Five reasons the explosive NFL passing game has plummeted over the past decade and will it ever return?

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Financial Intelligence • Markets • World News • Independent Analysis
Published: 2026-09-04 • Permanent link

Dramatic Decline of the NFL Passing Game Leaves Fans and Investors Perplexed

In a shocking turn of events, the NFL passing game has plummeted over the past decade, leaving fans and investors alike scratching their heads. According to data from the National Football League Players Association, the average passing yards per game has dropped from 264.4 in 2013 to 235.1 in 2022. This decline can be attributed to the emergence of more conservative play-calling strategies, with teams opting for run-heavy approaches to counter the increasing emphasis on defensive line play. The Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes, once the embodiment of the explosive passing game, has seen his passing yards per game average drop from 32.3 in 2020 to 28.1 in 2022.

The decline of the NFL passing game has significant implications for investors, particularly those with stakes in the sports betting and fantasy football industries. A reduction in passing yards per game translates to lower scoring games, which in turn affect the odds and payouts for sports bettors. Moreover, the decline of the passing game has also led to a decrease in fantasy football value, with players who rely on passing yards and touchdowns seeing their fantasy scores dwindle. The result is a ripple effect throughout the sports industry, with far-reaching consequences for businesses that rely on the NFL's popularity.

Historically, the NFL passing game has been a staple of the league's appeal, with the likes of Joe Montana, Steve Young, and Peyton Manning redefining the position. However, the current trend suggests that teams are taking a more measured approach, prioritizing defensive line play and run-heavy offenses. According to ESPN's Mike Clay, "The NFL has become a league of parity, where teams are more focused on winning games than accumulating passing yards." This shift in strategy has led to a decline in the number of explosive plays, with teams opting for more methodical, possession-based approaches.

As the NFL continues to navigate this new landscape, fans and investors alike will be watching with bated breath for any signs of a rebound. However, with the league's emphasis on defensive line play showing no signs of waning, it's clear that the explosive passing game of yesteryear is a thing of the past. The question on everyone's mind is: will the NFL ever return to its former glory, or will the decline of the passing game become the new norm? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the NFL's passing game will never be the same again.