Topline

The first full week of the NFL preseason kicked off Thursday with a slate of three games, providing more teams and fans a look at some new rules that can impact first down measurements, touchbacks and more.

The rule changes were approved by NFL owners over the summer. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Getty ImagesKey Facts

First down measurements: First downs will no longer be measured by a chain gang, who have been replaced by Sony’s Hawk-Eye virtual measurement system (the system was used in July’s Hall of Fame game).

Touchbacks: Touchbacks for kickoffs have been moved from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line, incentivizing the kicking team to keep the ball in play or have to deal with their opponents being a short trip away from reaching field goal range.

Replay Assist: Five additional penalties can be overturned by referees using replay assist, which can be used to review face masks, running into the kicker, roughing the kicker, horse-collar tackles and hitting a defenseless player, though the assist cannot retroactively apply to a penalty not flagged on the field.

Onside Kicks: Onside kicks are allowed at any point during games as long as the kicking team is trailing the receiving team, a change from last year’s controversial kickoff revamp that limited onside kicks to the fourth quarter.

Overtime Possessions: Though it will not apply to preseason games, fans should keep an eye out for regular season overtime starting in September, when both teams will be guaranteed to possess the ball in the 10-minute period, unless the clock runs out on the opening possession.

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Surprising Fact

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jalyx Hunt was fined $5,690 for doing a bow and arrow celebration during Super Bowl LIX. That celebration will not be considered wrongdoing in the 2025 season, so long as players do not point the imaginary bow and arrow at opponents, according to CBS Sports.

What Teams Are Playing Thursday?

Following the Hall of Fame Game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions in July, six teams are playing Thursday. The Indianapolis Colts are playing against the Baltimore Ravens in the 7 p.m. EDT slot followed by the Philadelphia Eagles and Cincinnati Bengals at 7:30 p.m. EDT and the Las Vegas Raiders and Seattle Seahawks at 10 p.m. EDT.

Key Background

Recent NFL rule changes like the introduction of the dynamic kickoff in 2024 have been trying to strike a balance between increasing player safety and promoting more exciting play, though last year’s change was widely panned as being confusing and not resulting in the additional action the league suggested. Under the new kickoff format designed to lessen the chance of big hits, there were 332 more kickoff returns in 2024 than in 2023, when the league recorded the lowest return rate in its history, but 64% of kickoffs still ended in touchbacks and thus were not returned. The league also added the option to wear guardian caps, a padded layer worn over helmets, in regular season games. A group of at least 20 players were spotted wearing the caps during the 2024 regular season, according to Guardiansports.com.

Further Reading

Why Did The NFL Change Kickoff Rules? The ‘Dynamic Kickoff’ Explained—Ahead Of Ravens-Chiefs Opener (Forbes)