In the high-flying world of the NFL, where touchdowns are celebrated and big plays are praised, it seems that field goals are taking center stage this season. If you’ve been feeling like there’s been an abundance of field goals kicked, you’re not mistaken.
Week 1 and Week 2 of the NFL season have both etched their names in history, not for highlight-reel touchdowns or game-changing interceptions, but for the sheer number of field goals kicked. According to Quirky Research, Week 2 shattered records by boasting a staggering 73 field goals, the most kicked in a single week in NFL history. This surpasses the previous record of 69 field goals set back in Week 15 of the 2016 season.
The Washington Commanders made headlines when they secured a 21-18 victory over the New York Giants solely through the art of kicking field goals. Kicker Austin Seibert was the hero of the day, booting seven field goals to lead his team to victory. It was a performance that showcased the importance of a reliable kicker in critical moments.
Just a week prior, the Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers also leaned heavily on their kickers, with both teams relying on six field goals to clinch wins. In a league where high-scoring offenses are the norm, these games served as a reminder of the impact that a well-executed field goal can have on the outcome.
Field goals continued to play a significant role in Week 2, with the Kansas City Chiefs eking out a 26-25 win over the Cincinnati Bengals thanks to a clutch 51-yard field goal from kicker Harrison Butker. The game-winning kick underscored the importance of having a kicker who can deliver under pressure.
Meanwhile, Houston Texans kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn made a name for himself in Week 2 by nailing the longest field goal of the season at 59 yards. Fairbairn’s impressive display of accuracy and leg strength was a testament to the value of a reliable kicker in crucial situations.
As the NFL season progresses, it’s clear that field goals are not simply routine scoring plays, but game-changers that can determine the outcome of closely contested matchups. Teams are relying on their kickers more than ever to deliver in key moments, and the results are reshaping the narrative of what it takes to win in today’s NFL.
