What are receiving yards?

Receiving yards are measured from the line of scrimmage and include the receiver's gain or loss after catching the pass. They do not measure only how far the receiver runs while holding the ball.

On an ordinary play, a catch 6 yards downfield followed by 14 yards of running gives the receiver 20 receiving yards. A completion behind the line can produce negative receiving yards. Lateral and fumble plays have additional allocation rules.