As the NFL season reaches its climax, December 28 stands out as a pivotal date that could witness the breaking of one of the league’s most revered defensive records. Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is on the verge of eclipsing the prestigious single-season sack record of 22½, a benchmark set nearly 25 years ago by Hall of Famer Michael Strahan. Garrett needs just one more sack to claim this title, which was also matched by the Pittsburgh Steelers’ T.J. Watt in 2021. This pursuit is notably intriguing given that Garrett could achieve this feat in a 16-game season, although Watt’s accomplishment came in just 15 games.
However, Garrett isn’t alone in chasing historical milestones as the 2025 season draws to a close. Several other players are on the brink of achieving notable records:
Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals is looking to surpass the most receptions by a tight end in a season. He trails Zach Ertz’s record of 116 catches from his time with the Philadelphia Eagles and needs just eight more receptions in the final two weeks to make history.
Star running back Christian McCaffrey has two significant records in his sights. He aims to become the first player to achieve multiple 1,000-1,000-yard seasons, having already reached this milestone once in 2019. Additionally, he needs to accumulate 200 more receiving yards to surpass Marshall Faulk’s record of 1,048 receiving yards by a running back in a single season.
The Denver Broncos, looking to etch their name in history, are also chasing the record for most sacks by a team in a season. The legendary 1984 Chicago Bears hold this record with 72 sacks. The Broncos have recorded 64 sacks so far and would need a remarkable display in their season finale to break the Bears’ record.
In the passing game, Seattle Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Los Angeles Rams receiver Puka Nacua are both vying for the record of most receiving yards in a season. With JSN leading the league at 1,637 yards and Nacua trailing closely with 1,592 yards, they have compelling motivation as both teams pursue playoff spots.
Quarterback Josh Allen is also in contention to set the record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in a season. He shares the current record of 15 rushing touchdowns with Jalen Hurts, achieved in 2023, and is just four touchdowns away from setting a new record, despite dealing with a minor injury.
Lastly, Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is striving for the most scrimmage yards in a season. Currently leading the NFL with 2,026 combined rushing and receiving yards, he stands at a distance from Chris Johnson’s record of 2,509 yards set in 2009, though the high stakes of prime-time football could give him a chance to mount a historic challenge.
With several iconic achievements within grasp, NFL fans can look forward to an exciting finish to the season as these athletes strive for greatness, making every game a potential milestone event.