In recent years, kickoffs have essentially become an extension of the commercial break during NFL games. However, the NFL’s new kickoff rule should change that in 2024.
NFL owners approved the new rule in hopes of encouraging more returns and revitalizing that facet of the game. Recently, PFN broke down the best return option for each NFL team. Today, let’s examine who should be returning kicks for each NFC North squad.
How the New NFL Kickoff Rule Will Change Returns
The NFL is adopting a rule set similar to what the XFL introduced during the league’s return, which saw kickoff return rates skyrocket. Here are the key details:
- The kicker will kick off from the 35-yard line.
- The other 10 members of the kickoff team will line up at the returning team’s 40-yard line.
- At least nine members of the receiving team will line up five yards away at the 35-yard line.
- Up to two returners will line up in the “landing zone” (between the 20-yard line and the goal line).
- Only the kicker and returners can move before the ball hits the ground or the returner within the landing zone.
- The ball will be placed at the 30-yard line if it lands in the end zone.
- Any kick that hits the landing zone must be returned.
- If the ball lands inside the 20-yard line and rolls into the end zone, it must be returned or downed (which results in the ball being placed at the 20-yard line).
- If a kick fails to reach the landing zone or goes out of bounds, the receiving team takes possession at its 40-yard line.
- No fair catches are allowed.
The hope is the new rule will decrease violent, high-speed collisions by forcing players to line up closely and remain still until the return begins. Additionally, kickers likely will try to avoid kicking the ball into the end zone, resulting in an uptick in returns.
The hybrid kickoff rule change proposal has been approved by @NFL clubs for the 2024 season. 👇 pic.twitter.com/DggRekG3mo
— NFL Football Operations (@NFLFootballOps)
The new kickoff rule should provide an ideal balance of entertainment for the fans and reduce injury risk for the players.
Given the reduced injury risk, multiple special teams coordinators have talked about allowing starters and even star players to return kicks.
Who Is the Best Return Option for Each NFC North Team?
With the new kickoff rules opening up endless possibilities, there are plenty of intriguing returner options to discuss in 2024. Let’s identify the best candidate for each NFC North team!
Chicago Bears: Velus Jones Jr.
Although Velus Jones Jr. has disappointed at wide receiver since being selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, he’s made an impact as a returner, averaging 27.4 yards per kick return in Chicago — making him the obvious choice to bring back kicks in 2024.
Detroit Lions: Sione Vaki
Sione Vaki is one of the most intriguing rookies in this draft class. Vaki played both safety and running back at Utah, and the Lions believe he’ll be a great addition to their backfield.
Yet, his upside could truly shine on special teams, where he would be able to put his experience and toughness to use as Detroit’s primary kick returner.
MORE: Simulate the 2024 NFL Season With PFN’s Playoff Predictor
Green Bay Packers: Keisean Nixon
Since joining the Packers in 2022, Keisean Nixon has established himself as the NFL’s top kick returner — having been named a first-team All-Pro in each of the last two seasons.
Nixon will look to continue his dominance under the new kickoff rules, which should give him even more opportunities to showcase his game-breaking abilities.
Minnesota Vikings: Ty Chandler
Ty Chandler likely won a few fantasy football matchups down the stretch last season due to his surprisingly strong play in Minnesota’s backfield. This season, his potential as a kick returner is something that the Vikings should be excited about.
