Anticipating the Pace of Play in the 2026 NFL Season: Will Offenses Speed Up or Stay Slow?

The NFL is a league characterized by its cyclical nature, where current trends are often mirrored across teams, followed by defensive adaptations, leading to a temporary balance before the cycle begins anew. As we look ahead to the 2026 season, one intriguing question arises: will teams prioritize faster play, or will the trend of slowing down persist? This season, the Los Angeles Rams may hold the key to answering that question.

Last year, the pace of NFL offenses reached its slowest in years, with teams averaging 29.6 seconds between plays—the longest interval recorded since at least 2000. This slowdown persisted despite the presence of aggressive offensive minds like Kliff Kingsbury and Chip Kelly, who are known for their fast-paced strategies. Comparatively, the average snap time in 2020 was just 28.1 seconds, highlighting a significant shift in game tempo.

This slowdown can be attributed to various factors, including the increased use of motion in offensive schemes. In fact, NFL offenses employed motion on 63.3% of plays in 2025, a substantial increase from 46.2% in 2018. However, the time consumed by these motions can delay the pace of play, as the complexity of play-calling often requires lengthy verbiage to ensure proper alignment.

Defensive strategies have also evolved, with teams increasingly utilizing zone coverage schemes like Cover 2 to counteract offensive motions and diversions. Consequently, defenses are becoming more adept at limiting big plays, as evidenced by the decrease in missed tackle rates from 14.1% in 2018 to just 12.6% in 2025. This defensive prowess has led to a reduction in yards after catch, further stifling offensive momentum.

The Rams, with their dynamic offensive style under head coach Sean McVay and the influence of Kingsbury’s play-calling, may provide insight into the future of play speed in the NFL. As the league continues to adapt, the 2026 season could reveal whether offenses will embrace a faster tempo or maintain the deliberate pace established in previous years.