Part 9/11:
A significant factor in shaping the season has been rule tweaks—particularly moving touchbacks to the 35-yard line. This has increased kickoff returns by over 50%, leading to more plays starting with better field positions, fewer yards gained overall, but higher scoring outputs.
- Scoring and Yardage Trends: Points per game are among the highest in NFL history, approaching the peak of the 2020 season, whilst passing yards are down, and kicking is becoming more difficult due to the increased difficulty of field goals in this environment.