Bethereum’s American Football Betting Series — Part 2: The Positions and Roles
American football is now available on the Bethereum platform, and we’re giving you everything you need to know in order to confidently bet against your friends and the worldwide Bethereum community as American football season continues to heat up.
Have questions about betting on American football? Our American football expert Michael Luchies will be answering your questions in the final part of this six-part series. Everyone is welcome to send questions here.
In Part 1 of the Bethereum American Football Betting Series, we covered the basics of American football terminology and scoring. In this article, we’ll look at the many different positions and their basic responsibilities.
Offense
While points can be scored on defense and special teams, a team’s offense is responsible for moving the football down the field to score points. They play an extremely important role in controlling the time of possession battle. By getting first downs and running as many plays as possible, they wear down opposing defenses while keeping their own defensive unit fresh.
· Quarterback
The quarterback leads the team and touches the ball on all offensive plays except for rare occasions and trick plays. On most plays, a quarterback will either hand the ball off to the running back, or throw to a receiver (running back, tight end, or wide receiver). This is the most important player in the entire game of American football. It is very hard to win games and a championship without a top-level quarterback. The best quarterbacks currently playing include Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Matt Ryan, and Russell Wilson.
· Running Back
A running back’s primary role is to run the ball from the line of scrimmage. He will receive a handoff or pitch from the quarterback and run up the field. Depending on their strength, size, and abilities, they may also play a significant role in receiving or blocking.
· Fullback
The fullback position is disappearing in many offenses. A fullback’s main role is to block for the running back and quarterback. On rare occasions they may receive handoffs or make receptions from the quarterback.
· Wide Receiver
Wide receivers receive the ball from the quarterback. There are several receiver types, including the slot receiver, who is usually smaller and a very reliable pass catcher. They utilize the middle of the field while a team’s first and second receiver primarily work near the sidelines. The best receivers in the game have size, speed, strength, and great hands.
· Tight End
Tight ends play on the offensive line next to the lineman, and they play two important roles: pass-catcher and blocker. The top tight ends in the NFL are effective blockers and fast and reliable enough to be threats as a receiver.
· Running Back
A running back’s primary role is to run the ball from the line of scrimmage. He will receive a handoff or pitch from the quarterback and run up the field. Depending on their strength, size, and abilities, they may also play a significant role in receiving or blocking.
· Fullback
The fullback position is disappearing in many offenses. A fullback’s main role is to block for the running back and quarterback. On rare occasions they may receive handoffs or make receptions from the quarterback.
· Wide Receiver
Wide receivers receive the ball from the quarterback. There are several receiver types, including the slot receiver, who is usually smaller and a very reliable pass catcher. They utilize the middle of the field while a team’s first and second receiver primarily work near the sidelines. The best receivers in the game have size, speed, strength, and great hands.
· Tight End
Tight ends play on the offensive line next to the lineman, and they play two important roles: pass-catcher and blocker. The top tight ends in the NFL are effective blockers and fast and reliable enough to be threats as a receiver.
· Lineman
Shown above, there are five positions on an offensive line (left to right), including right tackle, right guard, center, left guard, and left tackle. Depending on the play and style of offense, lineman have different responsibilities and strengths. Many teams value versatile lineman who are good at pass blocking and run blocking, and quick enough to “pull,” meaning move during a play to make blocks away from where they begin at the start of a play. The center must snap the ball, meaning they throw it (or hand it off) between their legs to start a play.
Defense
The job of a defense is to stop an offense. They can do this by stopping an offense from getting a first down, or forcing a turnover (fumble or interception). There are three main categories of defensive players: defensive live, linebackers, and defensive backs.
· Defensive Line
The defensive line lines up on the other side of the offensive line. There are usually 3–4 defensive lineman on a play. They are responsible for stopping running plays and putting pressure on the quarterback. Positions on the defensive line include defensive tackle and defensive end. Ends are more quick and agile, and defensive tackles are more stout to take up more room and prevent teams from running right up the middle of the field.
· Linebackers
Linebackers have a very tough job and must be good at several important tasks. They provide help in blitzing the quarterback (putting pressure on them), stopping the run, and covering tight ends and on rare occasions, covering wide receivers. In some defenses, linebackers play on the defensive line.
They need size, strength, and speed. Typical linebacker positions include right outside linebacker, middle linebacker, and left outside linebacker.
· Defensive Backs
Defensive backs are fast, agile and need to be capable tacklers. They are the last line of defense and responsible for covering wide receivers to prevent them from making big plays. They also most stop running backs who run to the outside or break through the defensive line and linebackers. In some defensive packages, defensive backs may also blitz the quarterback. Positions include cornerbacks (usually two on the field at all times), free safety, and strong safety.
Special Teams
Kicker (K): The kicker kicks the ball off at the start of the game and after halftime, and kicks field goals (worth three points). Kickers often decide tight games, and professional kickers can make field goals of up to 60 yards.
Punter (P): After a team fails to get a first down, they may choose to punt the ball, which is a drop kick. The punter cannot score points, but tries to get the ball as close to the opponents 1-yard-line as possible without kicking it into the endzone, meaning the opposing team would get the ball at the 20-yard-line instead.
Holder: A holder receives the ball from the center, and quickly places the ball on the ground with the laces facing out. The kicker then kicks the ball in a field goal attempt. Holders are not needed during punts.
For more on the basics of American football, here are a few recommended reads selected by our team:
Read part 1 of this series here.
Read more here: Player Positions in American Football
This series of articles is written by Michael Luchies. Read more of Michael’s articles on his Medium.
