Pagey wrote:At a very basic level: the offensive team has 4 downs to move the ball 10 yards. If you accomplish this, you get 4 more downs. If you come to your 4th down and feel you can't move the ball enough to get a new set of downs, you can punt the ball to the opposing team or attempt a field goal (if you are in range, etc.). A touchdown is worth 6 points, and after a touchdown you can attempt an extra point by kicking the ball through the goal posts or you can attempt to run or pass the ball into the end zone again for two additional points, though you only get one attempt either way you go.
Now, there are all sorts of penalties, etc., to learn and keep up with/watch for, but you'll learn those as you watch. For example, certain players cannot move once they are "set" until the center has "hiked" the ball to the quarterback (if those people move, you'll see an "off sides" or a "false start" penalty, e.g.). You'll probably see some "holding" and "pass interference" calls as well.
Again, this is a 50,000 ft view of some of the most basic rules/objectives. Fun game to watch if the teams are well balanced!
You forgot to mention that a field goal is worth 3 points. Also, that the ball (when in play) can not touch the ground. It must either be carried or thrown. If the ball carrier is down (1 knee, two hands, or any other part of the body on the ground), the ball is dead. The ball is loose before it hits the ground on a pass, or if the ball carrier loses control prior to going down, and then the ball is live until someone picks it up and goes down.
That covers 95% of the game. Lots of other weird stuff can happen, but chances are they will explain it on TV.