2021 What To Look For - Week 15

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor and Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp enter Week 15 as the league leaders at their respective positions in multiple stat categories.

Taylor leads the league in scrimmage yards (1,684), rushing yards (1,348), scrimmage touchdowns (18) and rushing touchdowns (16). Kupp leads the league in receptions (113), receiving yards (1,489) and touchdown receptions (12).

With pace-setting performances this week, Taylor and Cupp can both continue their ongoing streaks and join a select group of football greats.

Continue reading to learn more about the streaks Taylor and Kupp can keep alive and the elite company they can join:
 

FIRE THE CANNONS: The TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (10-3) enter Week 15 tied for the best record in the league and seek back-to-back 11-win seasons for the first time in franchise history. With a win against New Orleans on Sunday Night Football (8:20 PM ET, NBC), Tampa Bay will also clinch its first NFC South division title since 2007.

The Buccaneers are 6-0 at home this season and going back to Week 17 of 2020, have scored at least 30 points in each of their past seven regular-season games at Raymond James Stadium. With at least 30 points on Sunday night, Tampa Bay will become the third team ever to score 30 points in eight-or-more consecutive home games, joining the 2012-13 DENVER BRONCOS (11 consecutive home games) and the 1999-2000 ST. LOUIS RAMS (11).

Tampa Bay would also become the first-ever team to score at least 30 points in each of its first seven home games of a season.

The teams to score at least 30 points in the most consecutive home games in NFL history:

TEAM	SEASONS	GAMES
Denver Broncos	2012-13	11
St. Louis Rams	1999-2000	11
Tampa Bay Buccaneers	2020-21	7*
*Active streak

 

Quarterback TOM BRADY leads the league with 4,134 passing yards and 36 touchdown passes. This marks his 13th season with at least 4,000 passing yards, the second-most in league history. Only Pro Football Hall of Famer PEYTON MANNING (14 seasons) has more.

Brady has recorded at least four touchdown passes in six games this season, the most in the league. His 39 career games with four-or-more touchdown passes are also the most all-time.

With four touchdown passes on Sunday night, he will become the fourth player ever to record at least four touchdown passes in seven-or-more games within a single season, joining Manning (nine games in 2013), PATRICK MAHOMES (seven in 2018) and AARON RODGERS (seven in 2020). Manning, Mahomes and Rodgers were each named Associated Press Most Valuable Player in those seasons.

The players with the most games with at least four touchdown passes in a single season in NFL history:

PLAYER	TEAM	SEASON		GAMES
Peyton ManningHOF#	Denver	2013		9
Patrick Mahomes#	Kansas City	2018		7
Aaron Rodgers#	Green Bay	2020		7
Tom Brady	Tampa Bay	2021		6*
*Entering Week 15
#Associated Press Most Valuable Player

 

Brady can also record 40 touchdown passes for the third time in his career, also accomplishing the feat last season (40 touchdown passes) and in 2007 (50). He can join Rodgers as the only players ever to record at least 40 touchdown passes in three different seasons. He would also join DREW BREES (2011-12) as the only players in league history to register at least 40 touchdown passes in consecutive seasons.

Brady’s top targets this season have been wide receivers MIKE EVANS (885 receiving yards) and CHRIS GODWIN (1,054), who are the only pair of NFC teammates each with at least 850 receiving yards this season.

Since entering the league in 2014, Evans leads the NFL with 72 touchdown receptions and ranks third with 9,151 receiving yards. With 115 receiving yards on Sunday night, he will become the first player in league history with at least 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first eight seasons.

Godwin recorded 10 receptions for 105 yards in last week’s victory, after totaling a career-high 15 catches for 143 yards in Week 13. He can become the sixth player ever with at least 10 receptions and 100 receiving yards in three consecutive games.

The players with at least 10 receptions and 100 receiving yards in the most consecutive games in NFL history:

PLAYER	TEAM	SEASON	GAMES
Calvin JohnsonHOF	Detroit	2012	4
Michael Thomas	New Orleans	2019	3
Keenan Allen	L.A. Chargers	2017	3
Andre Johnson	Houston	2008	3
Brett Perriman	Detroit	1995	3
Chris Godwin	Tampa Bay	2021	2*
*Active streak

 

MVP MATCHUP: Green Bay quarterback AARON RODGERS, the 2020 NFL MVP, and Baltimore quarterback LAMAR JACKSON, the 2019 NFL MVP, will meet for the first time in their careers when the Ravens host the Packers on Sunday (4:25 PM ET, FOX) in an interconference battle between division leaders.

This will mark the third consecutive season in which the two most recent league MVPs have met as opposing starting quarterbacks.

