The NFL’s new “dynamic kickoff” rule has changed the way special teams operate, and so far, it’s paying off. The league has seen kick returns rise to their highest rate since 2006, with nearly 80% of kicks being brought back into play.

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The NFL is reportedly looking into changing one of its more frustrating special teams rules. Since the league decided to adopt the new, XFL-style dynamic kickoff, onside kicks have had to be declared to officials before the trailing team can attempt them — making them essentially a pointless act.

The NFL is pleased with an increase in kickoff returns because of recent rule changes. The league reports 877 returns this season, a rate of 79.3% that is the highest since 2006 through the first seven weeks.

The NFL's new overtime rules, which guarantee both teams a possession, have changed most teams' strategies: It used to be that the team winning the coin toss almost always chose to receive the overtime kickoff,

Only one of the 21 onside kick attempts this season has been recovered by the kicking team, making for a paltry 4.7% recovery rate

Offseason rule changes are regularly dictated by which way the league office leans on a particular issue. The 2026 offseason may bring legitimate momentum to changing the onside kick.

Kickoff first is seemingly the accepted preference for the new NFL overtime rules. But is it really the best strategy?