EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Minnesota Vikings kicked off their regular season Sunday with a touchback, and some may be wondering why the ball was placed on the 30-yard line instead of the 25.
The NFL adopted a new dynamic kickoff rule, which was implemented to encourage more kickoff returns after a record-low return rate in 2023.
The new kickoff brings touchbacks out to the 30-yard line and forces kickers to land the kickoff in the designated landing zone (20-yard line to the goal line). If the kickoff doesn't reach the 20, the ball will be placed at the 40-yard line.
Kickoff formations will also be different, and will more closely resemble a typical play from scrimmage. The kicker will continue to kickoff from the 35-yard line, but the other players on the kicking team will line up on the opposing 40-yard line. The receiving team will line up between their own 35 and 30-yard line, with at least seven players having a foot on the 35. Players on both sides will be forced to wait until the ball is either caught by the returner or hits the ground before they can start running.
Onside kicks will only occur in the fourth quarter by a trailing team, where the preexisting onside rules will apply.
The new kickoff got mixed reviews in the preseason, but it will certainly be something to watch as teams continue to get acclimated to the new rules.
