Detroit Lions

Matthew Stafford helps set NFL record with 30th TD pass of season

Published Jan. 3, 2016 2:13 p.m. ET

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During the first quarter of the Detroit Lions' Week 17 matchup with the Chicago Bears, quarterback Matthew Stafford threw his 30th touchdown pass of the season -- a nine-yard toss to tight end Tim Wright.

With that scoring strike, Stafford became the 10th quarterback to throw at least 30 touchdown passes this season. That's a new NFL record.

With TD pass by Stafford, 10 QBs have thrown 30+ TD passes this season, most in @NFL history
— Michael Signora (@NFLfootballinfo) January 3, 2016

The nine quarterbacks who reached the 30-touchdown mark before Stafford were Tom Brady, Blake Bortles, Carson Palmer, Eli Manning, Cam Newton, Drew Brees, Russell Wilson, Derek Carr and Aaron Rodgers. Although these 10 quarterbacks have all been extremely productive this season, only half of them are headed to the playoffs.

This is the second season in which Stafford has thrown at least 30 touchdowns (he threw 41 in 2011). He is the first quarterback in Lions franchise history with two 30-touchdown seasons, according to senior writer Tim Twentyman of team's official website.