In the NFL, two 11‑player teams take turns trying to move the ball down the field to score more points than the other by the end of the game.

Basic idea

  • The offense tries to move the ball toward the opponent’s end zone to score; the defense tries to stop them or take the ball away.
  • The field is 100 yards long (plus two 10‑yard end zones), and most drives are about slowly gaining yardage in chunks.

Downs and yards

  • The offense gets four “downs” (plays) to gain at least 10 yards; if they do, they earn a new set of four downs (“first and 10”).
  • If they fail by fourth down, they usually punt (kick) the ball away to avoid giving the other team great field position.

Scoring

  • Touchdown: Carry or catch the ball in the opponent’s end zone (6 points).
  • After a touchdown: Either kick an extra point (1 point) or run/pass from close range for a two‑point conversion (2 points).
  • Field goal: Kick the ball through the uprights during a drive (3 points).
  • Safety: Tackle the offense in their own end zone or force a penalty there (2 points for the defense).

Game structure

  • Games have four quarters; after halftime and after scores, possession changes, usually via a kickoff.
  • Possession can also change mid‑play through interceptions (defense catches a pass) or fumbles (ball dropped and recovered by the other team).

Positions in simple terms

  • Quarterback: Leader on offense who throws or hands off the ball.
  • Running backs and wide receivers: Main runners and pass‑catchers.
  • Linemen and tight ends: Bigger players who mostly block to protect the play.

If you say what confuses you most (downs, flags, positions, or TV graphics), the explanation can go much deeper in that specific area.