With the new rule this year that any kick-off fair catch inside the 25 yard line has the ball then placed at the 25 yard line, it becomes a smart play to fair catch the ball. When watching football games I have noticed that it is very rare for kick returns to be returned as far as the 25 yard line. By fair catching the ball and placing the ball at the 25, you wind up with decent field position, avoid the risk of a fumble and avoid the dreaded block in the back. Unless you have a dynamic kick returner, I think the fair catch is a smart football decision.