The past five meetings featuring the two most recent NFL MVPs:

MVPs (SEASON)	DATE	RESULT
Aaron Rodgers (2020) vs. Lamar Jackson (2019)	Dec, 19, 2021	???
Lamar Jackson (2019) vs. Patrick Mahomes (2018)	Sept. 28, 2020	KC 34, BAL 20
Patrick Mahomes (2018) vs. Tom Brady (2017)	Dec. 8, 2019	KC 23, NE 16
Matt Ryan (2016) vs. Cam Newton (2015)	Dec. 31, 2017	ATL 22, CAR 10
Matt Ryan (2016) vs. Cam Newton (2015)	Nov. 5, 2017	CAR 20, ATL 17

Last week, Rodgers passed for 341 yards and four touchdowns and ranks tied for fifth in the league with 27 touchdown passes this season. With three touchdown passes on Sunday, this will mark his eighth career season with at least 30 touchdown passes, the fifth-most in NFL history.

The players with the most seasons with at least 30 touchdown passes in NFL history:

PLAYER	TEAM(S)		SEASONS
Drew Brees	New Orleans		10
Tom Brady	New England, Tampa Bay		9
Brett FavreHOF	Green Bay, Minnesota		9
Peyton ManningHOF	Indianapolis, Denver		9
Aaron Rodgers	Green Bay		7*
*Has 27 touchdown passes in 2021

 

NO SOPHOMORE SLUMP: Four teams led by second-year quarterbacks are currently in playoff contention after missing the 2020 postseason – CINCINNATI (7-6), the LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (8-5), MIAMI (6-7) and PHILADELPHIA (6-7).

Cincinnati’s JOE BURROW, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, ranks fifth in the AFC in passing yards (3,483) and has thrown for at least 300 yards in back-to-back games. On Sunday against Denver (4:05 PM ET, CBS), Burrow can become the fourth quarterback in NFL history to have 10-or-more games with at least 300 passing yards in his first two seasons, joining JUSTIN HERBERT (15 games), PATRICK MAHOMES (10) and Pro Football Hall of Famer DAN MARINO (10). 

The players with the most games with at least 300 yards passing in their first two seasons in NFL history:

PLAYER	TEAM	GAMES
Justin Herbert	L.A. Chargers	15*
Patrick Mahomes	Kansas City	10
Dan MarinoHOF	Miami	10
Joe Burrow	Cincinnati	9*
*In second season

 

Last week, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback JUSTIN HERBERT, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, became the first quarterback ever with at least 30 touchdown passes in each of his first two seasons and the fourth-youngest player all-time to reach 8,000 career passing yards. With 39 passing yards on Thursday Night Football against Kansas City (8:20 PM ET, FOX/NFL Network/Amazon), Herbert – who has 8,158 career passing yards – can surpass ANDREW LUCK(8,196 passing yards) for the most passing yards by a player in his first two seasons in NFL history.

The players with the most passing yards in their first two seasons in NFL history:

PLAYER	TEAM		PASSING YARDS
Andrew Luck	Indianapolis		8,196
Justin Herbert	L.A. Chargers		8,158*
Jameis Winston	Tampa Bay		8,123
*In second season

 

Additionally, Herbert needs 178 passing yards on Thursday to become the second player ever to reach 4,000 passing yards in each of his first two seasons, joining JAMEIS WINSTON (2015-16).

Miami’s TUA TAGOVAILOA, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, is one of four quarterbacks all-time to record three games with a completion percentage of 80-or-higher (minimum 30 attempts) in a single season. The Dolphins, who host the New York Jets (3-10) on Sunday (1:00 PM ET, CBS), have won five consecutive games and are attempting to become the first team in NFL history to reach the playoffs after winning one of their first eight games.

Philadelphia’s JALEN HURTS was a second-round selection in 2020. He ranks second among quarterbacks with 695 rushing yards this season and has 11 career games with at least 50 rushing yards. When Philadelphia hosts Washington on Sunday (1:00 PM ET, FOX), Hurts can tie KYLER MURRAY (12 games) for the third-most games with at least 50 rushing yards by a quarterback in his first two seasons in the Super Bowl era.

The quarterbacks with the most games with at least 50 rushing yards in their first two seasons in the Super Bowl era:

PLAYER	TEAM	GAMES
Lamar Jackson	Baltimore	18
Cam Newton	Carolina	15
Kyler Murray	Arizona	12
Robert Griffin III	Washington	11
Jalen Hurts	Philadelphia	11*
*In second season

 

MINNESOTA MILESTONES: In seven road games this season, Minnesota quarterback KIRK COUSINS has passed for 2,027 yards (289.6 per game) and 16 touchdowns against only one interception. Dating back to Week 16 of last season, Cousins has recorded at least two touchdown passes in nine consecutive road games.

