The figures are in on the NFL’s first full week of the new dynamic kickoff.
In Week 1, there were 172 kickoffs — 171 dynamic kickoffs and one unsuccessful onside kick (Commanders).
Of the 171 dynamic kickoffs, 111 went for touchbacks (64.9%), with 57 returns (33.3%) and three landing out of bounds or short of the landing zone (1.8%), per NFL Research.
In 2023, Week 1 saw just 20.5% of kickoffs returned, with a historic low of 21.8% returned over the the entire campaign. The low rate of returns in recent seasons led the NFL to completely revamp what it called a “dead, ceremonial play,” while also making it safer.
In the opening week of 2024, the 57 kickoff returns included one touchdown from the Cardinals’ DeeJay Dallas and a muffed return/lost fumble from the Bears’ Velus Jones.
The average starting field position for all drives after receiving a dynamic kickoff was the receiving team’s own 29.4-yard line. The average starting field position for all drives after a kickoff return was the receiving team’s own 28.0-yard line. (Note: Starting field position averages do not include the kickoff return TD by Arizona since there was no offensive drive after that return.)
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