We accidentally started a new tradition last week. To ensure that I would review the research compiled by the Football Night in America staff for the Sunday and Monday games, I decided to search for one interesting fact per game, to be shared. With you.
Yes, I can pretend it’s about you. But it’s about me. (When isn’t it?)
So allow me to do something for you again, even though I’m really doing it for myself.
Panthers at Falcons: In 19 regular-season games, Cam Newton already has 16 rushing touchdowns. It’s the most by any NFL quarterback in his first two seasons, and Newton has 13 games left in his second season.
Patriots at Bills: A week after leapfrogging boyhood idol Joe Montana, Tom Brady can pass Kerry Collins on the all-time passing list. With 57 yards, Brady moves in to 11th place.
Vikings at Lions: In his last three games against Detroit, Jared Allen has 6.5 sacks, a 36-yard interception return for a touchdown, and a forced fumble. (The Vikings have lost each of those games, however.)
Titans at Texans: In the 10-year rivalry between the team that used to be in Houston and the team that currently is in Houston, the team that used to be in Houston has won seven times. In Houston.
Chargers at Chiefs: With only 173 yards against the Falcons, Philip Rivers didn’t make it to 25,000 career passing yards. With 27 against the Chiefs, Rivers will get there.
49ers at Jets: With only 27 receiving yards last week, receiver Randy Moss quietly moved into fourth place on the all-time list, with 14,946.
Seahawks at Rams: Greg Zuerlein leads all rookie kickers with eight field goals; he hasn’t missed one yet.
Dolphins at Cardinals: Arizona has won 10 of its last 12 games (it’s the best 12-game record in the league), and seven in a row at home.
Bengals at Jaguars: Blaine Gabbert has a passer rating of 122.0 in the fourth quarter this season, with a late go-ahead touchdown in Week One (Jacksonville would lose in overtime) and a game-winner in Week Three.
Raiders at Broncos: Last week, Peyton Manning’s 300-plus passing yard game was his 64th, giving him one more than Dan Marino.
Saints at Packers: In all four of his career games against Green Bay, Drew Brees has thrown for more than 300 yards and at least two touchdown passes.
Redskins at Buccaneers: Washington running back Alfred Morris leads all rookies with 263 yards rushing, and Tampa’s Doug Martin is No. 2 with 214.
Giants at Eagles: Martellus Bennett is the first Giants player to ever catch a touchdown pass in each of his first three games with the team.
Bears at Cowboys: Jason Witten, plagued recently by a case of the dropsies, has caught nine or more passes in three of his last five Monday night appearances.