Measuring a quarterback’s success over the course of a season is a complex process that involves taking into account a myriad of statistics, data, film analysis, and other key performance indicators. While there are dozens of things to look at, one of the most prominent indicators is, of course, passing touchdowns.
At the end of the day, scoring touchdowns and putting points on the board is the primary focus (along with limiting turnovers) of an NFL offense and helps take a lot of the pressure off an NFL defense. And since quarterbacks are the leader of the offense, throwing touchdowns helps set the tone for everything else.
With that said, how many touchdowns should quarterbacks aim to throw in a 17-game season? If they’re looking to be listed among the top-5 quarterbacks of that season, 30+ touchdowns (nearly 2 touchdowns per game played) will almost always do the trick. Unfortunately, it’s something we don’t see very often.
Most Recent Quarterbacks to Throw 30+ TDs for Each NFL Team
via Instagram (@patrickmahomes)
Throwing 30+ touchdowns in a season is quite the accomplishment for any quarterback – no matter how old they are, what team they play on, what style of offense they play in, or how long they’ve been a starter in the NFL. It’s something fans wish they could witness more often, but you’d be shocked at how rare it is.
For example, the 2022 regular season ended with just four quarterbacks throwing at least 30 touchdowns – which is very low, considering there are 32 teams in the NFL and there were more than 39 quarterbacks who started at least 10 games last season. Only 10% of those 39 quarterbacks threw 30+ touchdowns.
What’s even more surprising is the fact that there have only been 149 instances in the history of the NFL where a quarterback has thrown at least 30 touchdowns in a single season – only 149! To honor those that have done it, let’s take a look at every NFL team’s most recent QB to throw 30+ TDs in a season.
1. Arizona Cardinals – Carson Palmer (2015)
Most TD passes in season, Cardinals history Carson Palmer 30 (2015) Kurt Warner 30 (2008)
Carson Palmer finished the 2015 season with 4,671 yards (career-high), 35 touchdowns (career-high), and 11 interceptions in 16 games played – he led the Arizona Cardinals to a 13-3-0 record that season. The only other Cardinals’ quarterback to throw for at least 30 touchdowns in a season was Kurt Warner, who finished the 2008 season with 30 touchdowns. Will Kyler Murray become the third QB to do so?
Matt Ryan finished the 2018 season with 4,924 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions in 16 games played – he led the Atlanta Falcons to a 7-9-0 record that season. He also threw 38 TDs in 2016 and 32 TDs in 2012. The only other Falcons’ quarterback to throw for at least 30 touchdowns in a season was Steve Bartkowski, who did so twice – he had 31 touchdowns in 1980 and 30 touchdowns in 1981.
Lamar Jackson finished the 2019 season with 3,127 yards (career-high), 36 touchdowns (career-high; led NFL), and 6 interceptions in 15 games played – he led the Ravens to a 13-2-0 record that season. The only other Ravens’ quarterback to throw at least 30 touchdowns in a single season was Vinny Testaverde, who threw 33 touchdowns in 16 games played during the 1996 season.
Josh Allen finished the 2022 season with 4,283 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions in 16 games played – he led the Buffalo Bills to a 13-3-0 record last year. It was his third consecutive year throwing at least 30 touchdowns – he had 36 touchdowns in 2021 and 37 touchdowns in 2020. The only other Buffalo Bills’ quarterback to throw at least 30 touchdowns was Jim Kelly – who had 33 touchdowns in 1991.
Cam Newton finished the 2015 season with 3,837 yards, 35 touchdowns (career-high), and 10 interceptions in 16 games played – he led the Carolina Panthers to a 15-1-0 record that season. The only other Panthers’ quarterback to do so was Steve Beuerlein, who threw 36 touchdowns during the 1999 season. Will Bryce Young be the next Panthers’ quarterback to throw at least 30 touchdowns? We’ll see!
6. Chicago Bears – NONE
To celebrate Earth Day, the Chicago Bears are doing their part by recycling garbage quarterbacks! pic.twitter.com/T8jzkOaaAr
Those who know the history of the Chicago Bears will not be surprised to learn that they’ve never had a quarterback throw at least 30 touchdowns in a single season. They’ve had a couple quarterbacks come close – including Erik Kramer (29 TDs in 1995), Jay Cutler (28 TDs in 2014 and 27 TDs 2009), and Sid Luckman (28 TDs in 1943). Will Justin Fields be the first quarterback to join this list? We shall see!
