The NFL is one of the biggest sports leagues in the world, drawing millions of fans every season. Whether you’re interested in NFL games today, checking the latest NFL scores, planning around the NFL schedule, or wanting to know when the NFL draft happens, this guide covers everything in clear, updated, and easy-to-understand detail. It also answers common questions like how many NFL teams there are, when the NFL season starts, and what time the NFL draft begins.
This article gives you the latest information, helpful breakdowns, and a complete overview of how the NFL operates from season start to Super Bowl finish.
Understanding the NFL
The NFL (National Football League) is the top level of professional American football. The league has a huge history, intense rivalries, star athletes, and one of the most exciting schedules in sports.
How the League Is Structured
The NFL is divided into:
- AFC (American Football Conference)
- NFC (National Football Conference)
Each conference includes four divisions: East, West, North, and South. Teams compete within their divisions and conferences to secure playoff spots and ultimately fight for a chance to play in the Super Bowl.
How Many NFL Teams Are There?
There are 32 NFL teams. These teams represent cities across the United States and are evenly split between the AFC and NFC.
AFC Teams
The AFC features powerhouse teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, and others who consistently compete at the highest level.
NFC Teams
The NFC includes iconic franchises such as the Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, and Philadelphia Eagles.
Each team has its own fanbase, history, stadium atmosphere, and style of football, making every matchup unique.
NFL Season Overview
The NFL season is packed with action from the preseason to the playoffs. Understanding the timing helps fans prepare for major events like kickoff weekend, rival matchups, and playoff races.
When Does the NFL Season Start?
The NFL regular season usually begins in early September. Each season kicks off with the annual Thursday night opener featuring the reigning Super Bowl champion.
Key Parts of the NFL Season
- Preseason – A three-game warm-up period where teams evaluate players.
- Regular Season – 18-week schedule, with each team playing 17 games.
- Playoffs – A seeded tournament leading to the Super Bowl.
- Super Bowl – The championship game watched worldwide.
The regular season ends in early January, followed by the playoffs that run through late January and early February.
NFL Games: How They Work
The excitement of the NFL comes from its weekly matchups. Fans tune in to watch their favorite teams compete every Thursday, Sunday, and Monday during the regular season.
NFL Games Today: How to Know Who’s Playing
When fans ask, “What NFL games are on today?”, they usually want a fast and accurate schedule. NFL games are typically played on:
- Thursday Night Football
- Sunday Afternoon (multiple games)
- Sunday Night Football
- Monday Night Football
During weeks with special events or holidays, games may also be scheduled on Saturdays or other days.
To check games on a particular day:
- Look at the NFL’s weekly schedule
- Check TV listings
- Use sports apps
- Follow team social media pages
Every week has at least 15–16 games, except during bye weeks when certain teams rest.
NFL Schedule Breakdown
The NFL schedule is carefully designed to balance competition, travel, rivalries, and television broadcasts.
How the NFL Schedule Is Created
The schedule takes into account:
- Division rivalries
- Previous season performance
- Prime-time broadcast slots
- International games
- Stadium availability
Each team’s 17-game schedule includes:
- 6 divisional games
- 4 games against teams from another division in the same conference
- 4 games against a division from the opposite conference
- 3 games based on ranking from the previous season
Bye Weeks
Every team gets one bye week during the season. This is a week without a game, usually between Weeks 5 and 14.
NFL Scores: How They Work and How to Track Them
NFL scoring is based on:
- Touchdown – 6 points
- Extra Point – 1 point
- Two-Point Conversion – 2 points
- Field Goal – 3 points
- Safety – 2 points
Fans can track scores through TV broadcasts, sports apps, team websites, or social media.
Why NFL Scores Matter
Scores influence:
- Standings
- Playoff seeding
- Player statistics
- Fantasy football
- Betting and predictions
Every point matters in the NFL, and games often come down to the final seconds.
NFL Draft: Everything Fans Need to Know
The NFL Draft is one of the most important events of the off-season. Teams build their future by selecting top college athletes.
When Is the NFL Draft?
The NFL Draft happens every spring, typically in late April. It spans three days:
- Day 1 – Round 1
- Day 2 – Rounds 2 and 3
- Day 3 – Rounds 4 through 7
Fans eagerly watch to see which prospects will join their favorite teams.
What Time Is the NFL Draft?
- Round 1 begins in prime time, usually around 8 PM Eastern Time.
- Rounds 2–3 begin the next evening around 7 PM Eastern Time.
- Rounds 4–7 start earlier on Saturday, beginning around noon Eastern Time.
Why the Draft Is Important
- Teams fill major roster needs
- Fans get a first look at future stars
- Trades often shift the direction of franchises
- Analysts break down each team’s strategy
The draft shapes the next decade for many organizations.
Weekly NFL Rhythm: What Fans Should Expect
Every week of the NFL season follows a predictable pattern.
Game Days
- Monday – Monday Night Football
- Tuesday–Wednesday – Team recovery and film study
- Thursday – Thursday Night Football
- Friday–Saturday – Team practices and travel
- Sunday – Majority of games
Standings Updates
Standings are updated every week based on wins, losses, and ties. They determine division leaders, playoff positions, and wild-card races.
Playoffs and the Road to the Super Bowl
The NFL postseason is one of the most exciting moments in sports.
How Teams Qualify
Four division winners plus three wild-card teams from each conference reach the playoffs, creating a 14-team bracket.
Playoff Format
- Wild Card Round
- Divisional Round
- Conference Championships
- Super Bowl
Every game is single-elimination, adding high drama to every matchup.
Key NFL Questions Answered
How Many NFL Teams Are There?
There are 32 teams in the NFL.
When Does the NFL Season Start?
The season begins in early September every year.
What NFL Games Are on Today?
Games vary by week — check the daily schedule, apps, or TV listings.
When Is the NFL Draft?
The draft takes place in late April each year.
What Time Is the NFL Draft?
The start time depends on the day, but Round 1 is held at night around 8 PM Eastern.
Why Fans Love the NFL
The NFL blends strategy, athleticism, competition, and entertainment. Fans stay connected by:
- Watching weekly games
- Following their favorite teams
- Engaging in fantasy football
- Tracking player stats
- Watching draft and free-agency moves
The league offers year-round excitement, even during the off-season.
Final Thoughts
The NFL is more than a sports league — it’s a global phenomenon. Understanding the NFL schedule, knowing when the NFL season starts, checking NFL games today, staying updated on NFL scores, and keeping track of the NFL draft are all part of the experience.
Whether you’re a loyal fan or new to American football, this guide gives you the essential knowledge to enjoy the season from start to finish.
