If you’ve ever wondered how far that “easy” extra point kick from the NFL really is, the answer might surprise you—and it’s more telling than you think.
The Distance of an Extra Point
Today’s extra point (or point-after-touchdown, PAT) is snapped from the 15-yard line. Add 10 yards for the end zone and roughly 7 yards for the snapback to the holder, and it is essentially a 33-yard field goal attempt.
Why the NFL Moved It Back
Prior to 2015, extra points were attempted from the 2-yard line, making them roughly 20-yard kicks—virtually automatic, with kickers hitting over 99% of attempts. To inject more drama and reduce predictability, the NFL Competition Committee moved the line of scrimmage back to the 15-yard line starting in 2015.
The Modern PAT: Accuracy & Strategy Impacts
Accuracy Drops
- In 2023, the league-wide extra point conversion rate was 95.9%, and in 2024, it remained steady at 95.8%.
- Since the 2015 rule change, overall PAT success has generally settled between 93% and 94.6%.
Not Always Automatic Anymore
- For instance, Jason Sanders (Dolphins) nailed 58 of 59 PATs in the 2023 season—not perfect, but close.
- Jason Myers (Seahawks) went a perfect 33-for-33 on PATs in 2023.
- Tyler Bass (Bills) hit 49 of 50 in the same year.
Two-Point Conversions: A Strategic Counterbalance
Usage & Historical Context
- The two-point try was introduced in the NFL in 1994, offering an alternative to the kick.
- Use of two-point conversions increased notably after the 2015 rule change, rising from about 5% to 8% of post-touchdown attempts.
Success Rates—Then vs. Now
- Historically, teams converted two-point attempts at a rate of roughly 48–55%.
- In 2023, roughly 55% of two-point attempts were successful.
- But in 2024, success rates plummeted—NFL teams converted just 31–32% of their two-point attempts.
- One report notes teams were successful on only 18 of 58 attempts (31%) by late October 2024.
- Another mentions a 31.3% rate through Week 11.
- And a more recent source corroborates a 32.4% overall conversion rate for the season.
What It Means Strategically
- With PAT success around 96%, expected value per kick is about 0.96 points.
- A historically reliable two-point conversion (~50% success) offered similar expected value (~1.0).
- But with success rates dropped to ~31–32%, the math now favors kicking—unless your team has a particularly strong goal-line efficiency or the game situation dictates otherwise.
A Comparison Table
| Attempt Type | Typical Distance | Success Rate (2023–24) | Expected Points | Strategic Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Point (PAT) | ~33 yards | ~95.8–95.9% | ~0.96 | Nice baseline; still the safer option |
| Two-Point Conversion | From 2-yard line | ~31–32% (2024 low) | ~0.62 | Used selectively; situationally risky |
Final Thoughts
What used to be a nearly automatic extra point attempt has evolved into a decision point for coaches. With PATs no longer a sure thing and two-point conversions showing wildly fluctuating success, every post-touchdown choice now carries significant weight—especially in close games or in harsh weather conditions.
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