Joe Burrow finished the 2022 season with 4,475 yards, 35 touchdowns (career-high), and 12 interceptions in 16 games played – he led the Cincinnati Bengals to a 12-4-0 record that season. He also threw for 34 touchdowns during the 2021 season. The only other quarterbacks to throw at least 30 touchdowns in a single season were Andy Dalton (33 TDs in 2013) and Carson Palmer (32 TDs in 2005).
Brian Sipe finished the 1980 season with 4,132 yards (career-high), 30 touchdowns (career-high), and 14 interceptions in 16 games played – he led the Cleveland Browns to an 11-5-0 record that season. He’s the only Browns’ quarterback to do so, but Derek Anderson came close with 29 touchdowns in 2007 and Frank Ryan had 28 touchdowns in 1966. Many people believe Deshaun Watson will join this list in 2023.
Dak Prescott finished the 2021 season with 4,449 yards, 37 touchdowns (career-high), and 10 interceptions in 16 games played – he led the Dallas Cowboys to an 11-5-0 record that season. He also threw 30 touchdowns during the 2019 season. The only other quarterback to throw at least 30 TDs in a single season is Tony Romo, who did it four times (36 in 2007, 34 in 2014, 31 in 2011, and 31 in 2013).
Peyton Manning finished the 2014 season with 4,727 yards, 39 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions in 16 games played – he led the Denver Broncos to a 12-4-0 record that season. He threw at least 30 TDs three times with the Broncos and another six times. No other quarterback has ever thrown at least 30 touchdowns in a single season, but Jake Plummer (2004) and John Elway (1997) each had 27 TDs.
Matthew Stafford finished the 2015 season with 4,262 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 16 games played – he led the Detroit Lions to a 7-9-0 record that season. He also threw 41 touchdowns while with the Lions in 2011. The only other Lions’ quarterback to throw at least 30 touchdowns in a season was Scott Mitchell, who threw 32 TDs in 1995. Jared Goff came close in 2022 with 29 TDs.
Aaron Rodgers finished the 2021 season with 4,115 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions in 16 games played – he led the Green Bay Packers to a 13-3-0 record that season. He threw at least 30 TDs eight times while with the Packers. The only other Packers’ quarterbacks to throw at least 30 touchdowns in a single season were Brett Favre (who did it eight times) and Lynn Dickey (who did it in 1983).
13. Houston Texans – Deshaun Watson (2020)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAZOuCBBd8Q/
Deshaun Watson finished the 2020 season with 4,823 yards (career-high; led NFL), 33 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions – he led the Houston Texans to a 4-12-0 record that season. To date, he’s the only Texans’ quarterback to throw at least 30 touchdowns in a single season. Matt Schaub came close with 29 TDs in 2009. Between Schaub and Watson, no other Texans’ QB has thrown more than 20 TDs in a season.
Andrew Luck finished the 2018 season with 4,593 yards, 39 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions in 16 games played – he led the Indianapolis Colts to a 10-6-0 record that season. He also threw for 40 TDs during the 2014 season and 31 touchdowns during hte 2016 season. The only other Colts’ quarterbacks to throw at least 30 TDs in a season were Peyton Manning (six times) and Johnny Unitas (1959).
Blake Bortles finished the 2015 season with 4,428 yards (career-high), 35 touchdowns (career-high), and 18 interceptions (led NFL) – he led the Jacksonville Jaguars to a 5-11-0 record that season. To date, he’s the only Jaguars’ quarterback to throw at least 30 touchdowns in a single season. In fact, the next closest QB was Trevor Lawrence – who finished the 2022 season with 25 TDs. Is he next up?
Patrick Mahomes finished the 2022 season with 5,250 yards (career-high, led NFL), 41 touchdowns (led NFL), and 12 interceptions – he led the Kansas City Chiefs to a 14-3-0 record last year. He also threw for 37 TDs in 2021, 38 TDs in 2020, and 50 TDs in 2018. The only other Chiefs’ quarterback to throw at least 30 touchdowns in a single season was Len Dawson, who threw 30 TDs in 1964 – he had 29 TDs in 1962.
