Rule change prompts highest kickoff-return rate since 2010
Sep 7, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Savion Williams (83) returns a kickoff against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Tork Mason-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images NFL teams returned 75.6 percent of the kickoffs in Week 1, the highest rate in the league in 15 years, after moving the touchback to the 35-yard line.
The rate last season with touchbacks spotted at the 30-yard line was just 32.8 percent.
The rate of 75.6 percent (118 of 156) was the highest since Week 17 of the 2010 season and the highest in a season-opening weekend since 2010 (78.1 percent), according to ESPN.
The league has altered the kickoff rules over the years to try to minimize the number of injuries resulting from high-speed collisions. Kickoffs now begin with most players standing downfield, unable to move until the ball touches the ground or a member of the return team.
--Field Level Media


Latest Betting
- Friday NBA Predictions: Raptors, Cavaliers, and Warriors Betting Insights
- World Series Game 1 Predictions: Best Bets, Props, and Odds for Dodgers vs. Blue Jays
- NHL Best Bets Tonight: October 23rd Top NHL Betting Picks, Predictions
- Vikings vs. Chargers Week 8 Thursday Night Football Top Betting Picks, Predictions
- NBA Picks and Predictions: Best Bets for Wednesday October 22nd
- NHL Best Bets Tonight: October 21st Top MLB Betting Picks, Predictions
- Texans vs. Seahawks Week 7 Monday Night Football Top Betting Picks, Predictions

