Football Guides
New to the NFL, or just want to settle an argument? These guides explain the rules and the season in plain English.
How Football WorksThe field, downs, the clock and turnovers, explained from zero.NFL ScoringTouchdowns, field goals, two-point tries and the rare safety.NFL PositionsWhat each of the 22 people on the field is actually doing.Overtime RulesWho gets the ball, when it ends, and how ties happen.How the Playoffs WorkFourteen teams, seven seeds per conference, one Super Bowl.How the Season WorksEighteen weeks, 17 games, and how opponents are chosen.Common PenaltiesWhat the yellow flags mean and how many yards they cost.Reading a Box ScoreWhat each stat means and how to read our game pages.GlossaryQuick definitions for words you will hear in every broadcast.