With at least two touchdown passes at Chicago on Monday Night Football (8:15 PM ET, ESPN), it will mark the sixth time ever that a player has recorded at least two touchdown passes in 10 consecutive road games.

The players with at least two touchdown passes in the most consecutive road games in NFL history:

PLAYER	TEAM	SEASONS	GAMES
Tom Brady	New England	2010-12	14
Peyton ManningHOF	Denver	2013-14	12
Matt Ryan	Atlanta	2018-19	11
Tom Brady	New England	2003-04	11
Brett FavreHOF	Green Bay	2001-02	11
Kirk Cousins	Minnesota	2020-21	9*
*Active streak

 

For the second-consecutive season, Cousins’ top target has been wide receiver JUSTIN JEFFERSON. After setting the NFL rookie receiving record last year (1,400 receiving yards), Jefferson ranks second in the league with 1,288 receiving yards in 2021.

With 68 receiving yards on Sunday, Jefferson will surpass ODELL BECKHAM JR. (2,755) for the most receiving yards ever by a player in his first two seasons.

The players with the most receiving yards in their first two seasons in NFL history:

PLAYER	TEAM	RECEIVING YARDS
Odell Beckham Jr.	N.Y. Giants	2,755
Randy MossHOF	Minnesota	2,726
Justin Jefferson	Minnesota	2,688*
*Entering Week 15

 

PACE SETTERS: Indianapolis running back JONATHAN TAYLOR and Los Angeles Rams wide receiver COOPER KUPP each enter Week 15 on historic streaks.

Taylor leads the league in scrimmage yards (1,684), rushing yards (1,348), scrimmage touchdowns (18) and rushing touchdowns (16), and is one of five players all-time with a rushing touchdown in 10 consecutive games within a single season.

With a rushing touchdown against New England on Saturday night (8:15 PM ET, NFLN), Taylor will tie PRIEST HOLMES (11 games in 2002) and Pro Football Hall of Famer EMMITT SMITH (11 in 1995) for the third-longest streak of games with a rushing touchdown within a single season in NFL history. Only Pro Football Hall of Famers JOHN RIGGINS (12 in 1983) and LADAINIAN TOMLINSON (12 in 2004) have a longer streak.

The players with a rushing touchdown in the most consecutive games within a single season in NFL history:

PLAYER	TEAM	SEASON	GAMES
John RigginsHOF	Washington	1983	12
LaDainian TomlinsonHOF	San Diego Chargers	2004	12
Priest Holmes	Kansas City	2002	11
Emmitt SmithHOF	Dallas	1995	11
Jonathan Taylor	Indianapolis	2021	10*
*Active streak

 

Since entering the league last season, Taylor – who turns 23 on January 19, 2022 – leads all players with 30 touchdowns. With a touchdown on Saturday, Taylor will surpass Pro Football Hall of Famer BARRY SANDERS (30 touchdowns) and tie CLINTON PORTIS (31) for the second-most touchdowns scored by a player prior his 23rd birthday. Only Pro Football Hall of Famer EDGERRIN JAMES (35) has more.

The players with the most touchdowns prior to their 23rd birthday in NFL history:

PLAYER	TEAM		TOUCHDOWNS
Edgerrin JamesHOF	Indianapolis		35
Clinton Portis	Denver		31
Barry SandersHOF	Detroit		30
Jonathan Taylor	Indianapolis		30*
*Turns 23 in January, 2022

 

Kupp enters Week 15 leading the league in receptions (113), receiving yards (1,489) and touchdown receptions (12), and is the third player in the Super Bowl era to total at least 90 receiving yards in nine consecutive games, joining ODELL BECKHAM JR. (2014) and Pro Football Hall of Famer MICHAEL IRVIN (1995).  

If Kupp reaches 90 receiving yards against Seattle on Sunday (4:25 PM ET, FOX), he will become the first player ever to record at least 90 receiving yards in 10 consecutive games in the Super Bowl era.

The players with at least 90 receiving yards in the most consecutive games in the Super Bowl era:

PLAYER	TEAM	SEASON	GAMES
Odell Beckham Jr.	N.Y. Giants	2014	9
Michael IrvinHOF	Dallas	1995	9
Cooper Kupp	L.A. Rams	2021	9*
*Active streak

 

Last week, Kupp totaled 13 catches for 123 yards and a touchdown. It marked his seventh game this season with at least 100 receiving yards and a touchdown catch, the most such games in the league. If he accomplishes the feat again on Sunday, he will become sixth player in the Super Bowl era to record eight-or-more games within a single season with at least 100 receiving yards and a touchdown reception.   

