Although the Super Bowl is a huge part of American culture, you'd be surprised to know how many people can't name the teams that are competing or even understand the general rules of football. Here is everything you need to know — and more — to get you through Super Bowl night pretending like you're an expert.
1. Know the teams playing.
This year, the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons will be fighting for the title of Super Bowl LI in Houston, Texas. Once you know this crucial fact, you're already halfway there. If you don't know who to root for, flip a coin and cheer for that team so it looks like you know what you're doing.
2. Know a few of the best players on each team.
It's probably important to know Tom Brady of the Patriots and Matt Ryan of the Falcons, arguably two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Google is a big help in learning some players, so you can yell out one of their names during the game and look really cool.
3. Understand some of the basics.
At the very least you should know what a touchdown is so that you can either cheer or mumble based on the team that you have randomly chosen. If you really want to look like an expert, take your time to learn some more terms like a fumble or first down.
4. Watch other people's behavior and play along.
To continue the facade that you know what you're talking about, scan the room for reactions after a certain play and mimic what everyone is doing. No one will have any idea that you have no clue what just happened.
5. Trash talk.
If you are rooting for the Ravens, you can bring up the Deflategate scandal and watch the chaos unfold.
6. Learn a few fun facts.
If you really want to impress your friends and family, throw around fun facts like "Did you know that there are eight million pounds of guacamole consumed each year on Super Bowl Sunday? or "Did you know that the highest amount of money someone has bet on the game was 132.54 million dollars?"
I hope this guide to help you look like you understand football and the Super Bowl will make your Super Bowl Sunday much more pleasant!
