Another NFL season is upon us, Super Bowl 59 will be contested throughout the season with the Kansas City Chiefs looking to defend their title and make it three in a row.
Last season saw international matches played in England and Germany once again as the league continues its global growth.
America’s favorite sport continues to thrive. New markets are constantly being reached all over the globe with people all over the world checking the nfl player props and super bowl odd every year.
Viewership continues to grow with the average television viewing figures of a regular season NFL game in 2023 being calculated to be 17.9 million, not to mention those who stream or watch highlights online.
For those who are coming to the league as new fans, ready to experience the NFL for the first time, there is a lot to learn. But dont worry, it doesnt need to be overwhelming as we have all the entry level information ready for you, with a number of terms which will help you.
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The Backfield
This term is in reference to the offensive and defensive sections. The offensive backfield in the area where the quarterback and the running back set up behind the offensive line. You’ll then find the defensive backfield behind the defensive line where you’ll find the linebackers and safeties.
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Downs
While in possession of the ball, each team has four downs to progress the ball at least ten yards down the field. Most downs will begin with the centre passing the ball to the quarterback who will either throw or hand the ball over to a teammate to run, or even run themselves.
The offense will try to make it at least 10 yards in four or less downs, and if they manage it then they begin again on first down. If they fail to reach 10 yards from their four downs, then the ball is handed over to the opposition.
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Touchdowns
This is how the teams score their points, six to be exact. Should a team carry the ball into the end zone, either by running it in, or catching in the end zone from a throw. If the team get it over the line, six points are immediately added to the scoreboard. An extra point is then on offer after a touchdown is scored, where the kicker has the chance to kick the ball through the goalposts to add one more point onto the teams tally. If they are feeling confident, rather than going for the extra point kick they can go for two. Rather than kicking, the team sets up again on the two-yard line to try and get back into the end zone.
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End Zone
This is the area in which the teams score touchdowns. A player must carry the ball over the end line and into the end zone to score a touchdown, these are located at either end of the field.
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Field Goal
Getting a touchdown can be tough, and when a teamreaches fourth down, if they are close enough to the end zone they may select to go for a field goal. The ball is set back and placed for the kicker to attempt their shot and if it is converted then they are rewarded with three points.
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Safety
Another way to get points on the board is by scoring a safety. Here a team is rewarded with two points if they tackle an offensive player, usually a quarterback, who happens to be in his own end zone.
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Interception
The defense plays a vital part in a game and one of the most exciting plays is an interception. When a quarterback throws the ball down the field to one of his receivers, if a defensive player can get his hands on the ball then this is called an interception.
Play continues and the defense will look to get as far down the field as they can, once tackled the offense takes over and looks to start their downs.
Should the defence make it all the way into the end zone and score a touchdown then this is called a Pick Six.
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Fumble
Once the ball is in the hands of an offensive player they need to protect it. If they drop the ball it is called a fumble and the ball is live for either side to get their hands on. If the opposition get their hands on it then a turnover happens and the play is passed over to the opposing offense to attempt to score.
These are just a few of the basics to ensure you are able to keep up with the game as you tke your first steps into the NFL.
It is an incredible game which continues to gain more and more attention and before you know it you’ll be choosing your team and following them throughout every season. Once youre hooked, the next stop will no doubt be fantasy NFL.
