Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

Go for It? New Decision Data Makes NFL Next Gen Stats a Growing Part of the Live Game Broadcast

22/09/2021

Go for It? New Decision Data Makes NFL Next Gen Stats a Growing Part of the Live Game Broadcast AWS Machine Learning Solutions Lab crafts new analytics to offer storylines within the game By Brandon Costa, Director of Digital

Wednesday, September 22, 2021 - 2:55 pm

Print This Story | Subscribe

Story Highlights

Perhaps the highlight of a raucous Week 2 in the NFL came late on Sunday evening when Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson lunged across the marker on a fourth-and-1 to seal a statement win over the defending AFC Champion Kansas City Chiefs.

It was an aggressive call - one viewed by many, though, as a bit of a no-brainer. The latest data from NFL Next Gen Stats would agree.

According to Next Gen Stats, a program developed internally by the league in 2016 with tracking-tech-provider Zebra Technologies and running on Amazon Web Services (AWS) infrastructure, going for it in that spot of the game was the preferred call for the Ravens by a difference of 24% in win-probability value vs. a punt. In addition, the numbers gave Baltimore a 75% chance of converting the yardage necessary to pick up the first down in that specific play.

This kind of fourth-down-conversion data, along with similar metrics around whether it's the right time to go for a two-point conversion, is a key element of the latest offering from the NFL Next Gen Stats team: the Next Gen Stats Decision Guide powered by AWS.

Next Gen Stats has come a long way, says Josh Helmrich, director, strategy and business development, NFL. Machine learning has allowed us to take statistics to the next level. When we were first getting started [in 2018], we were measuring things like yards covered, speed, and who is on the field. Some of those things, we believe, still have merit and add value, but one of the key tenets of Next Gen [Stats] has always been that this technology can help everyone. We want to develop many statistics and get as much good information out of the game to benefit coaches, players, fans - everyone top to bottom. The deeper that tool kit becomes, the more people you can help.

Data of this nature is already proving valuable to broadcasters. The data in the Next Gen Stats Decision Guide allows them to use hard probabilities rooted in historical data to give context to some of the most debated moments in the game before they happen.

According to Helmrich, the partnership with AWS has been the catalyst for taking the NFL Next Gen Stats concept to the next level. The work of the AWS Machine Learning Solutions Lab led by Priya Ponnapalli, senior manager, applied science, AWS, resulted in development of the Next Gen Stats Decision Guide, which is built on a series of machine-learning models using Amazon SageMaker.

According to the league, the decision equation focuses on two main components: win probability, which attempts to quantify how much the game's final outcome will change in the event of each play, and conversion probability, which quantifies the likelihood of the offense's converting on the two-point conversion or fourth-down play at hand.

https://twitter.com/NextGenStats/status/1439793664390144005

You need context to make these statistics impactful, says Helmrich. Over time, we've been able to grow, and, before AWS, we didn't have all of the machine learning that we do now. We've been able to produce more computer-assisted statistics. Obviously, teams can have success or failure in either scenario, but, based on the numbers, what's the call that gives you the best chance to win?

It's a key step for the Next Gen Stats project as a whole. It converts complex algorithms and AI-generated data into concepts that are easy to consume during the game.

Even when the NFL is working directly with broadcast partners CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN and NFL Network, storytelling is critical for the league in relaying the data's value. Simply handing over a new trove of raw data isn't enough. Helmrich says it has become increasingly critical to frame data in a story and craft it into context so that behind-the-scenes personnel can see the value in and feel empowered to produce content for the broadcast in the form of graphics or replay packages. It also helps with buy-in among the on-air talent, who can use the data in their analysis of the game.

Want to know why the Ravens aren t blitzing? Look at those numbers.#NextGenStats powered by @awscloud pic.twitter.com/J06UldLhvU

Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) September 20, 2021

I think the team here has done a really good job of building good content to help get the media folks to buy in, says Helmrich. If [the data] isn't interesting, broadcasters won't use it. If it's not reliable and high quality, the teams won't use it.

With more data acquired and automated through machine learning, NFL Head of Product and Technology Matt Swensson and a research team including Next Gen Stats analysts Mike Band and Keegan Abdoo and data scientist Adam White have been able to improve an internal tool that makes it easier to relay valuable statistics in real time to broadcasters during the game and makes the data more accessible for broadcasters to mine on their own.

We need to help them understand what's new and how it can be best utilized by them on-air, says Helmrich, noting that researchers from his group are in communication with a graphics operator or a production assistant in the production truck during the game via email or communication applications like Slack. We help with that a lot. Our research team helps provide specific interesting stories going into a game. Then, in the game, we'll have a dialogue back and forth with the broadcast partners. They will ask us specific questions and for data that helps explain certain players [or scenarios].

