How to Explain the NFL Playoffs

Fans of college football or other sports may not be familiar with the NFL playoffs. While the NFL goes all out with advertising before the wild card games, these sports lovers cannot learn about the ins and outs of the playoffs from these ads. You need to learn what makes the NFL unique from other leagues in order to explain the playoffs.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Explain the NFL Playoffs to the Uninitiated

1. Talk about regular season play within each division in the NFL as a primer for explaining the playoffs. The NFL features eight divisions with four teams each to provide easy organization for the postseason. A single team plays each team in its division two times and plays 10 games with teams outside its division.
2. Speak to friends about the wild card process in the NFL playoffs. Each conference has two wild card spots that are available to the two best teams that have not won their division. These teams play the weaker division leaders in the first round of the playoffs.
3. Highlight the importance of a good coaching staff when you explain the NFL playoffs. Great coaches delegate authority to their coordinators and have the respect of players who make millions more than their coaches.
4. Tell your friends about the importance of injuries in the NFL playoffs. You need to explain that every team puts out an injured list throughout the week to show other teams which players will be ready for the next game.
5. Note marquee players on NFL playoff teams when you explain the vagaries of the NFL postseason. Franchise quarterbacks and unstoppable linebackers help define a team's attitude while raising the level of play for younger players.
6. Analyze the offensive and defensive schemes of playoff teams before you provide an explanation to friends. You should find examples of teams with diverse schemes throughout history to show the importance of balance in the postseason.
7. Gather a list of resources that your friends can use to further their understanding of the NFL playoffs. You should share any news sources you utilize, as well as major football websites like The Sporting News and Pro Football Weekly (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Expose friends and newcomers to the NFL playoffs with highlights of classic moments in NFL history. People unfamiliar with the NFL playoffs will see the passion of the game and understand references made by broadcasters. These highlights are played frequently during the regular season, with high rotation as wild card weekend comes around.