[hn_user2]

This is actually true. But the numbers don't tell the entire story. Officials are trained to be biased towards a major yard line on change of possessions. Starting at a major line n these instances is insignificant to the drive. The upside being it is one less series where a measurement would ever be required.

It is a trade off of game flow (less measurements) vs a small inaccuracy where it doesn't matter.

Take a notice next game. A punt always gets spotted on a major yardline where possible. A punt inside the 10 of course would not be possible. Rounding from the 2 to the 5 would have a huge impact. Or if it lands and comes to rest directly between two major lines.