NFL Next Gen Stats are built throug
LINK: https://www.sportsvideo.org/2021/09/22/go-for-it-new-decision-data-mak...
See more stories from svg

Most recent headlines

05/01/2027

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be demoed at CES 2026

Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...

01/06/2026

Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026

January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026 Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...

02/05/2026

Dalet Flex LTS Delivers Smarter Search, Faster Editing, and an AI-Ready Foundation for Modern Media

Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...

01/05/2026

NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to Integrate Dolby's Full Suite of Premium Picture and Sound Innovations

January 5 2026, 18:30 (PST) NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to ...

01/04/2026

DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION

January 4 2026, 18:00 (PST) DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION Douyin Users Can Now Create And Share Videos With Stun...

12/03/2026

Milano Cortina 2026: Yospace helps ad-funded rights-holders claim advertising gold

Staines-upon-Thames, UK, 11th March, 2026 - Yospace, the trusted leader in Dyna...

12/03/2026

Utah Scientific Expands Technology Partner Program With Integrations From Audinate, Bitfocus, and Skaarhoj

Utah Scientific Expands Technology Partner Program With Integrations From Audina...

12/03/2026

Techex Hires Matt McKee as Senior Director, Sales, Americas

Techex, a global expert in live video solutions over IP and cloud, announces the appointment of Matt McKee as Senior Director, Sales, Americas, further strength...

12/03/2026

KOKUSAI DENKI Electric America Welcomes Mondae Hott as Regional Sales Manager, Northeast

KOKUSAI DENKI Electric America has appointed Mondae Hott as Regional Sales Manag...

12/03/2026

Interra Systems Focuses on Streaming-First QC, Monitoring, and Responsible AI Workflows at 2026 NAB Show

At the 2026 NAB Show, Interra Systems will showcase its latest advancements in a...

12/03/2026

15th National Games of China Features Expansive Unified Broadcast Network

The 15th National Games of China concluded after a two-week celebration of athletic excellence and regional collaboration. Held from Nov. 9-21 across Guangdong,...

12/03/2026

SVG in Indy: Butler University Students Get Live-Sports Experience via On-Campus Studio, Production Truck

Live-production academic program Butler Sports Live produced a total of 40 fall-...

12/03/2026

Lawo Delivers Fully IPBased Video Infrastructure for University of Nebraska's HuskerVision

The University of Nebraska's HuskerVision has completed the second phase of ...

12/03/2026

University of Illinois Upgrades Game-Day Production with New Hybrid IP Control Room

Grass Valley and integration partner Tab M Solutions have completed Phase 1 of a...

12/03/2026

CBS Sports Turns to University of Cincinnati's Control Room and Staff for Two Big 12 Men's Basketball Broadcasts

The broadcaster expands its campus-production model as the university handles tw...

12/03/2026

Disney+ to Stream Men's and Women's NCAA March Madness Across Europe, South Africa

Disney has announced the addition of March Madness - the NCAA Division I Men...

12/03/2026

Apple TV Further Integrating iPhones into Friday Night Baseball' Camera Lineup This Season

Apple TV's Friday Night Baseball MLB doubleheader series returns for its f...

12/03/2026

SVG Students To Watch: Jack Rinaldi, University of Notre Dame

The senior from New Jersey is making his mark in South Bend, both on the mic and behind it...

12/03/2026

Ross Video's Kevin Dresser on Powering Graphics for Major Sporting Events Throughout a Busy February

After a relatively quiet January, the month of February was jammed packed with l...

12/03/2026

X Games Launches New Era With First League Draft at Cosm L.A.

Long-time production partner Echo Entertainment is producing the broadcast, while Cosm played a vital role in the collaboration...

12/03/2026

Film Festival Watch: 24 Sundance Institute-Supported Films to Catch at the SXSW Film Festival

By Jessica Herndon We love kicking off each year by introducing the world to po...

12/03/2026

Didn't Die Brings Improv to the Zombie Apocalypse

Samrat Chakrabarti, George Basil, Kiran Deol, Katie McCuen and Vishal Vijayakumar attend the 2025 Sundance Film Festival premiere of Didn't Die at the Lib...

12/03/2026

Mon Laferte Leads All-Women Spotify Session as EQUAL Celebrations Kick Off in Latin America

In Latin America, women are shaping music and defining its future. To kick off t...

12/03/2026

Mon Laferte lidera la edicin EQUAL de Spotify Sessions, mientras comienzan las celebraciones de EQUAL en Latinoamrica

En Am rica Latina, las mujeres est n moldeando la m sica y definiendo su futuro....

12/03/2026

As Spotify Turns 20, the Most Global and Diverse Music Industry in History Has Taken Shape

Let's turn back the clock 20 years: The music landscape was a world away fro...

12/03/2026

Bad Bunny Brings the Sounds of Puerto Rico to Tokyo for Spotify's Billions Club Live

Bad Bunny is no stranger to Spotify's Billions Club. In fact, he has a whopp...

