3 Single-Season NFL Records That May Be Broken in 2012

At the end of the 2012 regular season, we could have new single-season record-holders in three major statistical categories. 

Drew Brees shattered Dan Marino's single-season passing yard total in 2011, but sacks, receiving yards and rushing yards could go down this year. 

Let's take a look at the records which could be broken, the candidates who realistically could break them and what they'll need to do to accomplish that down the stretch. 

Michael Strahan's Sack Record of 22.5

Sacks have become the best known and most glamorous defensive statistic. While guys like Reggie White and Bruce Smith rule the career sack list, New York Giant great Michael Strahan's tremendous 22.5 sacks in 2001 remains the record today. 

J.J. Watt and Aldon Smith, two players who have yet to turn 24 years old, are currently on pace to eclipse Strahan's record.

Through 12 games, Smith has 17.5 sacks and Watt has 16.5.

Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller has 16 sacks through 13 games and is on pace for 20 quarterback takedowns.

With three young and extremely talented pass-rushers close to Strahan's record, it'll be surprising if the record doesn't fall over the next month. 

Watt, Smith and Miller have combined for 16 games with more than one sack. 

Jerry Rice's 1,848 Receiving Yards

This season, Calvin Johnson has brushed off the dreaded "Madden Curse" like he brushes off smaller cornerbacks.  

Arguably the most physically imposing receiver in the history of the league, Megatron has accumulated more than 125 receiving yards in five straight games. 

Despite 54-yard, 46-yard and 34-yard outings in 2012, the Detroit Lions wideout is on pace for a shade over 1,900 yards this season.

No quarterback has attempted more passes than Matthew Stafford, so Johnson has a good shot. 

He'll need to average 105 yards per game over his last four to get to 1,848.

Eric Dickerson's 2,105 Rushing Yards

After completely shattering his knee last year on Christmas Eve, Adrian Peterson is having the best statistical season of his NFL career. 

Crazy. 

Heading into Week 14, AP has 1,446 rushing yards and would need to average 166 yards over his last four games to break Dickerson's record. Seems unattainable, right? 

Well, not really. Not this year for Peterson.

He has gone for 182, 171, 108 and 210 in his last four games, and in Week 14, he faces a suddenly susceptible Chicago Bears defense that will be without Brian Urlacher.

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