NFL red-zone stats 2026: offense and defense rankings

How are red-zone stats calculated?

Red-zone touchdown rate = offensive touchdowns on qualifying possessions ÷ qualifying possessions × 100. Each possession counts once, even if it enters the area repeatedly or runs several plays there. The counts are added across games before calculating the percentage, so a one-trip game does not get the same weight as a five-trip game.

San Francisco 49ers scored 12 touchdowns on 14 recorded red-zone trips across 4 games: 12 ÷ 14 × 100 = 85.7%.

Does the 20-yard line count?

Yes. This comparison includes a recorded down starting exactly 20 yards from the opponent's goal line, as well as any closer starting position. A touchdown from outside that area does not create a red-zone trip unless an earlier down on the same possession already qualified. The separate Inside-20 drives view uses a stricter boundary, so its counts can differ.

What counts as a touchdown or field goal?

A touchdown must end the qualifying possession and belong to the offense. A defender's interception or fumble-return touchdown does not count as an offensive success. A made field goal is a separate outcome; it is included in the FG column but not the touchdown numerator. Extra-point and two-point tries, including penalties during those tries, do not create red-zone trips.

How does the defense comparison work?

For each included game, the opposing offense's trips and outcomes become the defending team's allowed totals. The same touchdown-rate formula applies, with the lowest rate ranked first. A low rate can reflect field goals, turnovers, failed fourth downs or a period ending; this table does not assign every non-touchdown to a defensive stop.

What are the limits of this comparison?

Recorded downs include kneels, spikes and penalty entries with a supplied down and field position. End-of-half or end-of-game possessions are retained if they qualify. Rates do not adjust for opponent strength, score, starting field position or clock strategy. Small samples can change sharply as more games are added. If missing play information prevents a possession from being classified, the affected team's counts and rate are withheld rather than inferred.