NFL Week 8 Predictions: Which Players Could Have Record Days?

Records were meant to be broken. So, without getting all riled up and discussing the implications of record-breaking performances, let's just appreciate the ones that could happen in Week 8.

Passing Yards

Drew Brees: QB, Saints (at Rams)

As if it couldn't get any worse for the Rams, New Orleans comes into St. Louis this week. And, despite Drew Brees being prone to throwing interceptions, last week he definitely buffed out the rough spots.

Perhaps the most dangerous aspect of Brees' arsenal are the number of targets per receiver.

Seven players have at least 22 targets, and six of those seven have 20 or more receptions. Dishing the ball around is what keeps defenses on their heels, which is only going to make Week 8 against the Rams that much easier.

Therefore, if there's a game this season where Norm Van Brocklin's record 554 yards, set in 1951, gets broken, this is that game. Otherwise, Van Brocklin's record lives on for at least another year.

Rushing Yards 

Frank Gore: RB, 49ers (vs Browns), or Adrian Peterson: RB, Vikings (at Panthers)

This one is a conundrum because both San Fran and Minnesota's offensive strengths are their ground games. Also, the weakness on Cleveland and Carolina's defense lies within the inability to stop the run.

So, the question comes down to who has the best shot at setting the new single game rushing record. Could Adrian Peterson break his own record of 296 yards, or will Frank Gore oust Peterson from the record books in Week 8?

Well, the Browns have the better overall defense than Carolina, and are slightly better at stopping the run. However, Minnesota is riding rookie QB Christan Ponder who's shown to be a better passing option than veteran Donovan McNabb.

San Francisco is still dealing with some health issues to their receivers, so the Browns will consistently and excessively stack the box. The Panthers, on the other hand, will also stack the box, but are more vulnerable to giving up passing yards than Cleveland because Minnesota is more healthy.

In addition, the Vikings must have a good ground game to keep Carolina's explosive offense off the field, whereas the 49ers should have no trouble in shutting down Cleveland regardless of the Browns' gameplan.

Therefore, Peterson has the better chance to break the NFL's single game rushing record this week, but Frank Gore still has a solid performance.

Receiving Yards

Mike Wallace: WR, Steelers (vs Patriots)

Mike Wallace is the key for the Steelers in this game. The Patriots allow an average of 322 passing yards per game and rank No. 32 in the NFL.

No one on their defense is quick enough to keep up with Wallace, and not only does New England not have that great of a pass rush but, even when they do, Ben Roethlisberger is arguably the best QB at keeping plays alive.

Now, Wallace isn't going to get the single game receptions mark (21, set by Brandon Marshall), but because of Pittsburgh's ability to run the ball and setup the pass, Mike has a great shot at breaking the single game receiving yards mark (Willie Anderson, 336 yards).

Even if he's double-covered, all Big Ben has to do is out-throw every New England defender, because Wallace will be the only one fast enough to run underneath the ball. And if not, then it's an incomplete pass, so no big deal.

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