RPO Revolution: Are Run-Pass Options Still a Game-Changer in the NFL in 2025?

The stadium is roaring, the tension is palpable, and the quarterback stands at the line of scrimmage, a maestro conducting a symphony of controlled chaos. It’s 2025, and the NFL landscape is ever-evolving, but one question remains: are Run-Pass Options (RPOs) still the offensive juggernaut they once were? Last season, a Week 7 clash between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Las Vegas Raiders saw Patrick Mahomes utilize RPOs on nearly 20% of the Chiefs’ offensive snaps, resulting in two touchdowns and a crucial win. This wasn’t just a one-off; it was a testament to the enduring power of the RPO.

The Evolution of the RPO

The RPO, once a niche tactic, has become a staple in NFL playbooks. Its beauty lies in its simplicity and adaptability. The quarterback, after reading the defensive alignment, has the option to either hand the ball off to the running back or throw a quick pass, all predicated on the defender’s reaction post-snap. This puts immense pressure on linebackers and safeties, forcing them to make split-second decisions that can determine the success or failure of a play.

In 2024, the Kansas City Chiefs ranked second in RPO usage at 17.0%, and Patrick Mahomes’ 397 RPO pass attempts since 2018 lead all quarterbacks. The screen game remains just as integral to Kansas City’s offensive identity. The Chiefs produced 2,383 yards after the catch in 2024, third-most in the league, while their 18,048 total yards after the catch since 2018 leads the NFL.

Quarterbacks Leading the Charge

Several quarterbacks have mastered the art of the RPO, turning it into an extension of their own athletic and mental prowess.

Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs): Mahomes remains the gold standard. His ability to read defenses and make lightning-fast decisions makes him a nightmare for opposing coordinators.
Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills): Allen’s combination of arm strength and rushing ability makes him a dual-threat RPO weapon. Defenses must account for both his passing and running capabilities, opening up opportunities for his teammates.
Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens): Jackson’s elusiveness and speed add another dimension to the RPO game. His threat as a runner forces defenses to commit extra resources to contain him, creating favorable passing matchups.
Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals): Burrow’s precision and football IQ allow him to exploit defensive weaknesses in the RPO game. His quick release and accuracy make him a dangerous RPO passer.
Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders): As a second-year player in 2025, Daniels is quickly rising through the ranks of RPO quarterbacks. His dual-threat ability keeps defenses guessing.

Defensive Strategies: The Counter-Revolution

As the RPO has become more prevalent, defensive coordinators have scrambled to devise effective countermeasures. The key is to eliminate the quarterback’s easy reads and force him into making difficult decisions.

Disciplined Assignments: Each defender must know their specific assignment to avoid confusion. One player focuses on stopping the run, while another covers the potential receiver or the quarterback’s passing lanes.
Zone Coverage: Zone coverage keeps defenders in their designated areas, making it tougher for the quarterback to find open passing lanes.
Man Coverage with a Spy: A spy defender watches the quarterback closely, limiting their ability to run.
Gap Integrity: Defenders must stay in their assigned gaps to prevent the running back from finding easy lanes.
Film Study: Studying the opponent’s tendencies and specific RPO packages helps defenders anticipate the key reads and likely plays.

The Impact of Rule Changes

The NFL is constantly tweaking its rules, and these changes can have a significant impact on offensive and defensive strategies. The 2025 season is no exception. One notable rule modification involves the alignment requirements for receiving team players during kickoffs. This change is designed to promote more returns and reduce high-speed collisions, potentially leading to more offensive opportunities and, consequently, more RPO plays.

RPO and Offensive Struggles

Interestingly, despite the continued use of RPOs, the NFL has seen some offensive struggles recently. As Ian Miller of OutKick noted, through the first week of the 2025 season, offensive numbers were down significantly compared to the previous year. This suggests that while RPOs remain a valuable tool, they are not a guaranteed path to offensive success. The Cincinnati Bengals and Tennessee Titans, for example, combined for just 274 total yards in one game, highlighting a league-wide trend of offensive inefficiency.

The Future of the RPO

So, are RPOs still a game-changer in the NFL in 2025? The answer is a resounding yes, but with a caveat. The RPO is not a magic bullet; it’s a strategic weapon that, when used effectively, can give offenses a significant advantage. However, defenses are catching up, and the success of the RPO depends on the quarterback’s ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and execute with precision.

The RPO revolution is far from over. It’s an ongoing evolution, a chess match between offensive and defensive minds, and it will continue to shape the NFL landscape for years to come.