NFL: Predicting 2014 statistical leaders

Projecting the NFL’s statistical leaders for 2014

Dec 29, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) celebrates with quarterback Peyton Manning (18) after scoring a touchdown against the Oakland Raiders during the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 17, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) celebrates New Orleans Saints fullback Jed Collins (45) touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints — Passing yards

Brees is the only quarterback in NFL history to have four seasons with at least 5,000 passing yards. No other quarterback has done it more than once.

Year Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Y/G Rate 2008* 413 635 65.0 5069 34 316.8 96.2 2011* 468 657 71.2 5476 46 342.3 110.6 2012* 422 670 63.0 5177 43 323.6 96.3 2013* 446 650 68.6 5162 39 322.6 104.7

Peyton Manning led the NFL with 5,477 yards with Brees coming in second with 5, 162 yards, but I’m taking the Saints quarterback to lead the league in passing yards this season.

The addition of first round pick and 2013 Biletnikoff Award winner as the nation’s best receiver, Brandin Cooks, is a dangerous weapon for Brees to have at his disposal, especially on that fast indoor surface at the Superdome.

Sean Payton is one of the game’s best offensive minds and with Jimmy Graham, Marques Colston and emerging talent in Kenny Stills, Brees has a bevy of targets at his disposal.

I think the loss of Eric Decker who was replaced with Emmanuel Sanders in free agency results in Manning’s numbers yardage totals coming down a bit from his historical 2013 MVP season.

Brees throws for his fifth season with 5,000-plus yards and leads the Saints to the NFC South title.

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