NFL: Rules and how it works
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22 articles in this topic.
What Is a Blitz in Football? The Defensive Gamble
A blitz in football is when the defense sends extra rushers — more than the usual four — to pressure the quarterback, trading coverage for speed to the passer.
Overtime Rules in the NFL: How OT Works (2026)
NFL overtime is a 10-minute period where both teams now get a possession. Regular-season OT can end in a tie; playoff OT plays until someone wins.
What Is a Challenge Flag in Football? NFL Replay Rules
A challenge flag is the red flag an NFL coach throws to request an instant-replay review. Teams get two challenges, a third if both succeed, and lose a timeout if wrong.
What Is a Nickel Defense in Football?
A nickel defense uses five defensive backs instead of the usual four, swapping a linebacker for an extra cornerback to defend the pass on obvious passing downs.
What Is a QB Sneak in Football?
A QB sneak is a short-yardage play where the quarterback takes the snap and dives straight ahead behind the line for a yard or two, ideal on 3rd- or 4th-and-1.
What Is a Sack in Football?
A sack is when the defense tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage before they can throw, losing yards for the offense. It's a key pass-rush stat.
What Is a Safety in Football? The 2-Point Score
A safety in football is worth 2 points, awarded to the defense when the ball carrier is downed in his own end zone. The conceding team then free-kicks from its 20.
What Is a Screen Pass in Football?
A screen pass is a short throw to a receiver or back behind or near the line, with blockers set up ahead, designed to beat an aggressive pass rush and gain space.
What Is an Eligible Receiver in Football?
An eligible receiver is a player allowed to catch a forward pass — the QB, backs, tight ends and the two players on the ends of the line. Interior linemen are ineligible.
What Is Pass Interference in Football? DPI & OPI
Pass interference is illegal contact that hinders a receiver's chance to catch a pass. In the NFL, defensive PI is a spot foul and automatic first down.
What Is the Red Zone in Football?
The red zone in football is the area from the defense's 20-yard line to the goal line. Scoring efficiency there — touchdowns vs. field goals — often decides games.
What Is the Two-Minute Warning in Football?
The two-minute warning is an automatic clock stoppage when two minutes remain in each half of an NFL game. It works like a free timeout for both teams.
What Is a Touchback in Football? Rules
A touchback is when the ball is dead in the end zone off the opponent. No points score; the receiving team gets the ball at a set yard line.
What Is Holding in Football? Offense & Defense
Holding in football is illegally grabbing or restricting an opponent. Offensive holding costs 10 yards, defensive holding 5 yards and a first down.
What Is Intentional Grounding? NFL Rule
Intentional grounding is when a QB in the pocket throws away a pass with no receiver near to avoid a sack. The NFL rule, penalty, and why a spike is legal.
NFL Playoff Overtime Rules Explained
NFL playoff overtime rules guarantee both teams a possession, run full 15-minute periods, and keep playing until someone wins. Here's exactly how it works.
What Is a Two-Point Conversion in Football?
After a touchdown, a team can run one play from the 2-yard line for two points instead of kicking the extra point. Learn when and why coaches go for two.
What Is a First Down in Football? The 10-Yard Rule Explained
A first down gives the offense four attempts to move the ball 10 yards. Gain the 10 and you earn a fresh set of downs. Here's how the core rule works.
Onside Kick Rules: 2025 NFL Changes Explained
NFL onside kick rules under the dynamic kickoff: a trailing team must declare it, kick from the 35, and the ball must go 10 yards or be touched.
Roughing the Passer Rule Explained
Roughing the passer is an NFL penalty for illegal contact on the quarterback while he throws. What it covers, the 15-yard penalty and the debate.
What Is a Safety in American Football? Rules and Scoring
A safety scores two points for the defense when the offense is tackled in its own end zone. Here is how it happens, what follows it, and why it is so rare.
NFL Playoff Format Explained: How the Bracket Works
The NFL playoff format: 7 teams per conference, only 1 bye, and one reseeding step after wild card weekend. Straight from the NFL's own rules.