The NFL changed its kickoff rules this year in an effort to increase the rate of returns. On a very basic level, it worked. Per ESPN, the percentage of touchbacks dropped from 73% in 2023 to 64.3% this season. However, that is still a higher touchback rate than any other season since at least 2000. It became clear halfway through the season that most teams preferred to just kick it into the endzone and allow opposing offenses to take over at the 30-yard.
Case in point, the Detroit Lions only had 13 kick returns all season, opting to kneel down just about every time the ball landed in the end zone.