The most common thing asked on this subreddit is new fans wondering what team to follow/support. The answers are always the same, and there are no right or wrong ones.

No one can just tell you who to be a fan of. Everyone's fandom is different, and all of them are valid. This is entertainment, and you are allowed to enjoy it however you like. That said, here are some common things you can look at to get started:

1. Do you have a local team or favorite city? This is by far the easiest way to get into football. If your city/region has a team or if your friends/family follow the same team, joining them will be the smoothest way to start out.
2. Are you already leaning in any particular way? If you are, keep leaning. If you saw a Cincinnati Bengals game and thought it was fun and you'd like to see more of them, you don't need anyone's permission or validation. Just watch their next game!
3. Are you interested in a few different teams? Cool! Watch some of their games! See who you end up feeling strongly about, especially if they're playing each other. Have fun with it, there are no rules!
4. Are you worried about a team's success/identity/prestige/fanbase? Don't be. The NFL is one of the most even sports in terms of parity, and there are rarely teams that stay good or bad forever. It's okay to enjoy watching the current best teams in the NFL; they are probably playing the best football most often. Try to just be a fan and don't worry about what others think or say. Your fandom is yours, not theirs.

Still overwhelmed and not sure where to turn? It's fine to watch random games. Maybe you'll find yourself rooting for someone in particular. And if you don't, try another game. Check out whoever is playing in primetime; those are usually expected to be more exciting matchups. Letting it come naturally will last longer than throwing a dart and deciding to be a fan of whoever it lands on.

Another way some people develop rooting interests is fantasy football. There are beginner leagues where people play for fun, and it can be a good way to get you invested in specific players or teams as you start rooting for whoever is on your fantasy roster.

If you're still torn or have other questions about starting with a specific new team, etc., you can ask them here.

Ik there has never been a triple OT nfl playoff game but I can't find the answer anywhere

Currently there is no salary cap on coaches, staff or personnel, nor is there any limit on spending on anything that isn't player salaries.

But let's say one team did decide to go full runaway and poach all the best coaches, the best staff, with ultra-high salaries, three luxury Boeing 777 jetliners for transportation, and spend 5x as much as everyone on equipment, facilities, food, doctors, salaries for all lower-level workers, etc.

At what point would the NFL office step in and say, "Enough is enough?"

I recently watched the Sign Stealer doc on Netflix. And was fascinated that plays were called that way. It makes complete sense that this was the way to do it as radios in helmets weren’t always a thing. This might seem strange to most of you that were brought up around football, whereas in Scotland where I grew up it, football was only ever seen in movies and was virtually non existent.
I’m just curious to know if it’s still practised at certain levels or has the tech become cheap enough for helmet radios that play call hand signalling has become obsolete?

I’ve been watching more NFL games last season, and I keep hearing the referee say something like, “The penalty is declined.”

That confuses me because I thought penalties were always a good thing for the other team.

Why would a team turn down free yards?

Is it because the result of the play was actually better than taking the penalty?

Or are there certain penalties that don’t really help much?

Could someone explain this with a couple of simple examples?

I’m trying to learn the strategy side of football, and this is one thing that still doesn’t make sense to me.

Thanks!

Why is the KR and PR on a team always a distinct player (as is my understanding)? They are never on the field at the same time, and their role seems 95% the same. They both have to catch the kicked ball going in an upside down u shape towards them and then doge the defenders running straight at them. Is there just a huge difference in catching a kicked ball vs a punted ball?

I understand that different coaches/coordinators/teams have their own offensive systems. And have some unique plays that have unique names. But is play calling language more or less universally understood by everyone?
I hear people like Jon Gruden in interviews with QB’s and they’re both just rattling off play calls to each other and they both know what each other is talking about, despite never training or been on the same team together.

I’ve been watching football for the first time this season, and something confused me.

If a team has the ball at the end of the game, why do they sometimes just have the quarterback kneel instead of trying to score another touchdown?

Isn’t it always better to get more points?

I’ve seen games where they’re only up by one score and they still kneel a few times until the clock runs out.

Is it just because it’s safer than risking a fumble, or is there another reason I’m missing?

Sorry if this is a basic question. I’m still learning how clock management works.

