When recapping the 106 season of the National Football League (NFL), multiple factors can affect a team’s performance. This year, many teams followed the popular phrase, “any given Sunday,” meaning no matter how prepared a team might be leading into a game, anything could happen.
Every single game, there are a lot of factors that play into winning; without even a few minuscule pieces like a linebacker, it can have major consequences. Not the typical major loss or win conditions can apply, like interceptions or a major play; even a bad call for one play can ruin the game. Social studies teacher Chris Booth believes some factors may have influenced season outcomes and weekly rankings more than in previous seasons.
“A lot of things in the NFL and sports are geared towards good television,” Booth said. “For instance, what’s pass interference? People could look at the same call, 25 people say it went one way, and 25 people say the other way; nobody knows what it really is. It should be like a spot ball; instead of not a spot ball, it should be, like, a 15-yard penalty, instead of being down. But it’s exciting. It’s a game changer.”
On the offensive side of the field, there was a massive, talented base of rookies joining the multiple teams; roster switches can make or break a team. For example, the Patriots went from one of the worst teams in the NFL to making the Super Bowl, partially due to Drake Maye, a rookie quarterback. Ben Showalter ’26 believes that more than just the offensive capabilities influence the team.
“Every single dominant team has had a good offensive line. I do believe that the measure of success is having a good offensive line. The Indianapolis Colts, the reason they were so good is they had a good O-line,” Showalter said. “They put a good quarterback and a good running back behind a good offensive line.”
Injuries break teams apart in the NFL. Teams that may look good at first may completely change when top players are missing for games or the entire season. Many teams suffered from injuries this season, including the Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills. When considering what goes into a good or bad season, Liam Denner ’26 credits injury.
“Injuries will play a major factor. If those teams can make the playoffs last year, they can stay healthy, then it could be a completely different season,” Denner said.
