Updated: August 16, 2025
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Who's in the line up for throwing the Most NFL Passing Yards in 2017?
So given how competitive — and deep — the quarterback position has become, who's the most likely to throw for the most yards during the 2017-2018 season? Recent history shows us that there's a heavy favorite to repeat such a feat, but he'll have competition. Here are our top three picks for quarterbacks to throw for the most yards this year: [su_shadow][su_note note_color=”#ffffff”]3. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Ignore the fact that Aaron Rodgers only finished 7th in the NFL in total passing yards last season. Why? Because there wasn't a quarterback in the league playing better than him over the second half of the year. Over the last 8 games of last season, Aaron Rodgers threw for 2,389 yards — an average of just over 289 yards per game — and completed over 68% of his passes. If you factor in Green Bay's three playoff games, Rodgers' average goes up to over 308 yards per game, which would have been third in the NFL.
As we've stated before: Rodgers' supporting cast is only better than what it was last year, with Jordy Nelson being one year removed from his ACL injury, Davante Adams being one year more experienced, Randall Cobb coming into camp healthy (after an injury-plagued 2016 season), and tight end Martellus Bennett joining the Packers in the offseason, giving them the best tight end they've had in years. There's a strong potential that Rodgers will spend much of this year putting up an aerial assault against opponents.
Historical Context of NFL Passing Changes
Over the years, changes in NFL rules have increasingly favored passing offenses. In the 1970s, the average passing yards were significantly lower due to stricter defensive rules. With the 1978 rule changes relaxing permissible defensive contact, quarterbacks began setting new milestones. Fast forward to recent seasons, and the trend reflects an emphasis on quarterback abilities, with many now eclipsing 4,000 yards annually. [su_quote]His 10-to-1 odds to win the NFL's passing yards title this season is definitely a wager at Sportsbetting.ag to take a close look at.[/su_quote] [su_button url=”http://nflsuperbowlbetting.com/visit/sportsbetting-ag/” size=”12″ wide=”yes” center=”yes”]Aaron Rodgers +1000 [/su_button][/su_note][/su_shadow] [su_shadow][su_note note_color=”#ffffff”]2. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
There was a point in time where the idea of a quarterback throwing for 5,000 yards in a season was a mind-boggling feat, and yet the incomparable Drew Brees is coming off a year in which he exceeded the 5,000 yard mark for the fourth time in six years. Brees has led the NFL in passing yards in five of the past six seasons, and the one year he didn't lead the league (in 2013), he finished second. He is approaching PhD-level mastery in Sean Payton's passing offense, further evidenced by the fact that his Saints were the only team in the NFL with two receivers to finish among the top 10 in yards receiving (and one of those two wide receivers was a rookie — Michael Thomas — whose 92 catches last year was the second highest total in NFL history for a rookie).
The other thousand-yard receiver was Brandin Cooks, who was traded away to New England, but it seems like we're at the point where wide receivers are just plug-and-play for Brees. With Cooks' departure, that's going to mean more targets for wide receiver Willie Snead (who could be primed for a breakout season as he enters year three in the NFL) and Ted Ginn (if he can manage to hold on to the throws that Brees delivers in his direction).
[su_quote]Simply put: it would be a shock if Brees didn't throw for right around 5,000 yards this season, yet again.[/su_quote]
A quarterback's success is tightly linked to their supporting cast. Players like Brees and Rodgers have thrived, thanks largely to receiving depth and strategic playmakers.
Changes like the addition or loss of key receivers, or shifting offensive lines, transform a quarterback's efficiency and yard-scoring potential. In-depth team analysis often highlights these indispensable supporting roles.
[su_button url=”http://nflsuperbowlbetting.com/visit/sportsbetting-ag/” size=”12″ wide=”yes” center=”yes”]Drew Brees +200 [/su_button][/su_note][/su_shadow]
Statistical Comparison with Previous Seasons
The 2017-2018 season reflects increasing passing yard milestones compared to previous years. Whereas earlier seasons saw fewer quarterbacks surpassing 4,000 yards, modern seasons boast more than a dozen annually. Comparing these results reveals a rise in competitive offensive strategies, translating directly to significant yard accomplishments. [su_shadow][su_note note_color=”#ffffff”]1. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
You can easily make an argument that Tom Brady was right there with Matt Ryan in the MVP race in 2016, and that the main reason Brady didn't win it was because of his four-game suspension to start last year. Otherwise, Brady finished fourth in the NFL last year in passing yards per game, and his 8.23 yards per attempt last year was good for second in the NFL.
Now here's the scary part: Brady could be even better this year, because of Brady's improved supporting cast.
New England traded their first round draft pick to acquire wide receiver Brandin Cooks, who gives them their most potent deep threat since Randy Moss played in Massachusetts. Tight end Rob Gronkowski entered training camps looking healthy and spry. And the Patriots revamped their group of running backs to create more mismatches against opposing defenses who try to cover James White (third among all running backs in catches last year), Dion Lewis (who is further removed from his season-ending ACL injury in 2015), and free agent acquisition Rex Burkhead (who filled in admirably as a pass catching option in Cincinnati last year).
[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/pEKKlV5ojIQ” width=”880″ height=”720″]
Watch Tom Brady's 28 Touch Down Passes from 2016-17 Regular Season
Brady has the potential to be operating within the most potent offense he's had since their incredible, almost-undefeated 2007 season. It wouldn't be any surprise to see him flirt with the 5,000-yard passing mark, which would put him right near the top of the rankings.
Defensive Adaptations to High-Passing Offenses
Defenses now face the challenge of high-passing offenses in innovative ways. Defensive coordinators focus on strategic coverages and pass rush schemes to counteract these threats. Teams like the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks have recently exemplified such defensive prowess, often curbing top quarterbacks' yardage ambitions. This back-and-forth chess match between offense and defense continues to shape the league's landscape. [su_quote]At 4.5-to-1, it's not the sexiest bet, but it could be a very safe one to make.[/su_quote] [su_button url=”http://nflsuperbowlbetting.com/visit/sportsbetting-ag/” size=”12″ wide=”yes” center=”yes”]Tom Brady +450 [/su_button][/su_note][/su_shadow]
