Could 2026 be a record-breaking year in the NFL? Solak picks six marks that might be in jeopardy
Following an action-packed prior campaign where Myles Garrett reached a historic 23 sacks and Trey McBride hauled in a position-record 126 passes, the 2026 NFL calendar is being evaluated for which major milestones might fall next. Several potential pursuits were discarded upon review, such as the single-game standard of five touchdown receptions set by Jerry Rice, overall team penalties, and seasonal punting averages, despite Daniel Whelan and Blake Gillikin each posting 51.7 yards per boot a year ago to share the third-highest mark ever.
Ultimately, six categories were highlighted as genuine targets for disruption, spanning team rushing yardage, completion percentage, game-specific fourth-down conversions, single-season forced fumbles, an elusive 70-yard field goal, and tight end receiving yardage.
Travis Kelce currently holds that tight end yardage pinnacle with 1,416 yards from 2020, but evolving usage makes the milestone increasingly vulnerable. Out of 13 total instances where tight ends surpassed 100 catches, eight have occurred within the last six seasons, highlighted by Brock Bowers collecting 112 receptions as a 2024 rookie and McBride surpassing Zach Ertz's 2018 tally of 116.
Bolstered by coordinators frequently scheming for the position and throws toward tight ends connecting at 72 percent compared to 62 percent for wideouts, pass-catching specialists appear primed to rewrite the league ledger.
