The NFL has a new kickoff rule for the 2025 season.
Starting this season, touchbacks will now be spotted at the 35-yard line (moved up five yards from last year's 30-yard line designation). The new rule aims to encourage more kickoff returns.
It's good news for the Denver Broncos because opponents will now have the option of kicking to Marvin Mims -- one of the best returners in the NFL -- or giving quarterback Bo Nix just 65 yards to drive for a touchdown.
"We’re for it," Broncos coach Sean Payton said of touchbacks being spotted at the 35. Payton is also in favor of the new rule that says both teams will now get to possess the ball in regular season overtime games (that was already the rule for playoff games).
Two other proposed rules were tabled at the Annual League Meeting on Monday. The "Tush Push" ban won't be implemented (at least not yet), and playoff teams won't be re-seeded. The proposed rule would prevent division winners from hosting a playoff game against a team with a better record. Payton doesn't want it to pass.
“This is probably the third time — every six years, this topic comes up," Payton said Monday. "We will be talking about it six years from now, hopefully. Look, I was in New Orleans in 2010. We had, I think, an 11-win team and went to Seattle to play a seven-win team. If you actually study the results of that matchup — let’s just say .500 or below and playing at home — it’s about 50-50.
"So to answer your question, I think winning the division is important. I like how our playoff format is laid out, especially compared to any other sport. This is the third go-around of this topic. It will continue to repeat itself, but I think we would vote against the re-seeding.”
As for the "Tush Push" play, a potential ban could be relevant for Denver because they are scheduled to play the Philadelphia Eagles on the road this season. The play isn't being banned this week, but NFL owners might revisit the topic in May.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL: Denver Broncos like new kickoff rule (plus a Tush Push update)
