Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce dating rumors: Basic NFL rules explainer for Swifties wanting to cheer on Chiefs

The NFL recognized Taylor Swift’s attendance at the Chiefs‘ win over the Bears on Sunday, and it’s possible she’s in the stands to stay, now that a dating relationship with star tight end Travis Kelce is all but confirmed. But if Swift is set to be a faithful NFL viewer this season, it’s only natural to expect that Swifties, her notoriously loyal fan base, will join the cause.

Turns out they’ve already begun online discussions about how to properly watch football — and Kelce, their favorite pop star’s new friend. In case that includes you, here’s a quick overview of the basics, which will hopefully ensure that Sundays (and Mondays, and Thursdays) aren’t so confusing:

What is the object of the game?

Like most games, it’s to score the most points. Not unusual, right? In football, each team has 11 players on the field at a time: usually either an offense or a defense.

How are points scored?

The offense, or the team in possession of the ball, tries to move the ball to the opposite end of the field, which is marked by an end zone. The offense gets four tries (“downs”) to advance 10 yards and earn another four tries (and on and on), or else the other team will take possession of the ball. These are the common methods of scoring points:

• Touchdown: A play that moves the ball into the end zone and results in six (6) points
• Extra point: A kick through end-zone goalposts that often occurs after a touchdown and results in one (1) additional point
• Field goal: A kick that does not occur directly after a touchdown and results in three (3) points

Other ways of scoring include a two-point conversion, which is attempted instead of an extra point and requires the ball to be advanced into the end zone again; and a safety, which results in two (2) points for the defense if they tackle an offensive ball-carrier in their own end zone.

How is the ball moved?

The ball is moved one of two ways: by running or passing. An offense is led by the quarterback, the player who usually handles the ball on every play, and this player is permitted to throw the ball, usually to wide receivers or tight ends (like Travis Kelce). Running backs are usually asked to run with the ball after receiving it from the quarterback.

What are other notable plays to know?

• If an offense does not earn a new set of four “downs” by advancing 10 yards in its effort to score, it can elect to punt the ball, which means kick it back to the opposing team, who then gets its own chance to advance the ball and score.
• If a defense tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage, which is where the ball is set and snapped on each play, the tackle is called a “sack,” and pushes that offense back to where the quarterback hits the ground.
• If a defensive player catches a pass thrown by an offense, that is called an interception. An interception immediately results in the defense taking possession of the ball, which can be advanced in the direction the defense is facing, possibly for a touchdown.
• Kickoffs occur at the start of the game, at halftime and after every scoring possession. They are meant simply for one team to kick the ball to the other, and begin the possession of the receiving team.