We’re seeing some freaky passing numbers. It’s rare for a quarterback to throw 40 touchdowns in a season, but this season we might see a half dozen reach that level.

We’re seeing some freaky passing numbers. It’s rare for a quarterback to throw 40 touchdowns in a season, but this season we might see a half dozen reach that level.

So far in league history, only 12 quarterbacks have managed to throw 40 touchdowns in a season. Including Ryan Fitzpatrick (who’s not even starting anymore) seven quarterbacks at the quarter-pole mark are on pace for 40-plus touchdowns. That includes Patrick Mahomes, who’s currently on pace to break Peyton Manning’s single-season record.

Oddly absent from the those seven are the five who generated the most buzz in fantasy drafts in August – Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Deshaun Watson, Tom Brady and Carson Wentz.

Right now, it’s looking like it was a good year to wait on the quarterback position.

MOST TOUCHDOWN PASSES
YearPlayer TDP
2018Patrick Mahomes, K.C.56
2013Peyton Manning, Den.55
2007Tom Brady, N.E.50
2004Peyton Manning, Ind.49
1984Dan Marino, Mia.48
2011Drew Brees, N.O.46
2011Aaron Rodgers, G.B.45
2018Andy Dalton, Cin.44
2018Ryan Fitzpatrick, T.B.44
2018Jared Goff, LAR44
2018Philip Rivers, LAC44
1986Dan Marino, Mia.44
2012Drew Brees, N.O.43
2011Matthew Stafford, Det.41
1999Kurt Warner, Rams41
2018Kirk Cousins, Minn.40
2018Matt Ryan, Atl.40
2016Aaron Rodgers, G.B.40
2014Andrew Luck, Ind.40
2013Drew Brees, N.O.39
2011Tom Brady, N.E.39
2012Aaron Rodgers, G.B.39
2004Daunte Culpepper, Minn.39
2014Peyton Manning, Den.39
1996Brett Favre, G.B.39
2014Aaron Rodgers, G.B.38
2016Matt Ryan, Atl.38
1995Brett Favre, G.B.38
2016Drew Brees, N.O.37
2012Peyton Manning, Den.37
2001Kurt Warner, Rams37
2018Tom Brady, N.E.36
2018Andrew Luck, Ind.36
2015Tom Brady, N.E.36
2007Tony Romo, Dall.36
2010Tom Brady, N.E.36
1999Steve Beuerlein, Car.36
1998Steve Young, S.F.36
1963Y.A. Tittle, NYG36
1961George Blanda, Hou.36

—Ian Allan