How is the decision to kick a field goal, punt, or go on fourth down made?
The decision to go for the first down on fourth down or not is based upon the base offensive style in the active game plan at the time of the decision along with field position, distance to go, score and time remaining, skill of the kicker, team special teams rating, and max field goal setting. Assuming an average kicker skill level and team special teams rating, the following table outlines when the team will go for the first. When the team is within the max field goal yardage setting and the decision is not to go for the first down (yardage NOT listed in the table), the team will kick the FG. Otherwise, the team will punt.
