular season with the Packers. With Jordy Nelson, Greg Jennings, and Randall Cobb at his disposal that year, Rodgers spread the wealth to a season where he was practically unhittable.
7. Tom Brady - 49 passing touchdowns (2021)
The 44-year-old showed no signs of decline, as Brady used his elite sense of timing and solid footwork to slice through defenses all season. The Buccaneers were a stacked offensive team, highlighted by wide receivers Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Antonio Brow, and tight end Rob Gronkowski, providing Brady with plenty of weapons to work with in the passing game.
8. Drew Brees - 46 passing touchdowns (2011)
Drew Brees shattered the New Orleans Saints single-season record in 2011 when he threw 46 passing touchdowns. Brees' impeccable accuracy, lightning-quick release, and prescient field vision, combined with a high-powered passing attack, make him effective in New Orleans. Brees had the pleasure of having a great receiving core, with Jimmy Graham, Marques Colston, and Darren Sproles catching mostly anything he drew up in the dirt.
9. Patrick Mahomes - 48 passing touchdowns (2022)
Turning back to 2022 when Patrick Mahomes kept throwing his way to 48 passing touchdowns. No defense wanted to plan for him with the lethal arm and knowledge of football that he had. Mahomes and the Chiefs had one of, if not the best, offenses in football, with players like Travis Kelce, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Marlon Humphrey as weapons for him to do work.
10. Tom Brady - 48 passing touchdowns (2020)
The then 43-year-old further showed his ability to process the game quickly and deliver effective passes as he led Tampa Bay to a championship in his first season with them. With Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Antonio Brown at his disposal in the receiving corps, Brady lacked passing game talent.
Some of the best quarterbacks throughout NFL history have had big passing seasons, leading to monster numbers and otherworldly production that ranks among the greatest passers in football. From Peyton Manning's single-season record of 55 touchdown passes in 2013 to Tom Brady still dominating the NFL at age 44, these efforts will forever be remembered.
With the rapid evolution of rules and offensive scheming in today's game, it wouldn't be surprising to see these marks hotly contested over the next few years. A quarterback would have to raise the bar well beyond these great performances, with an elite set of weapons and a quality scheme around him, in order to even dream of reaching those numbers.
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