Week 1 kickoff returns surged to 75.6%, the highest single-week rate in 15 years, after the 35-yard touchback shift. Jeff Rodgers’ bold 70%+ forecast nailed the opening month, signaling a renewed emphasis on returns as teams chase field-position upside. In Arizona’s win over New Orleans, Chad Ryland kicked off five times and every kickoff was returned, while Blake Grupe produced one Saints touchback in four attempts, with three returns. Expect fantasy relevance to rise for return units and associated players as the season unfolds.

Return-heavy openings could tilt early-season rosters toward specialists who touch the ball on kickoffs. As teams experiment with aggressive return strategies, fantasy managers should monitor which players gain opportunities, and how kickers and returners influence scoring in leagues that reward return plays.