Few Things To Know About NFL

Few Things To Know About NFL[/b]

If Seattle does end up back in the Super Bowl, the Seahawks will have earned that right. Russell Wilson and the reigning world champions open at home against Green Bay and then head south to face San Diego before hosting the Super Bowl rematch with Denver in Week 3.

That’s three 2013 playoff teams in the first three games. After the early bye, its back-to-back games against the NFC East (at Washington, Dallas) before consecutive road games at NFC West foe St. Louis and defending NFC South champion Carolina. The Broncos are clearly all in once again this season, adding Aqib Talib, DeMarcus Ware and T.J. Ward to their defense and replacing the departed Eric Decker with Emmanuel Sanders in hopes of getting Peyton Manning back to the Super Bowl. All four of these defenses finished among the top 15 in the NFL in yards allowed last season. In two short seasons since being selected No. 1 overall by Indianapolis in the 2012 NFL Draft, Luck has led the Colts to consecutive AFC South division titles and already written his name into the record books. For starters, there’s the season opener in Denver against Peyton Manning and the Broncos and a Week 11 matchup with Tom Brady and Patriots, this one coming in Indianapolis. Luck and the Colts also are slated to face off against three other Super Bowl MVPs.

Thanks to free agency, the what-have-you-done-for-me-lately attitude prevalent through the league and other factors, we can always count on plenty of roster and coaching turnover every season. This turnover, more often than not, also produces some intriguing matchups on the schedule and 2014 is no different. Players aren’t the only ones who get a shot at payback, at least when it comes to matchups. Such as when new head Buccaneer Lovie Smith (and quarterback Josh McCown) return to the Windy City to play the Bears in Week 12, while his defensive coordinator, Leslie Frazier, will try and shut down the team that fired him this offseason when Minnesota comes to Tampa Bay in Week 8.

When it comes to the NFL’s broadcast schedule, there are two prime pieces of real estate a spot on NBC’s Sunday night slate and an appearance on ESPN’s Monday Night Football. The market may have just gotten a little more crowded, however, as 2014 marks the beginning of the new Thursday night partnership with CBS and the NFL Network. From Weeks 2 to 8, CBS will air on Thursday night matchup with NFL Network simulcasting on their channel. From there, NFL Network will pick things up through Week 16, during which CBS also will broadcast two games that Saturday (Dec. 20).

 

[Swaswati Borpuzari]

The National Football League (NFL) is one of the most popular and lucrative sports leagues in the world, captivating millions of fans with its high-stakes games and star-studded rosters. Here are a few key things to know about the NFL:

1. Structure and Teams: The NFL is composed of 32 teams, divided equally between the National Football Conference (NFC) and the American Football Conference (AFC). Each team plays a 17-game regular season, with the goal of securing a spot in the playoffs and ultimately, the Super Bowl, the league's championship game.
2. History and Evolution: Founded in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association (APFA), the league was renamed the National Football League in 1922. Over the decades, the NFL has grown from a small, regional league to a global phenomenon, with a rich history of legendary players, memorable moments, and significant rule changes that have shaped the modern game.
3. Player Safety and Health: In recent years, the NFL has faced increased scrutiny over player safety, particularly concerning concussions and long-term brain injuries. The league has implemented various rules and protocols to reduce the risk of injury, including changes to practice schedules, game rules, and medical treatment standards.
4. Economic Impact: The NFL is a major economic force, generating billions of dollars in revenue from television contracts, sponsorships, merchandise sales, and ticket sales. This financial success has allowed the league to invest in state-of-the-art facilities, player development programs, and community initiatives.
5. Cultural Significance: Beyond the sport itself, the NFL plays a significant role in American culture. The Super Bowl is one of the most-watched annual sporting events in the world, often featuring high-profile musical performances and iconic commercials. The league also addresses social and political issues, with players and teams often using their platforms to advocate for causes they believe in.
6. Draft and Player Development: The NFL Draft is a highly anticipated event where teams select new players from college football programs. This process is crucial for team building and can significantly impact a franchise's success. Additionally, the league places a strong emphasis on player development, with programs designed to help players transition into professional football and prepare for life after their careers.

Understanding these aspects of the NFL provides a deeper appreciation for the league's complexity and its impact on both the sports world and broader society.