2011 NFL Predictions: 9 NFL Records That Will Fall This Year

"Records are meant to be broken" is an expression used all too often. While it sounds all good and nice, the reality is that records are rarely broken. The following nine NFL records that will be broken this year are, of course, the exception.

We won't see someone throw for more than Dan Marino's 5,084 yards or a player run for more than Eric Dickerson's 2,105 yards. However, we will see some pretty impressive records this season.

Big-name players like Andre Johnson, Antonio Gates and DeMarcus Ware will hold new NFL records by the end of the season, as these nine NFL records will be broken this year.

Most Punts in a Season

Current Record: 114—Bob Parsons, 1981

New Record: 117—Jason Baker

The Carolina Panthers offense is going to be difficult to watch this season. Sure, DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are both talented running backs, but the real issue with the Panthers lies at the quarterback position.

Whether Cam Newton or Jimmy Clausen starts at quarterback is irrelevant because neither will be able to move the ball down the field successfully. That means that Jason Baker will have plenty of opportunities to punt the ball this season.

To be exact, Baker will have nearly eight opportunities to punt every game.

Longest Actual Kick Return

Current Record: 108 yards—Ellis Hobbs 

New Record: 109 yards—Devin Hester

This is kind of a funny NFL record because Antonio Cromartie returned a missed field goal 109 yards for a touchdown and for some reason the NFL counts that as a kick return. Hence, the title of this slide being the longest "actual" kick return.

Everyone knows that the Chicago Bears are against the current rule change involving kickoff position, and I fully expect them to return some deep kicks with Devin Hester this year.

As one of the greatest return men of all time, Hester will take one of those kicks 109 yards for a touchdown and a spot in the record books.

Sacks Allowed in a Single Season

Current Record: 76—Houston Texans, 2002 

New Record: 77—Chicago Bears

Poor Jay Cutler.

The Chicago Bears offensive line was bad last year, giving up 56 sacks, and they look to be getting worse. Not only will they fail miserably in attempting to protect Cutler, but this unit will also have a hard time stopping a pee-wee football team from getting to their quarterback.

The Bears will still win plenty of games. Unfortunately, Jay Cutler will be watching those games mostly from his back.

Interception Yards in a Single Season

Current Record: 376 yards—Darren Sharper, 2009 

New Record: 382 yards—Eric Berry

Coming out of the University of Tennessee, Eric Berry was one of the most exciting defensive college players in the nation. He was a true playmaker, sometimes more dangerous with the ball in his hands than the offense at UT.

Berry had a fantastic rookie season in which we only saw glimpses of his true potential. This year, he will explode with a truly dominant defensive performance. 

Don't be surprised to see Berry return two or three interceptions for touchdowns while making plays all over the field. This kid is going to be special.

Consecutive Games with a Touchdown Reception

Current Record: 13—Jerry Rice, 1986-1987 

New Record: 15—Antonio Gates

This record all depends on the health of Antonio Gates, but I see no reason why he won't play all 16 games this year. I also don't see a reason why he won't catch a touchdown in nearly every game.

He is Philip Rivers' favorite target, especially once they get into the red zone. Gates had 10 touchdowns in only 10 games last season, so 15 touchdowns in 16 games really isn't that much of a stretch.

Gates' streak will start in the first game and go until he sits out during Week 17 (the San Diego Chargers have already locked up a playoff spot).

Receptions in a Single Game

Current Record: 21—Brandon Marshall, 2009 

New Record: 22—Andre Johnson

While it's difficult to find just one word to describe Andre Johnson, if I was forced to do so, I would choose the word "beastspectmazing."

Yep, I just made that word up by combining "beastly," "spectacular" and "amazing," which are all fantastic words to describe Johnson.

I see him breaking this record in Week 17 when the Houston Texans are fighting for the final playoff spot. Johnson will show his absolute dominance and demand that every pass be thrown his way. He will end the game with 22 receptions and lead the Texans to their first ever playoff berth.

After that, he will transform into a cyborg and it will all finally make sense.

QB Rating

Current Record: 121.1—Peyton Manning, 2004 

New Record: 121.5—Drew Brees

I fully understand that Drew Brees' best QB rating is only 109.6 and that was during the greatest year of his career. However, my limited understanding of QB rating has shown me that a career year is nice, but not necessary to break this record.

Take Tom Brady's 2007 season, for example, in which he had one of the greatest statistical seasons in sports history, but only posted a 117.2 QB rating. While the system doesn't make sense, it is there for a reason and it is about time someone broke Manning's record.

Enter Drew Brees, who is extremely accurate and has the ability to put up huge numbers (both crucial to taking this record). He might finally get some help in the run game with rookie Mark Ingram, which should open up more opportunities for Brees to stretch the field with play-action.

When you combine all these factors, it's pretty plain to see that Brees will break a record based on an extremely outdated system.

Sacks in a Single Season

Current Record: 22.5—Michael Strahan, 2001 

New Record: 23—DeMarcus Ware

There isn't a better pass rusher in the NFL right now than DeMarcus Ware. Clay Matthews, Dwight Freeney and Tamba Hali do not even come close to Ware. He is that good and that much better at his craft than any other player.

He was close to breaking the record three seasons ago, when he posted a ridiculous 20 sacks. This year we will have the privilege of watching Ware dominate every game of the season.

Ware is unstoppable and it should be enjoyable to watch him take over games single-handedly on his way to 23 sacks and the record books.

Rushing Yards in a Single Game

Current Record: 296 rushing yards—Adrian Peterson, 2007 

New Record: 301 rushing yards—Chris Johnson

Personally, I feel this is my boldest prediction, as even imagining someone rushing for 300 yards outside of Madden 11 is hard to do.

However, I believe that when Johnson finally gets paid, he is going to prove to everyone that he is absolutely worth every penny of his new contract—by rushing for over 300 yards in his first game back on the field.

After the game, he will begin another contract holdout to become the highest paid athlete in the entire Universe.