Odds on Top 4 Candidates to Break Drew Brees' Consecutive TD Passes Record

With Drew Brees breaking Johnny Unitas' record for most consecutive games with at least one touchdown pass, the attention now turns to who is capable of surpassing the new mark.

Well, what we must keep in mind is that Brees will definitely keep throwing the rock. So although the mark sits at 48 games, there's a good chance this number reaches 60-plus. After all, New Orleans ranks near the bottom in rushing offense and both defensive categories.

In turn, the Saints have no chance to win without constantly airing it out.

And although the NFL has evolved into a pass-happy quarterback driven league, there aren't too many signal-callers capable of reaching this level of consistency: Not to mention breaking the record whenever Brees fails to toss one in the zone.

Tom Brady, Patriots

Right now Tom Brady is by far the No. 1 contender to challenge whatever mark Brees sets.

Beginning with Week 1 of the 2010 NFL season, Brady has thrown a score in 37 straight games.

Much like New Orleans, the New England Patriots significantly lack when it comes to defending the pass. Ranked No. 30 and allowing an average of 291 pass yards per game, Brady and Co. have no choice but to push the pace or toss the rock to keep up.

One parallel between each of these offenses, though, is the quarterback. The ball in Brady's hands gives New England the best opportunity to win. The same goes for Brees and don't be surprised if the two gunslingers stretch this out for another year.

Chances: 65 Percent

Matt Ryan, Falcons

Dating back to Week 2 of the 2011 NFL season is when Matt Ryan's streak began.

Currently at 20 games, Ryan has taken his game to another level in 2012.

The Atlanta Falcons are no longer a run-balanced attack and feeding Michael Turner. Instead, the Dirty Birds are telling Ryan to slice up defenses and with his receiving targets, it's not surprising.

Ryan also has arguably the league's best receiving duo in Roddy White and Julio Jones.

Include tight end Tony Gonzalez and this touchdown pass streak isn't slowing down any time soon. It also helps that Atlanta plays in a defensively weak division and the remainder of this season doesn't present any defenses that are elite against both the run and pass.

Chances: 20 Percent

Peyton Manning, Broncos

Yes, Peyton Manning is 36 years old, so time is of the essence.

That being said, he is proving to be the Denver Broncos' best opportunity to put up points.

And had Manning been under center in 2011, his streak would be much longer. Nonetheless, his touchdown pass consecutive games number sits at 12. Reverting back to the middle of the 2010 season, Manning's last game where he played and didn't throw a score was against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The following week Manning's streak began against the Patriots and it has potential to surpass his personal mark. Also, it's important to remember that Manning can still catch Brees because it's not an uninterrupted record.

Meaning: the streak won't break if Manning isn't under center. Had this been the case, then Unitas would not have reached 47 games. During his streak Unitas missed two games to injury, so technically his uninterrupted streak rests at 26.

Chances: 10 Percent

Aaron Rodgers, Packers

Aaron Rodgers has a long way to go.

Right now his streak sits at just two games, because Rodgers failed to throw a touchdown pass against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3.

Prior to that game, however, Rodgers held a streak of 19 games which he has hit twice. Green Bay continues to struggle on the ground, so Titletown's best odds at winning are letting Rodgers sling the rock all day.

Sitting at a surprising 2-3, Green Bay needs a spark to roll off some wins and the ability of Rodgers must take over like he did in 2010 and 2011. The NFC North has become a stronger division from top to bottom courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings; therefore, the Packers have to get more offensive explosion to remain postseason contenders.

Sure it will take him a while, but there's arguably no one better at finding a rhythm than Rodgers.

Chances: 5 Percent

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