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 ...

04/08/2026

Dalet Announces Commercial Availability of Dalia, Bringing Media-Aware Agentic AI to Enterprise Productions

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

04/07/2026

Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway Opens in Dolby Cinemas Across Japan, Presented in Dolby Atmos and Dolby ...

April 7 2026, 19:00 (PDT) Detective Conan: Fallen Angel of the Highway Opens in...

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 ...

15/04/2026

Shotoku Introduces the World to Aura P2 PTZ Prompter Panner at NAB SHOW 2026

Shotoku Introduces the World to Aura P2 PTZ Prompter Panner at NAB SHOW 2026 Brie Clayton April 15, 2026 0 Comments New system removes PTZ pan restric...

15/04/2026

LiveU Announces Expanded Collaboration with Sony at NAB Show, Adding Direct File Workflow Integration

LiveU Announces Expanded Collaboration with Sony at NAB Show, Adding Direct File...

15/04/2026

This 24-Hour Performance Art Piece Needs Your Participation

This 24-Hour Performance Art Piece Needs Your Participation Keefer Glenshaws latest project is about collaborating with the Berklee community and beyond. Apr...

14/04/2026

ToolsOnAir and Omnistream Bring Mobile SRT Contribution into Professional 24/7 Playout and Live News Workflows

ToolsOnAir and Omnistream Bring Mobile SRT Contribution into Professional 24/7 P...

14/04/2026

NAB 2026: Haivision Launches Falkon X4 5G Mobile Video Transmitter

Haivision has announced the Falkon X4, a 5G mobile video transmitter for live broadcast and remote production. The device will be showcased at NAB Show 2026. ...

14/04/2026

SVG New Sponsor Spotlight: Stripe TVs Matthew Pavey on Making Live-Production Tech More Portable, Intuitive, and Accessible

Founded by veterans of the production-truck world, Stripe TV was born out of a d...

14/04/2026

Studio Berlin Adds LDX 135 and LDX 180 Camera Systems from Grass Valley

Grass Valley has expanded its partnership with Studio Berlin, supplying 12 LDX 135 UHD/HDR camera systems and 12 LDX 180 Super 35mm cinematic cameras, including...

14/04/2026

LTN Appoints Mark Romano and Edward Cox to Vice President Roles

LTN has announced two senior appointments ahead of NAB Show 2026: Mark Romano as Vice President, Multichannel Platforms, and Edward Cox as Vice President, Sales...

14/04/2026

Agor and Sennheiser to Deploy Largest Spectera System to Date at Eurovision Song Contest 2026

Sennheiser and Italian rental company Agor have begun preparations for their Eu...

14/04/2026

DAZN and ADI Predictstreet Announce Prediction Market Partnership Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026

DAZN and ADI Predictstreet have announced a partnership to integrate ADI Predict...

14/04/2026

Deltatre Completes Digital Platform for Serie A as Part of Four-Season Partnership

Deltatre has announced the completion of a direct-to-fan website and app for Leg...

14/04/2026

NAB 2026: Daktronics to Exhibit with Grass Valley

Daktronics, will exhibit at NAB Show 2026 in partnership with Grass Valley at Booth C2408, Las Vegas Convention Center, April 19-22. Daktronics will showcase a...

14/04/2026

NAB 2026: Backblaze to Host Partner Showcases

Backblaze will host a series of partner presentations at NAB Show 2026 (Booth N1259, North Hall), open to all exhibition hall badge holders. Showcase partners i...

14/04/2026

NAB 2026: BRAHMA AI to Exhibit Enterprise AI Content Platform

BRAHMA AI will exhibit at NAB Show 2026 (Booth W2415, West Hall), demonstrating its Enterprise AI Content Platform for media, entertainment, sports, and technol...

14/04/2026

Bridge Technologies VB440 Integrated into NEP Platform

Bridge Technologies has announced that its VB440 production probe has been integrated into NEP Platform, NEP Group's software orchestration system. The inte...

14/04/2026

NAB 2026: Clear-Com to Demonstrate Expanded Intercom Ecosystem

Clear-Com will introduce new products and demonstrate its communications ecosystem for broadcast and live production at NAB Show 2026 (Booth C5807, April 19-22)...

14/04/2026

NAB 2026: EZDRM to Introduce Revenue Security Prism Framework

EZDRM will use NAB Show 2026 (Booth W2260) to introduce the Revenue Security Prism, a framework for combining multiple security technologies to protect streamin...

14/04/2026

NAB 2026: Telos Alliance Product Preview

Telos Alliance will introduce the following products at NAB Show 2026: TV and Media Telos Infinity MK2 Panels: A new generation of hardware control panels for...

14/04/2026

NAB 2026: Panasonic to Showcase IP and IT Production Solutions

Panasonic Video and Audio Systems North America will exhibit at NAB Show 2026 (Booth C3509), demonstrating IP- and IT-based production solutions for sports, bro...

