Run or Pass? How RPOs Continue to Define and Dominate NFL Offenses in the 2025 Season

The roar of the crowd, the tension in the air, and the split-second decisions that can change the course of a game – that’s NFL football. In the 2024 season, the Detroit Lions led the league in offensive scoring, averaging 32.4 points per game, showcasing the power of a well-executed offensive strategy. But beyond the raw numbers, a quiet revolution has been reshaping NFL playbooks: the continued evolution and dominance of the Run-Pass Option, or RPO. As we gear up for the 2025 season, it’s time to examine how RPOs are not just a trend, but a defining characteristic of modern NFL offenses.

The RPO Revolution: A Brief Overview

The Run-Pass Option isn’t new, but its sophistication and prevalence have exploded in recent years. At its core, an RPO is a play where the quarterback makes a decision after the snap whether to hand the ball off to the running back or throw a pass, based on the real-time reaction of the defense. This puts immense pressure on linebackers and defensive backs, forcing them to commit to either stopping the run or covering a receiver, often leaving them vulnerable regardless of their choice.

The Anatomy of an RPO: A Play-by-Play Breakdown

Imagine Patrick Mahomes in the shotgun, Isiah Pacheco lined up beside him. The Kansas City Chiefs offensive line is set, and the defense is showing a Cover 3 look. At the snap, the offensive line blocks for a run play. Mahomes reads the linebacker lined up over center. If the linebacker crashes down to stop Pacheco, Mahomes pulls the ball and throws a quick slant to Travis Kelce, who has inside leverage on the cornerback. If the linebacker stays back in coverage, Mahomes hands the ball off to Pacheco for a run up the middle.

The beauty of the RPO lies in its simplicity and adaptability. It’s a concept that can be tailored to any team’s strengths, whether it’s Josh Allen’s dual-threat ability or Jared Goff’s quick decision-making.

2024: A Year of RPO Refinement

In 2024, several teams showcased the effectiveness of RPOs, adapting and refining the concept to fit their unique personnel and offensive philosophies.

Kansas City Chiefs: Despite a Super Bowl 59 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Chiefs remained one of the most RPO-heavy teams in the NFL. However, some analysts suggest that their reliance on shotgun formation, necessary for RPOs, might have limited their play-action game.
Buffalo Bills: With Josh Allen at the helm, the Bills continued to utilize RPOs to capitalize on his running and passing abilities. Allen’s versatility keeps defenses guessing, making Buffalo’s offense consistently effective.
Indianapolis Colts: Even with a change at quarterback to Daniel Jones, the Colts maintained a high RPO rate. Jones’ ability to make quick reads and distribute the ball effectively makes him a good fit for Shane Steichen’s RPO-heavy system.

The Impact of Coaching on RPO Strategy

The success of an RPO-based offense hinges on the coaching staff’s ability to design plays that exploit defensive weaknesses and empower the quarterback to make the right decision.

Kyle Shanahan (San Francisco 49ers): Shanahan remains the gold standard among NFL play-callers. His ability to build offensive systems from the ground up and adjust each element of the scheme to match his personnel and opponents is unmatched.
Sean McVay (Los Angeles Rams): McVay is known for his dynamic and adaptable play-calling, constantly reinventing his offensive identity.
Kevin O’Connell (Minnesota Vikings): O’Connell has quickly emerged as one of the NFL’s most inventive play-callers, building his own system based on the foundation of the McVay coaching tree.

These coaches understand that RPOs are not just about calling a play; they’re about creating a system that puts the defense in a constant state of conflict.

The Quarterbacks Who Thrive in an RPO World

Not every quarterback is suited to run an RPO-heavy offense. It requires a unique blend of athleticism, intelligence, and decision-making ability.

Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills): Allen’s dual-threat ability makes him a nightmare for defenses. His arm strength and willingness to run create endless possibilities in the RPO game. In 2024, Allen earned his third Pro Bowl selection.
Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs): Mahomes’ improvisational skills and ability to make throws from any angle make him incredibly dangerous in RPO situations.
Daniel Jones (Indianapolis Colts): Jones’ strengths lie in his ability to distribute the ball quickly and make smart decisions. His play-action effectiveness makes him a solid fit for the Colts’ RPO-based offense.

The Future of RPOs: What to Expect in 2025

As we look ahead to the 2025 season, several trends suggest that RPOs will continue to be a dominant force in the NFL.

Increased Emphasis on Quarterback Mobility: With quarterbacks like Anthony Richardson and Jaxson Dart entering the league, teams will increasingly look to incorporate RPOs that utilize their athleticism.
Sophisticated Play Designs: Offensive coordinators will continue to find new ways to package run and pass plays, making it even more difficult for defenses to anticipate what’s coming.
Data-Driven Decision-Making: Teams will use advanced analytics to identify the most effective RPO plays against specific defensive looks, further optimizing their offensive strategy.

Run or Pass? The RPO Keeps Defenses Guessing

In the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of the NFL, the Run-Pass Option has become more than just a play call; it’s a philosophy. By forcing defenses to account for both the run and the pass on every snap, RPOs create opportunities for explosive plays and keep opposing coordinators up at night. As we head into the 2025 season, expect to see RPOs continue to define and dominate NFL offenses, shaping the game we love in exciting and unpredictable ways.