Derek Carr finished the 2015 season with 3,987 yards, 32 touchdowns (career-high), and 13 interceptions in 16 games played – he led the then-Oakland (now-Las Vegas) Raiders to a 7-9-0 record that season. The only other Raiders’ quarterback to throw at least 30 touchdowns in a single season was Daryle Lamonica – who threw 30 touchdowns in 1967 and 34 touchdowns in 1969. Who will be next?
Justin Herbert finished the 2021 season with 5,014 yards (career-high), 38 touchdowns (career-high), and 15 interceptions in 17 games played – he led the Los Angeles Chargers to a 9-8-0 record that year. He also threw 31 touchdowns as a rookie in 2020. The only other Chargers’ quarterbacks to throw at least 30 touchdowns in a season were Philip Rivers (who did it six times) and Dan Fouts (who did it twice).
Matthew Stafford finished the 2021 season with 4,886 yards, 41 touchdowns (career-high), and 17 interceptions (led NFL) in 17 games played – he led the Los Angeles Rams to a 12-5-0 record that season. There have been four other Rams’ quarterbacks to throw at least 30 touchdowns in a single season – Jared Goff had 32 in 2018, Jim Everett had 31 in 1988, Vince Ferragamo had 30 in 1980, and Kurt Warner did it twice.
20. Miami Dolphins – Dan Marino (1994)
OTD in 1994: Dolphins Dan Marino becomes second quarterback to throw for 300 touchdowns in a 39-35 victory over the New England #Patriots. pic.twitter.com/bkKNKPJlmh
Dan Marino finished the 1994 season with 4,453 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions in 16 games played – he led the Miami Dolphins to a 10-6-0 record that season. He also threw for 48 TDs in 1984, 30 TDs in 1985, and 44 TDs in 1986. No other Dolphins’ quarterback has ever thrown at least 30 touchdowns in a single season, but Ryan Tannehill had 27 in 2014 and Tua Tagovailova had 25 in 2022.
Kirk Cousins finished the 2021 season with 4,221 yards, 33 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions in 16 games played – he led the Minnesota Vikings to an 8-8-0 record that season. He also threw 35 TDs in 2020 and 30 TDs in 2018. There have been four other Vikings’ quarterbacks to throw at least 30 TDs in a season – Daunte Culpepper (2004, 2000), Brett Favre (2009), Warren Moon (1995), and Randall Cunningham (1998).
Tom Brady finished the 2017 season with 4,577 yards (led NFL), 32 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions in 16 games played – he led the New England Patriots to a 13-3-0 record that season. He threw at least 30 touchdowns in seven different seasons with the Patriots. The only other Patriots’ quarterback to do so was Babe Parilli – who threw 31 touchdowns with the Boston Patriots in 1964. Will Mac Jones join the list?
Drew Brees finished the 2018 season with 3,992 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions in 15 games played – he led the New Orleans Saints to a 13-2-0 record that season. To date, Brees is the only Saints’ quarterback to throw at least 30 touchdowns in a single season – he did so a whopping 10 times, including 46 touchdowns in 2011 and 43 touchdowns in 2012. Aaron Brooks came close with 27 in 2002.
Eli Manning finished the 2015 season with 4,432 yards, 35 touchdowns (career-high), and 14 interceptions in 16 games played – he led the New York Giants to a 6-10-0 record that season. He also threw 31 touchdowns in 2010 and 30 touchdowns in 2014. The only other Giants’ quarterback to throw at least 30 touchdowns in a single season was Y.A. Tittle – who had 33 TDs in 1962 and 36 TDs in 1963.
Ryan Fitzpatrick finished the 2015 season with 3,905 yards (career-high), 31 touchdowns (career-high), and 15 interceptions in 16 games played – he led the New York Jets to a 10-6-0 record that season. To date, he’s the only Jets’ quarterback to throw at least 30 touchdowns in a single season. Vinny Testaverde came close with 29 touchdowns in 1998, while Joe Namath had 26 touchdowns in 1967.
Carson Wentz finished the 2017 season with 3,296 yards, 33 touchdowns (career-high), and 7 interceptions in 13 games played – he led the Philadelphia Eagles to an 11-2-0 record that season. There are three other Eagles’ quarterbacks who threw at least 30 touchdowns in a single season – Randall Cunningham had 30 in 1990, Donovan McNabb had 31 in 2004, and Sonny Jurgensen had 32 in 1961.