14/04/2026

Behind the Mic: WNBA Adds Sue Bird, Sophie Cunningham to Networks Commentary Teams; John Buccigross Signed to ESPN Extension

Behind The Mic provides a roundup of recent news regarding on-air talent, includ...

14/04/2026

NAB 2026: Blackmagic Design Announces Multiple New Products

Blackmagic Design will exhibit at NAB Show 2026 (Booth N2502). CEO Grant Petty s product announcement livestream is available at youtube.com. The company announ...

14/04/2026

Thomas Riedel Acquires ARRI, Adding Camera and Lighting Component to Riedel Group Portfolio

The deal establishes a close strategic alignment' between the iconic cinema...

14/04/2026

Taming the Untamed: Producing the 2026 Absa Cape EPIC Mountain-Bike Race

BIGSHOT Media, with support from Teradek, produced untamed African mountain-bike race' with daily coverage and highlights show The 2026 Absa Cape EPIC, an...

14/04/2026

SVG Announces Sports AI Innovation Lab to Advance the Use of AI in Live Production

The Sports Video Group (SVG) today announced the launch of the SVG AI Innovation...

14/04/2026

AIR Music Tech release Fabric Vintage Synths Vol.1

Captures a trio of renowned polysynths The latest software to join AIR Music Tech's extensive catalogue captures the sound of three sought-after polysyn...

14/04/2026

United Plugins introduce UnitedFreeBundle

Free offering includes 10 powerful plug-ins United Plugins have announced the launch of a new bundle that brings together 10 of their pro-audio plug-ins, an...

14/04/2026

Celemony update Tonalic

Julian Coryell joins virtual session player line-up Announced at NAMM 2026, Celemony's Tonalic kits DAW users out with real performances by world-class ...

14/04/2026

Supporting Safe Space Flights with WESCAM MX-Series Imaging Systems

WESCAM MX -Series EO/IR Systems Provide Critical Visibility During NASA Re-Entry Operations....

14/04/2026

L3Harris Demonstrates Autonomous Electronic Warfare Capability During US Army Experiment

DiSCO reduces uncertainty during the fog of war in modern threat environments an...

14/04/2026

GOES-19 One Year Later: Protecting Communities Through Advanced Technology

GOES-19 imagery captured by L3Harris-built Advanced Baseline Imager technology helps forecasters issue life-saving weather warnings. Credit: NOAA/NASA...

14/04/2026

Reimagining Earth Measurement for the AI Era: L3Harris and Xoople Develop a New Spacebourne Capability

For decades, understanding the physical world from space has required a trade-of...

14/04/2026

Nielsen Appoints Roberto Ruiz to Lead Measurement Science

Ruiz has helped fuel growth for both client-side and media companies, including, most recently, TelevisaUnivision. He will spearhead transformation, innovatio...

14/04/2026

LTN Appoints Mark Romano, Edward Cox to Leadership Positions

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

14/04/2026

Grass Valley Adds Telestream Vantage, Pulse and UP to AMPP

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

14/04/2026

XenData Announces Backup, Archive and Cloud-Connect for LucidLink

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

14/04/2026

Thomas Riedel Acquires ARRI

Share Copy link Facebook X Linkedin Bluesky Email...

14/04/2026

Shotoku Introduces the World to Aura P2 PTZ Prompter Pann...

Shotoku Introduces the World to Aura P2 PTZ Prompter Panner at NAB 2026 New system removes PTZ pan restrictions for teleprompter-based productions Shotoku US...

14/04/2026

Telestream and Grass Valley Connect Live and File-Based W...

Integration of Vantage, Pulse, and Telestream UP with Grass Valley AMPP Ecosystem enables scalable, interoperable workflows spanning live production and file-ba...

14/04/2026

Dalet Appoints Brian Doheny as President and Chief Revenu...

Enterprise growth leader to scale Dalet's next phase of innovation and global expansion New York, NY April 14, 2026 Dalet, a leading technology and ser...

14/04/2026

Berklee Celebrates Prince's Legacy in Two-Night Signature Series Event

Berklee Celebrates Prince's Legacy in Two-Night Signature Series Event Directed by Tia Fuller, the Prince Project (April 16-17) brings together more than ...

14/04/2026

Arooj Aftab Is Anything but Predictable

Arooj Aftab Is Anything but Predictable The singular artist explores the juxtaposition of grief and joy, dark and light, in her distinctive sound. April 14, ...

14/04/2026

Appear Expands X Platform from Core to Edge at NAB Show 2...

Appear launches include XM estate management and new X Platform processing enhancements to add density for next-generation hybrid & IP workflows, X5 is also now...

14/04/2026

Synamedia turns OTT content into TikTok-style feeds with...

Addressing the needs of a new generation's viewing habits, Synamedia launches GO Shorts. The AI-powered module turns existing catalogues into TikTok-style ...

14/04/2026

NAB 2026 - Vubiquity and Eluvio Showcase Streaming Soluti...

Vubiquity, an Amdocs company and global leader in technology-led media services, will be showcasing a new end-to-end streaming solution in collaboration with El...