Football for the girls: NFL beginner’s guide - Episode 69
Football season is here, but if you’ve ever felt a little lost when the NFL takes over your TV, you’re not alone.
In this week’s episode of Create & Consume, we’re breaking down everything you need to know to enjoy the season — from the rules and the biggest players to fantasy football, rivalries, and even the WAGs you’ll see in the stands.
Whether you’re watching with friends, joining a fantasy league, or just want to understand why your partner is yelling at the screen, this is your beginner’s guide to the NFL.
Create & consume:
What Austen is creating this week: a reel for The Knot!
What Austen is consuming this week: Press Publish NYC event, I shared a vlog on my YouTube channel where I brought you along!
In this episode:
NFL 101: how the league works
There are 32 teams split into two conferences (NFC and AFC), each with four divisions: north, south, east, and west.
The regular season lasts 18 weeks, with each team playing 17 games.
The playoffs include the top teams from each conference, plus wildcard spots. Games can’t end in a tie — they play until a winner is declared.
The season culminates with the Super Bowl, where the two conference champions face off.
Football rules made simple
At its core, football is about scoring more points than the other team by advancing the ball into the end zone. Here are the basics:
Ways to score:
Touchdown = 6 points
Extra point kick = 1 point
Two-point conversion = 2 points
Field goal = 3 points
Safety = 2 points
Game structure:
Four quarters, 15 minutes each, with a halftime break after two quarters
Three time-outs per team per half
Overtime if tied (10 minutes, both teams get a chance to possess the ball)
Key groups on the field:
Offense: quarterback, wide receivers, running backs
Defense: linebackers, safeties
Special teams: punter, punt returner, kicker, and more
Common lingo:
First down: when a team earns four more tries by moving the ball at least 10 yards
Red zone: inside the 20-yard line — high chance of scoring
Sack: when the quarterback is tackled before throwing
Interception: defense catches a pass intended for the offense
Pick six: interception returned for a touchdown
Hail Mary: dramatic long throw at the end of a half/game
Two-minute warning: automatic pause with two minutes left in a half/game
Big names and rivalries
Quarterbacks usually get the most attention — think Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs), Josh Allen (Bills), Jalen Hurts (Eagles), and Joe Burrow (Bengals). Other stars to know include:
Ja’Marr Chase (Bengals wide receiver)
Christian McCaffrey (49ers running back)
Saquon Barkley (Eagles running back)
Travis Kelce (Chiefs tight end)
Iconic rivalries: Giants vs. Eagles and Cowboys, Packers vs. Bears, Chiefs vs. Bengals, 49ers vs. Seahawks, Steelers vs. Ravens.
Top 3 draft picks to watch
Keep an eye on these rising stars from the 2025 NFL draft:
Cam Ward, quarterback – Tennessee Titans
Travis Hunter, wide receiver – Jacksonville Jaguars
Abdul Carter, edge rusher – New York Giants
Fantasy football: why your man is obsessed
Fantasy football is basically building your own dream team using real NFL players. You draft, set your lineup, and earn points based on how your players perform in real life.
Why it matters:
It makes every game more exciting, even if your favorite team isn’t playing.
You can lean on auto-draft suggestions or get strategic with picks.
It’s social — many people play with friends, family, or coworkers.
I’ve played in a family league for years (on Yahoo Fantasy) — I even won once and came in third last season!
Making football season fun
Even if you’re not a diehard fan, you can make game days something to look forward to:
Host a watch party with themed snacks and fun cocktails/mocktails
Pick a team to root for — maybe your hometown, your partner’s team, or just based on the best uniforms
Make it social: Sunday football can be a weekly hangout with friends
Add some style with game day fashion — mix your team’s merch with fall trends for a chic look
The WAGs you’ll spot in the stands
Part of the fun is seeing the wives and girlfriends (aka WAGs) who support the players:
Taylor Swift – engaged to Travis Kelce (Chiefs)
Simone Biles – married to Jonathan Owens (Bears)
Olivia Culpo – married to Christian McCaffrey (49ers)
Ciara – married to Russell Wilson (Giants)
Brittany Mahomes – wife of Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs)
Kylie Kelce – wife of Jason Kelce, host of Not Gonna Lie
Alix Earle – dating Braxton Berrios (Texans)
Whether you’re here for the plays, the snacks, the fashion, or the celebrity sightings, football season has something for everyone.
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