Video: Matt Ryan about to pass big-name quarterbacks on NFL passing yards list

15. Dan Fouts (1973-87) - 43,040 yards 16. Kerry Collins (1995-2011) - 40,922 yards 17. Joe Montana (1979-94) - 40,551 yards 18. Johnny Unitas (1956-73) - 40,239 yards 19. Matt Ryan (2008-Present) - 40,073 yards

Matt Ryan became the fastest quarterback in NFL history to surpass 40,000 career passing yards during Sunday’s victory. The Falcons quarterback is currently No. 19 on the league’s all-time list with 40,073 yards.

He is still climbing.

Ryan is likely to pass some big names before the end of the season - including the legendary Johnny Unitas as soon as Monday’s game. He needs just 167 passing yards to move to No. 18.

Ryan has thrown for 2,372 yards in nine games this season. He set his career best last season with 4,944 yards. If Ryan nears that total this season, he would move into No. 16 on the list.

Here is the top 20 on the NFL’s all-time career passing yards list:

1. Peyton Manning, 71,940 yards

2. Brett Favre, 71,838 yards

3. Drew Brees, 68,509 yards*

4. Tom Brady, 64,389 yards*

5. Dan Marino, 61, 361 yards

6. John Elway, 51,475 yards

7. Eli Manning, 50,307 yards*

8. Warren Moon, 49,325 yards

9. Ben Roethlisberger, 49,112 yards*

10. Philip Rivers, 48,096 yards*

11. Fran Tarkenton, 47,003 yards

12. Carson Palmer, 46, 247 yards*

13. Vinny Testaverde, 46,233 yards

14. Drew Bledsoe, 44,611 yards

15. Dan Fouts, 43,040 yards

16. Kerry Collins, 40,922 yards

17. Joe Montana, 40,551 yards

18. Johnny Unitas, 40,239 yards

19. Matt Ryan, 40,073 yards*

20. Aaron Rodgers, 38,212 yards*

* - active