In the fast‑paced world of football analytics, knowing what football stats to track isn’t just a nice‑to‑have—it’s essential for coaches, analysts, and passionate fans alike. As we dive into the 2025 season, the landscape has evolved: traditional numbers like passing yards and rushing touchdowns still matter, but advanced metrics like Expected Points Added (EPA) and completion percentage over expected (CPOE) now carry equal weight. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every stat that truly moves the needle, explaining why each metric is important and how it can influence game plans, player evaluations, and fan discussion. By the end, you’ll be fully equipped to track football performance like a pro.
Traditional Core Stats: The Foundation
Passing Yards & Completions
Passing yards remain the headline number for QB performance. They show volume and efficiency when paired with completion rating—calculated as completions divided by attempts. These stats tell us who is moving the ball and who might be forcing risky attempts.
Touchdowns & Interceptions
Touchdown-to-interception ratio offers insight into decision-making. A quarterback who throws more TDs than INTs is maximizing scoring while minimizing risk. Over a season, a ratio north of 2:1 is generally a sign of elite performance.
Rushing Yards & Yards per Carry (YPC)
Rushing yards reveal ground-game strength; YPC highlights efficiency. High-volume runners with high YPC disrupt defensive schemes: they gain steady yards and force opponents into predictable packages.
Receptions & Receiving Yards
On offense, the ability of receivers to convert targets into catches and yardage is pivotal. High reception totals show reliability, while receiving yards indicate big-play capability.
Efficiency Metrics: Efficiency Over Volume
Completion Percentage & Yards per Attempt (YPA)
Completion percentage is a baseline efficiency stat; YPA further refines analysis by showing how much value each throw adds. A QB with high completion rate but low YPA might be relying too heavily on short, safe throws.
Red Zone Efficiency
This covers how often a team scores touchdowns or field goals inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. Effective red-zone offense separates good teams from great ones, while red-zone defense can stifle even the most potent attack.
Third‑Down Conversion Rate
Get third-and-short often? Score. Third-and-long? Often punt. Tracking third-down efficiency reveals how well teams sustain drives and keep momentum.
Advanced Metrics: Deeper Insights
Expected Points Added (EPA)
EPA measures how each play changes the expected points scored from that position. A QB might throw a short pass but, if it improves field position, EPA credits the positive impact. Conversely, risky plays that lead to negative outcomes are penalized.
Completion Percentage Over Expected (CPOE)
CPOE compares a quarterback’s actual completion rate to the expected rate based on distance, matchup, and situation. A high CPOE indicates elite accuracy and decision-making under diverse conditions.
Yards After Catch (YAC)
YAC captures the value receivers add beyond the catch. Receivers who generate high YAC are game‑changers—being able to turn short passes into big gains consistently.
Pressure Rate & Sack Rate
Pressure rate is the percentage of pass plays where the QB is hurried; sack rate shows how often they’re taken down. A quarterback who performs well under pressure is extremely valuable, so tracking pressure statistics can reveal hidden strengths.
Defensive Metrics: The Other Side of the Ball
Tackles for Loss (TFL) & Sacks
TFLs and sacks quantify disruptions in the backfield and signal defensive aggression. More of these results in fewer second‑down conversions and better field position.
Pass Defended & Interception Rate
Passes defended indicate coverage effectiveness; interception rate shows big‑play potential. A secondary that consistently breaks up passes and forces turnovers is critical in tight games.
Opponent EPA per Play
Just like on offense, tracking the defense’s ability to limit the opponent’s expected points helps quantify overall effectiveness. Lower EPA means stronger defense.
Special Teams: Often Overlooked
Field Goal Percentage & Longest FG
A kicker’s accuracy in all ranges—extra points, mid, and long field—can tilt close contests. One missed kick might decide a championship.
Punt Average & Return/Net Return
Punt average influences opponent starting position; return average informs your team’s starting field position. Precious yards in hidden field position battles.
Putting It All Together: Creating a Balanced Statistical Formula
For coaches and analysts, the goal isn’t to memorize dozens of stats—it’s to combine them meaningfully. A balanced formula might weight:
- EPA (offense & defense)
- CPOE
- Third‑down conversions
- Red‑zone scoring
- Pressure/sack rates
- YAC and TFL
By assigning weight based on game‑deciding scenarios (e.g., red zone), this creates a robust performance index that tells the true story.
Conclusion
From passing yards and completion percentages to advanced metrics like EPA and pressure rate, the most important football stats are those providing contextual insight and real‑world impact on games. A well‑rounded stats portfolio should include offense, defense, and special teams, measuring both volume and efficiency. By understanding and tracking these metrics in tandem, you’ll gain a clearer, more strategic view of team and player performance—equipping you to talk analytics, coach more effectively, or simply feel smarter during game day debates.
FAQ
- What’s the single most important football stat to track?
There’s no one stat—Expected Points Added (EPA) arguably offers the best all‑around insight because it quantifies play impact in scoring terms. - Are traditional stats like passing yards irrelevant?
Not at all. Traditional stats build narrative and volume, but efficiency metrics (like YPA or CPOE) add necessary context. - How do I start tracking these stats?
Use reputable analytics sites (e.g., Pro Football Reference, Football Outsiders). Watch game charts to see advanced metrics like EPA and CPOE broken down. - Can fans use these stats for fantasy football?
Absolutely. Metrics like YAC, red‑zone targets, and pressure rate help predict performance; for fantasy, prioritize players showing strong efficiency and opportunity. - Do defensive stats matter for fantasy football?
Not always for individual defense/special teams (DST) picks, but defensive disruptions (sacks, turnovers) can indicate which defenses provide consistent fantasy value.
