The National Football League (NFL) is one of the most prestigious leagues in the country. It has been around since 1960, and the game has seen many changes throughout the years. Currently, the NFL is split into two divisions: the AFC (American Football Conference) and the NFC (National Football Conference). There are nine teams in the AFC, and eight teams in the NFC. While each team is unique in its own way, they have certain characteristics that make them similar. These include their ability to run, play defense, and field a good football team.
Regular season
Regular season NFL games offer a wide array of action and great competition. In addition, the NFL’s stadiums provide comfortable seating and concessions for fans. It’s a great way to spend a day with the whole family.
Among the top-rated regular season, telecasts are the Buffalo Bills vs. Detroit Lions game on CBS and the New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys on Fox.
The 2021 NFL regular season was the highest-rated in three years, with an average of 17.1 million viewers. This was up 10% from the 2020 season and ranked 91 of the top 100 telecasts.
Aside from the regular season, NFL teams also play games on special occasions, like Thanksgiving and Christmas. These games are often themed and are a fun way to get in the holiday spirit. Some teams, such as the Jacksonville Jaguars, have played eight regular season games in foreign countries.
Playoffs
NFL playoffs are the peak of professional football in the United States. In the NFL, teams from the National Football Conference (NFC) and American Football Conference (AFC) compete to win the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Each year, teams with a winning record qualify for the playoffs. To qualify, they must win at least 10 games. There are three criteria that determine eligibility. These include a league-best 10 wins, a winning percentage of at least 10 percent, and a bye week. Teams that have above-average records also earn a bye week.
Several teams in the NFL have achieved impressive postseason success over the years. During the past decade, the New England Patriots have won nine playoff games, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have made eight playoff appearances.
Penalties
When it comes to scrimmage football, penalties make or break teams. There are a variety of penalties that can be enforced on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Some are more severe than others.
The worst penalties are those that can affect the game’s outcome. This includes ejections and losing downs. In 2016, the NFL docked players $35.2 million for infractions.
Offensive and defensive penalty announcements typically feature the name of the foul and a brief description. The most common offenses include false start and encroachment. An encroachment is when a defensive player makes contact with an offensive player before the snap.
One of the most common penalties in scrimmage football is illegal holding. If a defensive player holds a player on the opposing team, the opposing team is given a free throw and is able to score.
TV coverage
TV coverage of NFL games is among the most watched programs on American television. Every NFL team plays 17 games in an 18-week regular season. The season begins in September and ends in January. All of the games are broadcast nationally.
CBS and Fox are the two primary networks that carry NFL games. Both networks have a variety of regional coverage. Each network has a schedule of games. They also televise playoff games.
NFL games are primarily scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET. This is because of the way that games are played. It also allows for one network commercial to start at that time.
Some of the games that are broadcast on a Sunday will have a late start. Other games will be scheduled for 1 p.m., or in other time slots.
Streaming
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the NFL or just love the show, you can easily stream games online. Luckily, there are a variety of different streaming services out there, from free to expensive, to suit all tastes. Choosing a service can be a challenge though, as the best option for you depends on your budget, location, and the kind of football you like.
One of the best options is to sign up for a live TV streaming service. These can be delivered to your Smart TV, tablet, or smartphone. They typically deliver live national channels, including local broadcasts of NFL games.
One of the best streaming apps is Hulu. It has a variety of NFL content, including NFL games, NFL highlights, NFL scouting reports, and more.
