Play Fake

Type: Concept

As of November 2026, Play Fake has been mentioned in one podcast episode on NFL (Jan 2026). Play fakes are described as creating separation and confusion for defenders, enabling rollouts and touchdowns.

A play-action pass is an American football play. The play action starts with what appears to be a running play, but turns out to be a pass play; in this way, it can be considered the opposite of a draw play. Play-action passes are often used against defenses that are focused on stopping the run. By initially simulating a running play, the offense attempts to deceive the defense into acting on the fake run placing them out of position in their pass coverage, and giving receivers more time and roo