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NFL passing yards leaders: The top 3 heading into Week 9
#3 - Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs: 2,368 passing yards
Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are not playing up to their usual standards in 2021. The quarterback has had a below-par season and, by his own admission, needs to do better. But the bar is way too high for Mahomes, considering he is third in the NFL with 2,368 passing yards and is still facing criticism.
The quarterback threw for a modest 275 yards Monday night in a close win over the New York Giants to help the Chiefs improve to 4-4 on the year. It was an excellent bounce-back game for Mahomes after throwing for only 206 yards in an ugly loss to the Tennessee Titans in Week 8.
The Chiefs not rolling over NFL opponents regularly with Mahomes is a shocking sight. But he is still one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and as long as that is true, the Chiefs remain a top contender.
#2 - Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams: 2,477 passing yards
Matthew Stafford continues to play at an MVP level as a member of the Los Angeles Rams. He has 2,477 passing yards this season. Stafford torched the Houston Texans' defense for 305 yards in an easy victory last Sunday.
Stafford has reached the 300-yard mark five times this year and also has 22 touchdown passes. The NFL veteran has always been known for putting up great stats, but they never truly mattered because the Detroit Lions were bad.
But Stafford's incredible performances have led the Rams to victories this season. If he keeps up this pace, it will be hard to ignore him in the MVP voting.
#1 - Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 2,650 passing yards
Tom Brady is back atop the NFL's passing yards leader list with 2,650 yards on the year. The ageless wonder threw for 375 yards in what ended up being a loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. A late Brady pick-6 doomed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but they are still more than happy to have him under center.
Brady is just automatic and has been for the past two decades. What he is doing this year comes as no surprise to anyone who has watched him play during his NFL career. Ultimately, him choosing to retire may be the only way to slow him down.
