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NFL Passer Rating System
The NFL rates its passers for statistical purposes against a fixed performance standard based on statistical achievements of all qualified pro passers since 1960. The current system replaced one that rated passers in relation to their position in a total group based on various criteria. The current system, adopted in 1973, removes inequities that existed in the former method and, at the same time, provides a means of comparing passing performances from one season to the next.
The system is used to rate passers, not quarterbacks. Statistics do not reflect leadership, play-calling and other intangible factors that make a successful professional quarterback. Four categories are used as a basis for compiling a rating:
- Percentage of completions per attempt
- Average yards gained per attempt
- Percentage of touchdown passes per attempt
- Percentage of interceptions per attempt
The average standard is 1.000. The bottom is .000. To earn a 2.000 rating, a passer must perform at exceptional levels, i.e., 70 percent in completions, 10 percent in touchdowns, 1.5 percent in interceptions, and 11 yards average gain per pass attempt. The maximum a passer can receive in any category is 2.375.
For example, to gain a 2.375 in:
- completion percentage, a passer would have to complete 77.5 percent of his passes. The NFL record is 70.55 by Ken Anderson (Cincinnati, 1982).
- percentage of touchdowns, a passer would have to achieve a percentage of 11.9. The record is 13.9 by Sid Luckman (Chicago Bears, 1943).
- percentage of interceptions, a passer would have to go the entire season without an interception.
- average yards is 12.50, compared with the NFL record of 11.17 by Tommy O'Connell (Cleveland Browns, 1957). To make it more understandable, the point rating is then converted into a scale of 100 (158.3 maximum). With superior statistics, a passer can surpass 100.
For example, to calculate Bart Starr's franchise record 105.0 rating in 1966, when he completed 156 of 251 passes for 2,257 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions, the totals would be:
- Percentage of completions -- 156 of 251 is 62.15 percent. Subtract 30 percent from the percentage (32.15) and multiply the result by 0.05. The result is a point rating of 1.608.
Note: If the result is less than zero (completion percentage less than 30.0), award zero points. If the results are greater than 2.375 (percentage greater than 77.5), award 2.375.
- Average yards gained per attempt -- 2,257 yards divided by 251 attempts is 8.99. Subtract 3 yards from yards-per-attempt (5.99) and multiply the result by 0.25. The result is 1.498.
Note: If the result is less than zero (yards per attempt less than 3.0), award zero points. If the result is greater than 2.375 (yards per attempt greater than 12.5), award 2.375 points.
- Percentage of touchdown passes -- 14 touchdowns in 251 attempts is 5.58 percent. Multiply the touchdown percentage by 0.2. The result is 1.116.
Note: If the result is greater than 2.375 (touchdown percentage greater than 11.875), award 2.375.
- Percentage of interceptions -- 3 interceptions in 251 attempts is 1.20 percent. Multiply the percentage by 0.25 (0.300) and subtract the number from 2.375. The result is 2.075.
Note: If the result is less than zero (interception percentage greater than 9.5), award zero points.
The sum of the four steps is 6.297 (1.608 + 1.498 + 1.116 + 2.075). The sum is then divided by six (1.050) and multiplied by 100. In this case, the result is 105.0.
This same formula can be used to determine a passer rating for any player who attempts at least one pass.
Last Updated: 12/31/07
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