Can Russell Wilson Break Peyton Manning’s Single Season TD Record?

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is on fire in 2020. His stellar play has the Seahawks sitting on top of the NFC West division with a 3-0 record. Furthermore, Wilson’s hot start has him listed as the frontrunner to win the NFL MVP this year.

Betting sites have taken notice of Wilson’s scorching September and are now asking whether or not Russ can break Peyton Manning’s single season record of 55 touchdowns set in 2013.

Let’s huddle up to take a deeper look at Wilson’s chances of setting the all-time mark for the most TD passes in a single season.

Russell Wilson Betting Odds to Break Record

• Yes (+400)
• No (-700)

On the surface, the No option is a heavy favorite that offers no value at all. The Yes option has a 4-to-1 payout that could entice some bettors to take a flier on it. Before we make a prediction, let’s compare Wilson’s 2020 start to Manning’s 2013 season.

Peyton Manning’s Record Setting Season

In 2012, Peyton Manning left the Indianapolis Colts to play for the Denver Broncos after missing all of 2011 with a neck injury. His first year with the Broncos was a solid one as he threw for 37 TDs and 3,659 yards. Those were some of the best numbers of his career up to that point.

But, it was his 2013 season where Manning put up monster stats. He finished the year with 5,477 yards and 55 TDs to just 10 INTs. Manning averaged 3.4 TDs per game and 342.3 ypg.

At the time, Manning became just the second player to throw for 50 or more TDs in a season. He first set the record in 2004 with 49 touchdowns. However, Tom Brady broke that mark with 50 TDs in 2007.

Just like their on-field rivalry, Manning and Brady dueled in the record books as well. Peyton was able to beat Brady by five touchdowns.

Since then, Patrick Mahomes is the only other player to throw for 50 TDs as he accomplished that mark in 2018 when he was named the NFL MVP.

Wilson Is Cooking in 2020

Heading into the 2020 season, Seattle’s mantra was “Let Russ Cook.” And, that’s exactly what Wilson has been doing. Through three games, Wilson has 925 yards and 14 TD passes. The next closest player is Buffalo QB Josh Allen with 10 TD throws and 1,038 passing yards.

Wilson’s TD total through the first three weeks of the 2020 season is an NFL record. He’s averaging 4.7 TD passes per game, which is on pace for over 74 TDs this season. However, we know that these averages won’t last.

When you breakdown what Russell will need the rest of the season in order to break Manning’s record, it really isn’t that farfetched. Wilson will need 42 more TDs in 13 games, which is an average of 3.23 TDs per game.

Looking over Seattle’s remaining schedule, there’s definitely opportunities for Wilson to have some big performances. That starts in Week 4 with a game at Miami. Following the Dolphins, Seattle plays against one of the worst defenses in the NFL as they host the Vikings.

After their Week 6 bye, the Seattle Seahawks have some juicy matchups against the Cardinals twice, the Rams twice, the Eagles, Jets, Giants, Washington and the Bills.

Wilson definitely has a chance at breaking the record with all of those matchups. He also has a great shot at winning the NFL MVP with an upcoming schedule that features games that will be shootouts and teams that have terrible defenses.

Can Russell Wilson Set the Season Record for TD Passes?

At first glance, it’s easy to say “no” Wilson won’t break this impressive record. NFL betting sites clearly think that he won’t. But, after looking over the numbers and the rest of this season’s schedule for Seattle, I do believe that Wilson has a chance.

Furthermore, Seattle has an explosive offense with a solid rushing attack and two great receivers in Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf. Not to mention, they also have reliable tight ends and an improved offensive line.

Seattle’s defense is not living up to their potential yet, which is another reason why the offense is engaging in shootouts over the first three weeks as the defense is giving up a lot of points. However, that’s a trend throughout the NFL as the league is seeing a record setting number of TDs and scoring.

If Wilson can throw an average of 3 TDs per game for the rest of the season, he will break this record. I believe the +400 odds are worthy of a small wager. Let Russ Cook!