In the NFL, the quarterback position is the most important.
An increase in talent at the quarterback position caused many passing numbers to be inflated from 2011 to 2021.
However, since 2022, the passing numbers have significantly declined.
In 2024, NFL teams’ passing yards per game are at the lowest since 2008.
Below, we take a look at the drop in passing yards per game, completion percentage being the highest in NFL history in 2024, and receiving numbers being down in 2024.
NFL Passing Yards Per Game Lowest Since 2008
There was a massive boost in the passing game between 2011 and 2021.
However, since 2022, passing numbers have dipped back down.
Here are NFL teams’ average passing yards per game from 2008-2024.
- 2008: 211.3
- 2009: 218.5
- 2010: 221.5
- 2011: 229.7
- 2012: 231.3
- 2013: 235.6
- 2014: 236.8
- 2015: 243.8
- 2016: 241.5
- 2017: 224.4
- 2018: 237.8
- 2019: 235.0
- 2020: 240.2
- 2021: 228.3
- 2022: 218.5
- 2023: 218.9
- 2024: 218.1
Passing yards per game skyrocketed in 2011 and remained high until 2021.
In 2022, passing yards per game went down significantly, and in 2024, passing yards per game is the lowest in 16 years.
From 2012 to 2016 and 2018 to 2020, passing yards per game averaged over 230.
Completion Percentage Being The Highest In NFL History
Despite a 16-year low in passing yards per game, completion percentage are the highest in history in 2024.
Here are the top five years for completion percentage.
- 2024: 65.3%
- 2020: 65.2%
- 2018: 64.9%
- 2021: 64.8%
- 2023: 64.5%
There are numerous talented Quarterbacks in the league but teams are opting to throw shorter passes in 2024 and running more.
In 2024, team rushing attempts per game are at the highest since 2013.
Receiving Numbers Down In 2024
With passing yards per game being down, receiving numbers are also down.
In 2024, only two wide receivers have over 1,000 receiving yards through 13 weeks.
Those two are Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson.
Compared to recent years, the total number of receivers recording over 1,000 receiving yards through 13 weeks has dropped.
Here are the number of receivers with 1,000+ receiving yards through 13 weeks from 2020 to 2024.
- 2024: 2
- 2023: 9
- 2022: 4
- 2021: 4
- 2020: 6
Number of receivers with 1,000+ receiving yards through 13 weeks
2024: 2
2023: 9
2022: 4
2021: 4
2020: 6— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) December 9, 2024
With teams opting to throw shorter passes and running more in 2024, receiving numbers are down in 2024.
Defenses are concentrating more on stopping deeper passes, which is another reason completion percentage is the highest ever in 2024 but another reason why there are fewer than 1,000+ yard receivers through 13 weeks this year.
