The Top 10 NFL Quarterback Performances in a Single Game During the Regular Season

The NFL has been home to some of the most electrifying quarterbacks in sports history. From pinpoint accuracy to record-breaking yardage, certain performances stand out as legendary displays of dominance.

The best single-game performances by a quarterback combine sheer statistical brilliance with clutch play, often rewriting the record books in the process.

In this deep dive, we analyze the 10 greatest regular season single-game quarterback performances in NFL history, considering factors such as passing yards, touchdowns, efficiency, and overall impact.

10. Drew Brees – November 19, 2009 (New Orleans Saints vs. New England Patriots)

Brees was nearly flawless in this primetime matchup against the Patriots. He threw for 371 yards and five touchdowns on just 23 completions, posting a perfect passer rating (158.3). His precision passing led the Saints to a dominant 38-17 victory, proving why he was one of the greatest passers of his generation.

9. Ben Roethlisberger – October 26, 2014 (Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Indianapolis Colts)

Big Ben delivered a career-defining performance against the Colts, torching their defense for 522 yards and six touchdowns without a single interception.

Roethlisberger’s pinpoint accuracy and command of the Steelers’ offense led to a 51-34 shootout victory, and he became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 500+ yards in a game twice.

8. Patrick Mahomes – November 19, 2018 (Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Rams)

In one of the greatest shootouts in NFL history, Mahomes showcased his elite arm talent against the Rams in a 54-51 thriller.

He threw for 478 yards and six touchdowns, becoming the youngest quarterback to achieve such a feat in a game.

While the Chiefs fell short, Mahomes solidified his status as the NFL’s next superstar.

7. Warren Moon – December 16, 1990 (Houston Oilers vs. Kansas City Chiefs)

Moon put on a passing clinic against the Chiefs, throwing for 527 yards and three touchdowns in a 27-10 victory.

His performance remains one of the most impressive in league history, showcasing his ability to dissect a defense with precision.

6. Peyton Manning – September 5, 2013 (Denver Broncos vs. Baltimore Ravens)

In the 2013 season opener, Manning put on an aerial display against the defending Super Bowl champions, throwing for 462 yards and seven touchdowns.

His performance led the Broncos to a 49-27 victory and tied the NFL record for most passing touchdowns in a single game.

5. Matthew Stafford – January 1, 2012 (Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers)

Stafford closed out the 2011 season with a 520-yard, five-touchdown performance against the Packers in a 45-41 loss.

His strong arm and ability to push the ball downfield were on full display, cementing his place among the league’s top quarterbacks.

4. Tony Romo – October 6, 2013 (Dallas Cowboys vs. Denver Broncos)

In a game that turned into a scoring bonanza, Romo went toe-to-toe with Peyton Manning, throwing for 506 yards and five touchdowns.

Despite a late interception that sealed the game for the Broncos, Romo’s performance remains one of the most prolific in NFL history.

3. Y.A. Tittle – October 28, 1962 (New York Giants vs. Washington Redskins)

Tittle set the standard for elite quarterback play in the early era of the NFL, throwing for 505 yards and an astonishing seven touchdowns against Washington.

His historic performance helped usher in the modern passing era and remains one of the greatest games ever played by a quarterback.

2. Norm Van Brocklin – September 28, 1951 (Los Angeles Rams vs. New York Yanks)

Van Brocklin’s legendary 554-yard passing performance remains the NFL’s single-game record, standing unbroken for over 70 years.

His effort led the Rams to a 54-14 blowout victory, cementing his place in history as one of the greatest passers of all time.

1. Tom Brady – October 18, 2009 (New England Patriots vs. Tennessee Titans)

In a game played in the snow, Brady delivered one of the most dominant performances ever seen, throwing for 380 yards and six touchdowns—all in the first half.

The Patriots routed the Titans 59-0, and Brady’s efficiency (29-of-34 passing) was simply otherworldly.

These legendary performances exemplify the very best of quarterback play in the NFL. From record-breaking yardage to jaw-dropping efficiency, these games remain unforgettable.

As the league continues to evolve, new names will surely etch their places in history, but these performances will forever be benchmarks of greatness.