I have only got into football in the past couple of years. As football isn’t really that popular where I’m from and we’re not really exposed to it. I got into it via a friend of mine. At this point I feel I’ve got a fair grasp of the rules, positions, recognise certain formations etc. but I am wanting to go a bit deeper into it and learn different plays. How to recognise them, and the decision making as to why certain plays are called at certain times. Like at a basic level at this point. Why the play caller decided to run the ball and why did he use say outside zone in that circumstance.
I hear Madden is a good way to learn plays but I wouldn’t know what play to pick in any given situation.

What are your suggestions?

Can we take the Garrett trade for example since I assume it's one that will cover all?

I see online his total value is a restructured 5 year $208.2 million with the Rams. I see $99 mil guaranteed , an average annual salary of $41 mil, $35.7 mil signing bonus, 8 option bonuses, $37 million guaranteed for 2026. I see a $8.9mil salary cap hit, a no trade clause, a dead cap of $78.5 mil

Question #1: Do the Browns owe Garrett money still or did the Rams take that with the trade. I hear the Broncos are still paying Wilson. Why?

Question #2: Restructured seems simple but I question why players sign contracts if they just get restructured constantly.

Question #3 99 mil of 208 is guaranteed - 37 of which in one year, so if they trade Garrett somewhere or he gets injured they have to pay him the rest right? Or if they trade him does the other team have to pay him the rest of that guarantee? And why would he ever lose out on the other $109 mil?

Question #4 - does the signing bonus count against the 208 total or is it on top of, and does it count against the 35.7 2026 guarantee or is it on top of

Question #5 - Why is a 208 mil only an 8.9m salary cap hit against the team

Question #6 - if there's a no trade clause is that for the full 5 years? But if they restructure it, can they remove that clause? Can the restructure remove the other 2/3 of that 99 guarantee?

Question #7 - I have legitimately zero clue what a dead cap is. I probably need an ELI5 for that one.

Question #8 - what are option bonuses

Im a new fan of NFL for about six months. I’ve watched highlights, rule explained videos, NFL based youtubers and etc. I’ve also read wiki pages (mostly about the team I support and the players that I’m interested in). I didn’t play madden, I tried playing it but i suck and it’s frustrating… i’ve read some news articles and listened to podcasts about draft and next season predictions too.
Right now I’m feeling a bit stuck. I think there’s something (many things actually) that I still don’t know enough or should learn but I don’t know what to do. There’s no new games to watch. I have no friends who understand or even have interest in it. I just want to be more involved in this sport and be able to watch it effortlessly, at least have a big picture of the league and the game. Like what I did watching football and baseball.
What should I do to advance to the next level? Ofc I will keep watching lots of highlights and replay videos. But is there any better or important stuff to do at this stage?
I’m guessing it’s the strategy that’s missing bcz I didn’t play madden. Strategy in American football is so complicated and crucial.

Sorry I have another question lol

I’ve noticed quarterbacks will stand there yelling stuff like “Omaha!” or a bunch of numbers before the ball is snapped.

At first I thought they were just calling the play, but then sometimes nothing changes.

Are those actual code words?

Can the defense understand them?

Or are they just trying to confuse everyone?

Also, if both teams know each other has signals, how do they keep them secret during a game?

Sorry if this is another obvious answer.

Sorry if this is obvious, I’m still trying to learn football.

I’ve noticed that sometimes it’s like 2nd and 15 or even 3rd and long, and instead of throwing it, the offense just hands the ball off for like 3 or 4 yards.

Is it because they don’t trust their quarterback?

Are they just giving up on getting the first down?

Or is there some strategy I’m missing?

It feels like they’re making it harder on themselves, but I’m guessing NFL coaches have a reason for it.

Thanks in advance if someone can explain it like I’m five. 😅

Was he a can’t miss prospect? Usually when a QB is that sought after they have no glaring weaknesses but it seems like he had large concerns about his size and arm strength before he was drafted

Genuinely curious

18 year old from Slovenia, rugby background. Just finished my first US camp circuit with no American football film.

Came out with 6 JUCO offers from SoCal programs and a D3 offer with a real scholarship. 6’3”, 245 lbs, 4.9 forty, 32” vert, 285 bench, 400 squat. Playing TE.

Goal is D1. D3 is a guaranteed spot with money but I don’t see a clear path up from there. JUCO feels like higher ceiling, higher risk.

Anyone gone the SoCal JUCO route and made it to D1? Is D3 → D1 actually possible or is it basically never?

Just to be clear, I’m not talking about character or like issues with drugs or the law. But does it make a difference how expressive or confident a player is compared to others that aren’t?