27. Pittsburgh Steelers – Ben Roethlisberger (2020)
— BlitzburghUSAVideos (@sdextrasmedia) March 9, 2021
Ben Roethlisberger finished the 2020 season with 3,803 yards, 33 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 15 games played – he led the Steelers to a 12-3-0 record that season. During his 18-year career in Pitt, he threw at least 30 TDs four times. No other Steelers’ quarterback has thrown at least 30 touchdowns in a single season, but Terry Bradshaw came close with 28 in 1978. Will Kenny Pickett join the list this year?
— 49ers Throwback ❤💛 (@49ers_Throwback) July 27, 2023
Jeff Garcia finished the 2001 season with 3,538 yards, 32 touchdowns (career-high), and 12 interceptions in 16 games played – he led the San Francisco 49ers to a 12-4-0 record that season. He also threw 31 touchdowns with the 49ers in 2000. Three other 49ers’ quarterbacks threw at least 30 TDs in a season – including Joe Montana in 1987, John Brodie in 1965, and Steve Young in 1994 and 1998.
Geno Smith finished the 2022 season with 4,282 yards (career-high), 30 touchdowns (career-high), and 11 interceptions in 17 games played – he led the Seattle Seahawks to a 9-8-0 record that season. Two other Seahawks’ quarterbacks threw at least 30 touchdowns in a single season – Russell Wilson did it five times during his time with the team, while Dave Krieg threw 32 touchdowns during the 1984 season.
Tom Brady finished the 2021 season with 5,316 yards (career-high; led NFL), 43 touchdowns (led NFL), and 12 interceptions in 17 games played – he led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a 13-4-0 record that season. He also threw 40 touchdowns with the Bucs in 2020. The only other Buccaneers’ quarterback to throw at least 30 touchdowns in a single season was Jameis Winston, who threw 33 TDs in 2019.
Ryan Tannehill finished the 2020 season with 3,819 yards, 33 touchdowns (career-high), and 7 interceptions in 16 games played – he led the Tennessee Titans to an 11-5-0 record that season. Two other Titans’ quarterbacks threw at least 30 touchdowns in a single season – Warren Moon threw 33 touchdowns during the 1990 season and George Blanda threw 36 touchdowns in the 1961 season.
32. Washington Commanders – Sonny Jurgensen (1967)
Sonny Jurgensen, 1967. That season Jurgensen led the NFL in passing attempts, completions, yards and TD passes. #HTTRpic.twitter.com/hgdT2DjPzS
Sonny Jurgensen finished the 1967 season with 3,747 yards (career-high; led NFL), 31 touchdowns (led NFL), and 16 interceptions in 14 games played – he led the Washington Commanders to a 5-6-3 record that season. No other Commanders’ quarterback has ever thrown at least 30 touchdowns in a season, but both Kirk Cousins and Joe Theismann each had 29 TDs and Mark Rypien had 28 touchdowns.
Which Quarterbacks Will Throw for 30+ TDs in 2023?
With the 2023 NFL regular season less than a month away, which quarterbacks do you think will throw at least 30 touchdowns this year? We can almost expect Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen to get there with ease – as they did the past two seasons – but what other quarterbacks might do it?
Will Aaron Rodgers avenge his mere 26 touchdowns from last season? Will Geno Smith pull through for the Seattle Seahawks like he did last year? We also can’t forget about Matthew Stafford, Kirk Cousins, Dak Prescott, and Justin Herbert – all of whom had at least 30 touchdowns during the 2021 season.
Some other names to keep an eye on include Russell Wilson and Deshaun Watson (both of whom threw at least 30 touchdowns in 2020). Jared Goff threw for 29 touchdowns last season, while Derek Carr, Jalen Hurts, Trevor Lawrence, and Tua Tagovailova each had at least 20 touchdowns in 2022.
At The Buzzer, or ATB is the place for those who love sports, life, family, community, and so much more. We are far from the run-of-the-mill 24/7 sports news websites. We not only bring you what’s happening in the world of sports in terms of trades and breaking news, but we also bring you the news that goes on behind the scenes, like big life moments, and so much more. So take a minute and read one of our articles, we promise you won't regret it.
