The 2025 NFL Season Could Make Punting History

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jan 1, 2026 11:02 AM ET

If you think you've seen less punting this NFL season, just know your eyes aren't deceiving you.

Back in 2023, NFL teams averaged 4.2 punts per game. That average then dropped to 3.8 in 2024. Although Week 18 hasn't started yet, the NFL is on track to set a record-low for punts in a single season.

According to Josh Dubow of the Associated Press, teams are averaging 3.54 punts per game during the 2025 season.

"With one week remaining, the NFL is poised to set a record for fewest punts per game in any season in league history with the average of 3.54 punts per game for each team the lowest on record," Dubow wrote.

Dec 28, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts punter Rigoberto Sanchez (8) punts during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images© Robert Goddin-Imagn Images.

What has led to this downward trend?

There are plenty of factors as to why punts are down across the league, make no mistake about it.

Nonetheless, here are the top-three seasons:

Average starting field position has increased by more than 5 yards.
Coaches are more aggressive on fourth down.
Kickers are attempting more field goals from 55 yards out.

"The 105 attempts from at least 55 yards are the most in NFL history and the 20 tries from at least 60 yards are more than there were for the entire 1990s as kickers have become more skilled and the rule changes allowing teams to prepare kicking balls in advance has added a few yards to each kicker’s range," Dubow added. "The fourth-down revolution that began heating up in 2017 when aggressiveness helped Philadelphia win a Super Bowl has taken off even more."

Week 18 will begin this Saturday with a pair of NFC showdowns. The Carolina Panthers will take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a battle for the NFC South crown. A few hours later, the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers will square off for the No. 1 seed in the conference.

Hopefully, we don't see many punts during Saturday's games.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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