The Super Bowl records that could be broken this year

Every year, we crown an NFL champion in the Super Bowl. But it’s not every year that we witness history. When that happens, it adds a bit of extra magic to the moment.

As Super Bowl LX approaches, we’ll see Drake Maye and the New England Patriots take on Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks, and several long-standing records could realistically be challenged depending on how the game unfolds. Some would require a shootout. Others would take one perfect performance or a game script that tilts heavily in one direction.

Here are the Super Bowl records that are actually in play this year, and how plausible it is that they actually happen.

Records that could be broken in Super Bowl LX

Most passing yards in a Super Bowl

Record: 505 - Tom Brady (Super Bowl LII)

This remains the gold standard for Super Bowl quarterback performances, set when Brady threw 48 passes in a high-scoring loss to Philadelphia.

Could Drake Maye or Sam Darnold break it? This would be a tall order for either quarterback, but Maye in particular at least makes the conversation plausible.

Maye has already shown this season that he can handle high-volume passing games, topping 4,000 yards and thriving in spread looks that don’t shy away from throwing early and often. If the Patriots were to fall behind early or find themselves in a back-and-forth shootout, Maye’s willingness to push the ball downfield could inflate his attempt total.

Darnold, meanwhile, has been more efficient than explosive in Seattle’s offense. The Seahawks have leaned on balance rather than volume, making a 45–50 attempt passing night less likely unless game flow forces it.

Verdict:

• Maye: Possible, but would require a shootout and extreme volume
• Darnold: Very unlikely

Most touchdown passes in a Super Bowl

Record: 6 - Steve Young (Super Bowl XXIX)

Steve Young’s six-touchdown masterpiece against the Chargers in 1995 remains one of the most dominant performances in Super Bowl history.

Could Maye or Darnold threaten it? This would require near-perfect red-zone efficiency and aggressive play-calling.

Maye’s case is stronger here than with yardage. The Patriots have shown a willingness to let him throw near the goal line, rather than defaulting to conservative runs. Still, six passing touchdowns would likely require New England to abandon the run entirely inside the 10, an unlikely choice in a Super Bowl.

For Darnold, the Seahawks’ offensive structure makes this almost impossible. Seattle frequently spreads scoring responsibility across the run game, play-action, and multiple receivers.

Verdict:

• Maye: Extremely unlikely, but theoretically in play
• Darnold: Not realistic

Most rushing yards in a Super Bowl

Record: 204 - Timmy Smith (Super Bowl XXII)

This is one of the most surprising Super Bowl records, and one of the longest-standing. Smith, a relatively unknown player back at the time, exploded for 204 yards in Washington’s win over Denver.

Could a Patriots or Seahawks running back actually break it? If game script cooperates, yes...at least more so than many other records on this list.

For New England, Rhamondre Stevenson would be the most realistic candidate. When healthy, Stevenson has proven he can handle a heavy workload and thrive late in games, especially when the Patriots are protecting a lead. If New England jumps ahead and leans on its run game to close out the second half, Stevenson could push toward the 25–30 carry range required to even sniff this record.

On the Seattle side, Kenneth Walker III stands out as the most dangerous breakaway option. Walker’s ability to turn routine carries into chunk gains gives him an outside chance if the Seahawks commit fully to the run.

Verdict:

• Stevenson or Walker: Long shot, but at least plausible with the right game flow
• Requires a lead, sustained drives, and a run-heavy second half

Longest pass completion in a Super Bowl

Record: 85 yards - Jake Delhomme (Super Bowl XXXVIII)

Big plays happen every year, and this record doesn’t require volume...just one defensive lapse.

Could Maye or Darnold do it? Yes, easily.

Maye’s arm strength and willingness to attack vertically gives him a slight edge here, but Darnold has also shown comfort throwing deep off play-action. With today’s offensive spacing and speed, one missed assignment could turn into an 86-yard touchdown in a heartbeat.

Verdict:

• Very realistic for either quarterback

Most points scored by a team in a Super Bowl

Record: 55 - 49ers (Super Bowl XXIV)

This would require a near-perfect storm.

Could the Patriots or Seahawks get there? Reaching 55 points would likely demand multiple short fields, turnovers, and possibly a defensive or special-teams touchdown. Neither offense has shown the kind of weekly explosiveness needed to chase this outright, but if one defense completely collapses, things can snowball quickly.

Verdict:

• Highly unlikely, but not impossible with turnovers

Halftime show viewership record

Record: Around 133.5 million viewers - Kendrick Lamar (Super Bowl LIX)

Could Bad Bunny break it? Yes, absolutely.

As the first Latino artist to solo headline the halftime show, and the first to perform entirely in Spanish, Bad Bunny brings enormous global reach. International interest and social-media engagement could push viewership past last year’s mark, even despite the angry Republicans boycotting it.

Verdict:

• One of the most realistic records to fall

Some Super Bowl records are untouchable. Others are waiting for the right game script, the right moment, or the right mistake. Super Bowl LX may not rewrite the history books entirely, but it doesn’t need to. One broken record is enough to turn a great game into a legendary one. And on Super Bowl Sunday, that possibility is always in play.

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