Quick answer
Two Minute Clutch estimates kick distance as yards to the goal line plus 18. The field-goal option appears at 55 modeled yards or shorter. A made kick adds three points; made or missed, it ends this possession. Check whether three points meet the challenge's objective.
How the game calculates field goal distance
The model adds 18 yards to the distance still needed to reach the goal line. That offset comes from the source sample described in Methodology. It is a game estimate; real holder placement and kick distance can vary.
| Ball position | Calculation | Option shown? |
|---|---|---|
| Opponent's 40 | 40 + 18 = 58 yards | No |
| Opponent's 37 | 37 + 18 = 55 yards | Yes |
| Opponent's 30 | 30 + 18 = 48 yards | Yes |
| Opponent's 20 | 20 + 18 = 38 yards | Yes |
| Opponent's 1 | 1 + 18 = 19 yards | Yes |
The 55-yard availability limit is a game design boundary. It does not describe every NFL kicker's range or promise a made kick.
Would three points meet the objective?
In the NYJ vs DEN archive start, New York trails 9 to 10 at Denver's 32. The modeled opening attempt is 50 yards. A made field goal makes it 12 to 10 and gives New York a lead that still has to survive the opponent’s reply. A miss gives the opponent possession while the remaining game continues.
In DET vs TB, Detroit trails 16 to 20 at Tampa Bay's 12. The shorter 30-yard attempt is available, but a made kick only makes it 19 to 20. Your team still trails and must recover possession for another scoring chance.
Those are recorded starting scores and positions followed by hypothetical kicks. The game simulates the opponent’s response when time remains; a made kick is not automatically a win.
Leave time to snap the kick
A kick uses the ordinary setup cost when the clock is running: 10 seconds before the snap in this version. It then uses 5 live seconds in the model. If setup uses all the remaining time, the drive ends before the snap.
An available timeout stops the clock without using a down. A spike has a different cost and can be a serious mistake on fourth down. Read spike or timeout before spending a down to prepare the kick.
Kick now or try for more yards?
First check whether the kick can meet the scoring target. Then compare a current attempt with the cost of another play. Moving closer may improve the modeled kick chance, but another snap can also bring a turnover, lost yardage or an inbounds finish that leaves too little time.
The engine uses distance groups from its source data. It does not account for a named kicker, current wind or a particular stadium's conditions. The decision comparison has sampling uncertainty and does not measure a real team's win probability.
Common questions
- Does field goal range guarantee three points?
- No. Availability means the action can be selected. The model still samples whether the kick is good.
- Can I keep playing after a missed kick?
- A made kick normally gives the opponent a kickoff; a miss gives up possession at the applicable spot. The game continues while time remains.
- Is the shortest kick always best?
- A short kick can still fail the scoring objective. Read the score and target before comparing distance.
Try a kick decision
Compare the opening score with the three points available. Explain whether a made kick would meet the objective before choosing it.
- DET vs TB: 1:08 to respond
DET 16, TB 20. TB 12-yard line; 3rd and 9; 3 timeouts.
- NYJ vs DEN: 0:51 to respond
NYJ 9, DEN 10. DEN 32-yard line; 4th and 6; 0 timeouts.
You can read these starts and their sources before playing. Check play access for additional starts, or play today's free Daily.
Rules and sources
The 2026 NFL Rulebook covers official NFL rules. These examples use Two Minute Clutch's declared timing assumptions and full-match rules, including opponent replies and overtime. Simulation assumptions · Historical data and attribution.