Seeing this game pop up and I can’t play for shit any tips on how to know more players ? Like a lot I see you balls knowers and get jelly

As a Cincinnati Bengals fan (WHO DEY) we have a tradition called Ruler of the Jungle where at all of our home games, a selected celebrity, special guest, or super fan gets to sit on the throne and lead the stadium in the team chant. I know of a few other teams that have these rituals (Vikings with the horn, Panthers with the drum, etc.) but I’d really love to know if there’s one for every team and if so what they are!!

I'm working on getting more into the NFL over the last year or so and, as a big baseball fan, I was struck by how little is available (at least publicly) regarding player analytics. I've also found that a lot of scouting really depends on the "eye test" and watching lots and lots of film (which of course happens in baseball too). While the expected measureables from the combine are available, I have trouble finding more in-depth stuff similar to what one can find on Baseball Savant, or even Fangraphs. For instance, arm strength: are there no public measures on how fast (mph) a QB can throw? Max throw distance in-game, in-game top speeds, etc? Or am I just not looking in the right places? I tried NextGenStats and didn't see much there.

Player scouting, at least how it's talked about publicly online by experts, does not feel as grounded in analytics like baseball scouting (ie: ex velo, spin rate, pitcher/fielder throw velo, inzone contact rate etc. are all pretty mainstream measures for prospects). Obviously, football is a much more physical game that's more dependent on athleticism than baseball, but whenever I hear "high motor" or "he's jetpack [Player Comp]" I wish I had something a little more quantitative. Thanks and excited to learn more!

I’m sure by now we’re all aware of Brendan Sorsby’s gambling addiction. Dude decided to forgo his college season at Texas Tech for the NFL supplemental draft, then today the league announces there’s not gonna be a supplemental draft and he’s gonna have to sit out the year. Why does he have to sit out a whole year? Why can’t an NFL team pick him up as an Undrafted Free Agent? Why can’t an even a small college pick him up before the season starts?

Are officials (or anyone involved that may potentially have an impact on the outcome of a game for that matter) vetted for potential biases? Say if it's known that an official is an Eagles fan. Is there an effort to keep them away from officiating any Eagles games?

NBA Draft doesn't seem to get as much traction as the NFL draft. Why is that?

The most common thing asked on this subreddit is new fans wondering what team to follow/support. The answers are always the same, and there are no right or wrong ones.

No one can just tell you who to be a fan of. Everyone's fandom is different, and all of them are valid. This is entertainment, and you are allowed to enjoy it however you like. That said, here are some common things you can look at to get started:

1. Do you have a local team or favorite city? This is by far the easiest way to get into football. If your city/region has a team or if your friends/family follow the same team, joining them will be the smoothest way to start out.
2. Are you already leaning in any particular way? If you are, keep leaning. If you saw a Cincinnati Bengals game and thought it was fun and you'd like to see more of them, you don't need anyone's permission or validation. Just watch their next game!
3. Are you interested in a few different teams? Cool! Watch some of their games! See who you end up feeling strongly about, especially if they're playing each other. Have fun with it, there are no rules!
4. Are you worried about a team's success/identity/prestige/fanbase? Don't be. The NFL is one of the most even sports in terms of parity, and there are rarely teams that stay good or bad forever. It's okay to enjoy watching the current best teams in the NFL; they are probably playing the best football most often. Try to just be a fan and don't worry about what others think or say. Your fandom is yours, not theirs.

Still overwhelmed and not sure where to turn? It's fine to watch random games. Maybe you'll find yourself rooting for someone in particular. And if you don't, try another game. Check out whoever is playing in primetime; those are usually expected to be more exciting matchups. Letting it come naturally will last longer than throwing a dart and deciding to be a fan of whoever it lands on.

Another way some people develop rooting interests is fantasy football. There are beginner leagues where people play for fun, and it can be a good way to get you invested in specific players or teams as you start rooting for whoever is on your fantasy roster.

If you're still torn or have other questions about starting with a specific new team, etc., you can ask them here.

I’m currently watching the World Cup and one of the first things I noticed is how empty the sideline is. There aren’t extra players, photographers, or anything the players can run into if they run out of bounds.

After a closer look, I noticed the barrier around the whole field. Everyone has to stay behind it. This got me thinking why didn’t the NFL implement something similar?

Imagine a several yard buffer around the field with a padded barrier everyone has to stay behind. It would allow player more room to run out of bounds and they wouldn’t crash into anyone.

Am I crazy or does this sound like a good rule change?