12/03/2026

At the London Book Fair, Spotify Shares Our Vision for the Future of Reading

Spotify was at the London Book Fair this week, joining conversations across the publishing industry about how people can make reading part of their daily lives....

12/03/2026

Ohlhorst Digital & Tokyo Dawn Labs launch Ancora

Mastering tool improves mono compatibility Tokyo Dawn Labs' Ohlhorst Digital range is a series of mastering-focused plug-ins developed by Jan Ohlhorst, ...

12/03/2026

Lewitt partner with Elgato

Wave FX processor integrated into four products Lewitt have teamed up with Elgato to create a new processor for the company's Wave Next product range, i...

12/03/2026

Mix Notes iOS App by David Thomas

Free tool for annotating audio files Mix Notes is a new, free iOS App that provides users with a simple way to annotate their audio files. It's been cre...

12/03/2026

Duck 2 from Devious Machines

Side-chain ducking tool gets an upgrade Devious Machines' popular side-chaining and envelope-shaping tool has just been kitted out with an improved enve...

12/03/2026

MPG Awards 2026: Shortlist announced

Ceremony to take place on 16 April 2026 The MPG (Music Producers Guild) have revealed the full shortlist for this year's MPG Awards, which will be takin...

12/03/2026

Overloud introduce Gem Comp160

Emulates three classic dbx 160 variants The latest arrival to Overloud's Gem Series plug-in range faithfully recreates not one, but three versions of th...

12/03/2026

Grainferno from Baby Audio

New granular soft synth announced Said to be their most advanced software synthesizer to date, Baby Audio's latest release has been built on a new granu...

12/03/2026

Bitwig Studio 6 launches

Latest version now live! Edit 11 March 2026 - Bitwig Studio 6 is now live, and available for all to download! The latest version of Bitwig's DAW softwa...

12/03/2026

Stereo Miking: The Sound On Sound Guide

Latest free eBook now available! Designed for recording engineers, audio-technology students and technically minded musicians, our latest free eBook deliver...

12/03/2026

AFL and NITV partner to launch new First Nations led program Inside the Huddle'

AFL and NITV partner to launch new First Nations led program Inside the Huddle&...

12/03/2026

Rohde & Schwarz Cybersecurity expands SITLine network encryptor portfolio - more bandwidth, higher port density, future-proof architecture

Rohde & Schwarz Cybersecurity expands SITLine network encryptor portfolio - more...

12/03/2026

Rohde & Schwarz to showcase future-proof EMC testing solutions at EMV 2026

Rohde & Schwarz to showcase future-proof EMC testing solutions at EMV 2026 Rohde & Schwarz will participate in EMV 2026, Europe's premier trade fair and c...

12/03/2026

19TH ANNUAL SOUTH AFRICAN FILM AND TELEVISION AWARDS (SAFTAs19) ANNOUNCES THE HOSTS FOR CRAFT AND MAIN SHOW

Johannesburg, 11 March 2026 - The 19th Annual South African Film and Television ...

12/03/2026

L3Harris and Shield AI Achieve Breakthrough in Autonomous Electronic Warfare

MELBOURNE, Fla., March 11, 2026 - L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) and Shield AI have successfully demonstrated a first-of-its-kind integration combining L3Har...

12/03/2026

L3Harris Delivering AI-Enabled CJADC2

The incorporation of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning into modern, converged all-domain systems is enabling true Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Oper...

12/03/2026

L3Harris Appoints Sam Mehta President, Space & Mission Systems and Communications & Spectrum Dominance Segments

MELBOURNE, Fla., March 12, 2026 - L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) today announ...

12/03/2026

Blue Lucy's 6 Key Tenets

Modern media operations demand a platform that unites automation, orchestration, and human oversight without compromise. In this post, we explore the six key te...

12/03/2026

Blue Lucy Technology

A deep dive into the platform Architecture The Blue Lucy platform follows a distributed microservices architecture, meaning the overall operational capability...

12/03/2026

Blue Lucy Brings Order to the AI Wild West at NAB 2026

Orchestration platform enables broadcasters to deploy multiple AI models safely with full auditability, rights protection, and regulatory oversight. LONDON, En...

12/03/2026

Australia's financial sector ad spend surged by 20% in 2025 according to Nielsen

Cost pressures, switching intent and demand for savings and credit products are ...

12/03/2026

Nielsen Launches 2026 Upfront Planning Series With New Data To Help Marketers and Agencies Unlock Growth, Innovation Opportunities

For the first time, Nielsen breaks out demographic information about FAST and AV...

12/03/2026

Disney+ Goes Vertical with Verts

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

12/03/2026

LTN and Appear Collaborate to Enable Scalable IP-Native L...

Appear's high-performance, ultra-low latency encoding platform augments LTN's fully managed global IP network and orchestration platform LTN, a leader ...