Football Nation cover showing defenders stopping a runner short of the first-down marker and celebrating a turnover on downs.

When Does the Defense Get a New Set of Downs in the NFL?

Sep 14

2 min read

Updated: Oct 10

The team defending at the start of an NFL down receives a new series when the opponent fails to earn a first down on fourth down, when it finishes the down with an awarded turnover, or when it receives and keeps a kick.

Part of Football 101. Explore the guide to choose your next topic.

Army defensive end Marcus Hilton stands over a completed tackle after the defense stops a Notre Dame play at Yankee Stadium. — Army defensive end Marcus Hilton looks toward the sideline after stopping Notre Dame during the 2010 game at Yankee Stadium. Photo by Tommy Gilligan/USMA via Wikimedia Commons. Licensed under CC BY 2.0; no endorsement implied.

Officials resolve penalties and possession before confirming the next series. A celebration over a loose ball does not by itself establish a change of possession.

A fourth down stop

On fourth down, the offense must finish with possession at or beyond its line to gain, or receive a new series through an applicable rule or penalty. If it falls short, the opponent takes over.

For example, the offense has fourth and 2 at the opponent's 38. The runner reaches the 37, short of the 36 yard line to gain. With no penalty changing the result, the former defense starts first and 10 at its own 37.

The ball's correct spot matters; the runner's feet do not determine whether the offense reached the line. See which part of the ball counts for a first down.

Interceptions and fumble recoveries

An interception or a legal fumble recovery can end the possession before fourth down. The new series starts at the appropriate dead ball spot after any return and enforcement.

But officials track the entire down. If the defense intercepts, then fumbles and the original offense recovers, the final award can give the original offense a new series. The first possession change does not freeze the eventual result.

Receiving a kick

A team that receives and retains a punt, kickoff or other qualifying kick receives a new series when the down ends. A touchback provides a prescribed starting spot rather than a return endpoint.

A receiving team muff is not itself possession. The kicking team may legally recover certain touched kicks and receive the ball instead.

The practical sequence is possession, penalties, final spot, then the new series. For the other side of the rule, compare when the original offense earns new downs.