Updates

With the 2025 NFL season underway, the new form of the dynamic kickoff is already having a significant impact on kickoff returns, with rates more than doubling compared with the first two weeks of the 2024 season.

The dynamic kickoff, first introduced in the 2024 season, is designed to promote more returns and resemble a play from scrimmage with players lining up closer together, restricting movement to reduce space and speed between the kicking and return teams.

See the dynamic kickoff rule explainer for more detail.

Here’s A Breakdown Of Dynamic Kickoffs In Weeks 1 And 2

There have been 333 kickoffs in the first two weeks of the 2025 season (323 dynamic kickoffs and 10 onside kicks).

KICKOFF RETURN RATE

The average starting field position for all drives after receiving a dynamic kickoff has been the receiving team’s own 29.5-yard line.

DRIVE STATS AFTER RECEIVING KICKOFF

Through 2 weeks, the 2025 season has seen increases in points per drive, scoring drive percentage and touchdown drive percentage league-wide on drives after receiving a dynamic kickoff.

WHAT’S NEW IN 2025?

Before the start of the 2025 season, the NFL implemented two key updates to the kickoff rules:

• The dead ball spot of a touchback if the ball lands in the end zone and is downed in the end zone by the receiving team is now the 35-yard line (in 2024 it was the 30-yard line)
• Teams trailing in the game can now declare and attempt an onside kick at any point in the game (in 2024, it was only allowed for trailing team in 4th quarter)

Learn more about the all rule changes for the 2025 season, including the dynamic kickoff updates.

WHAT ARE THE COACHES SAYING?

Check out this year’s dynamic kickoff coaches roundtable to hear how NFL Coaches expect the rule to impact the game throughout the rest of the season.