A Guide to NFL Abbreviations and Acronyms

The National Football League (NFL) is not just a showcase of physical prowess and strategic gameplay; it’s also a world rich in its unique language.
Have you watched games and the announcer says an acronym or uses an abbreviation you’ve never heard of? Well this article aims to demystify the most commonly used NFL abbreviations and acronyms, making the game more accessible and enjoyable for fans, new and old.
NFL Team Abbreviations
- ARI – Arizona Cardinals
- ATL – Atlanta Falcons
- BAL – Baltimore Ravens
- BUF – Buffalo Bills
- CAR – Carolina Panthers
- CHI – Chicago Bears
- CIN – Cincinnati Bengals
- CLE – Cleveland Browns
- DAL – Dallas Cowboys
- DEN – Denver Broncos
- DET – Detroit Lions
- GB – Green Bay Packers
- HOU – Houston Texans
- IND – Indianapolis Colts
- JAX – Jacksonville Jaguars
- KC – Kansas City Chiefs
- LAC – Los Angeles Chargers
- LAR – Los Angeles Rams
- LV – Las Vegas Raiders
- MIA – Miami Dolphins
- MIN – Minnesota Vikings
- NE – New England Patriots
- NO – New Orleans Saints
- NYG – New York Giants
- NYJ – New York Jets
- PHI – Philadelphia Eagles
- PIT – Pittsburgh Steelers
- SEA – Seattle Seahawks
- SF – San Francisco 49ers
- TB – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- TEN – Tennessee Titans
- WAS – Washington Commanders
Football Position Abbreviations
- QB – Quarterback
- RB – Running Back
- FB – Fullback
- WR – Wide Receiver
- TE – Tight End
- OL – Offensive Lineman
- OT – Offensive Tackle
- OG – Offensive Guard
- C – Center
- DL – Defensive Lineman
- DE – Defensive End
- DT – Defensive Tackle
- LB – Linebacker
- CB – Cornerback
- S – Safety (FS – Free Safety, SS – Strong Safety)
- K – Kicker
- P – Punter
- LS – Long Snapper
Football Acronyms
- TD – Touchdown
- FG – Field Goal
- PAT – Point After Touchdown
- XP – Extra Point
- INT – Interception
- FUM – Fumble
- YDS – Yards
- TFL – Tackle for Loss
- SCK – Sack
- PBU – Pass Break Up
- QBR – Quarterback Rating
- RZ – Red Zone
- ST – Special Teams
- OT – Overtime
More Football Gameplay Acronyms
- 2PT or 2PC – Two-Point Conversion: A play attempted after scoring a touchdown, worth two points.
- 3DN – Third Down: The third of four attempts (downs) to advance the ball ten yards.
- 4DN – Fourth Down: The final down or chance to advance the ball ten yards.
- APY – All-Purpose Yards: Total yards gained by a player from scrimmage, kick returns, and punt returns.
- COP – Change of Possession: When the ball switches from one team to the other.
- DPI – Defensive Pass Interference: A penalty where a defender illegally hinders a receiver’s opportunity to catch a pass.
- EPA – Expected Points Added: A measure of the contribution of a player or play to the team’s ability to score.
- GWD – Game-Winning Drive: A scoring drive that puts the team ahead for the last time in the game.
- H2H – Head-to-Head: A direct competition between two teams.
- KR – Kick Returner: A player who specializes in returning kickoffs.
- LOS – Line of Scrimmage: The position on the field where the play begins.
- MOF – Middle of the Field: The area between the hash marks on the field.
- NO HUDDLE – No Huddle Offense: An offensive strategy where plays are called quickly without huddling.
- OPI – Offensive Pass Interference: A penalty where an offensive player illegally hinders a defender’s opportunity to play the ball.
- PA – Play Action: A type of play that fakes a handoff to a running back before a pass.
- PBU – Pass Breakup: When a defensive player successfully deflects a pass to prevent a reception.
- PR – Punt Returner: A player who specializes in returning punts.
- QBH – Quarterback Hit: When a defender legally hits the quarterback after he has released the ball.
- QBR – Quarterback Rating: A statistical measure of the quarterback’s performance.
- RPO – Run-Pass Option: An offensive strategy that involves a key player deciding to run or pass after the snap.
- T.O.P. – Time of Possession: The duration a team has control of the ball.
- YAC – Yards After Catch: The distance a receiver or running back travels after catching the ball.
- YPA – Yards Per Attempt: The average number of yards gained per pass attempt.
- YPC – Yards Per Carry: The average number of yards gained per rushing attempt.
NFL League and Conference Acronyms
- NFC – National Football Conference
- AFC – American Football Conference
- DIV – Division
- WC – Wild Card
Miscellaneous Football Acronyms
- MVP – Most Valuable Player
- DPOY – Defensive Player of the Year
- OPOY – Offensive Player of the Year
- ROTY – Rookie of the Year
- HOF – Hall of Fame
- GOAT – Greatest Of All Time
- IR – Injured Reserve
- PUP – Physically Unable to Perform
- CAP – Salary Cap
- UDFA – Undrafted Free Agent
- FA – Free Agent