The players with the most games with at least 100 receiving yards and a touchdown reception in a single season in the Super Bowl era:

PLAYER	TEAM		SEASON	GAMES
Randy MossHOF	New England		2007	9
Michael IrvinHOF	Dallas		1995	9
Brandon Marshall	N.Y. Jets		2015	8
Torry Holt	St. Louis Rams		2003	8
Jerry RiceHOF	San Francisco		1989	8
Cooper Kupp	L.A. Rams		2021	7*
*Entering Week 15

 

TERRIFIC TIGHT ENDS: Last week, San Francisco tight end GEORGE KITTLE recorded 13 receptions for 151 yards and a touchdown. After totaling 181 receiving yards and two touchdown receptions in Week 13, Kittle became the first tight end in NFL history to record at least 150 receiving yards and a touchdown catch in consecutive games.

With at least 100 receiving yards and a touchdown reception against Atlanta on Sunday (4:05 PM ET, CBS), Kittle will join JIMMY GRAHAM (Weeks 2-4 in 2013) as the only tight ends ever with at least 100 receiving yards and a touchdown catch in three consecutive games.  

Kittle ranks fourth among tight ends with 757 receiving yards this season and has 4,336 receiving yards in his five-year career. With 44 receiving yards on Sunday, Kittle will surpass ROB GRONKOWSKI (4,379) for the third-most receiving yards by a tight end in his first five seasons in league history. Only Graham (4,752) and Pro Football Hall of Famer KELLEN WINSLOW SR. (4,513) have more.

The tight ends with the most receiving yards in their first five seasons in NFL history:

PLAYER	TEAM	RECEIVING YARDS
Jimmy Graham	New Orleans	4,752
Kellen Winslow Sr.HOF	San Diego Chargers	4,513
Rob Gronkowski	New England	4,379
Antonio Gates	San Diego Chargers	4,362
George Kittle	San Francisco	4,336*
*In fifth season

 

Kansas City’s TRAVIS KELCE ranks second among tight ends with 875 receiving yards and 73 receptions this season and can become the first tight end ever to record at least 1,000 receiving yards in six consecutive seasons. With seven catches, he can also become the first tight end ever to total at least 80 receptions in six straight seasons.   

Atlanta’s KYLE PITTS leads all rookie tight ends with 54 receptions and 770 receiving yards this season, while Pittsburgh’s PAT FREIERMUTH leads rookie tight ends with seven touchdown receptions.

On Sunday, Pitts can become the fourth rookie tight end ever with at least 60 receptions, and the fifth with at least 800 receiving yards.

The rookie tight ends with at least 60 receptions in NFL history:

PLAYER	TEAM		SEASON	RECEPTIONS
Keith Jackson	Philadelphia		1988	81
Jeremy Shockey	N.Y. Giants		2002	74
Evan Engram	N.Y. Giants		2017	64
Kyle Pitts	Atlanta		2021	54*
*Entering Week 15

 

The rookie tight ends with at least 800 receiving yards in NFL history:

PLAYER	TEAM		SEASON	RECEIVING YARDS
Mike DitkaHOF	Chicago		1961	1,076
Jeremy Shockey	N.Y. Giants		2002	894
Keith Jackson	Philadelphia		1988	869
Charle Young	Philadelphia		1973	854
Kyle Pitts	Atlanta		2021	770*
*Entering Week 15

 

With a touchdown reception against Tennessee on Sunday (1:00 PM ET, CBS), Frieiermuth will tie HUNTER HENRY (eight in 2016) for the fourth-most touchdown receptions ever by a rookie tight end. Only Pro Football Hall of Famer MIKE DITKA (12 in 1961), ROB GRONKOWSKI (10 in 2010) and JUNIOR MILLER (nine in 1980) have more.

The rookie tight ends with the most touchdown receptions in NFL history:

PLAYER	TEAM		SEASON	TOUCHDOWN RECEPTIONS
Mike DitkaHOF	Chicago		1961	12
Rob Gronkowski	New England		2010	10
Junior Miller	Atlanta		1980	9
Hunter Henry	San Diego Chargers		2016	8
Pat Freiermuth	Pittsburgh		2021	7*
*Entering Week 15

The Pro Football Hall of Fame will recognize individual and team “Milestones” throughout the 2021 season. Joining the Hall in celebrating the year’s accomplishments will be 11 of the health systems that are network providers providing quality medical care and services across the country in partnership with Hall of Fame Health. They are Baylor Scott & White, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, HonorHealth, Flagler Health , Tampa General Hospital, OhioHealth, NorthShore HealthSystem, Providence St. John’s, HCA Gulf Coast, UCSF Health and Array Behavioral Care.