What do American football fans do when there are no games to watch for real? Simple. They play their favorite sport on video instead. After all, there’s a pretty good selection to choose from whether you want to play on PC, console or even mobile.
You may have your favorites already, or have never experienced any of them. But if you want to recreate all of the action on the field, or even want to try out your skills as a team coach, there should be the perfect one for you among these five great titles.
Madden NFL 25 Mobile
When it comes to to NFL video games Madden NFL is the grand daddy of them all. It seems hard to believe that it was first released way back in 1988.
Over the years it has become more and more sophisticated with extra features being added with almost every edition. Today it has reached the pinnacle of its success by not only being as complex and multi-faceted as ever but also being playable on your smartphone or tablet.
As you’d expect, the graphics and the gameplay are well up to the EA Sports standard and it’s as realistic as you’re going to get when it comes to managing an NFL team. From drafting your squad to making sure that they’re fully trained for action, you can do it all in the game. You can even journey back in time to previous seasons when many greats of the game were still playing, as well as participate in some of the game’s biggest-ever real time events.
All it lacks is the chance to bet on the games using genuine NFL odds .
EA Sports College Football 25
Most great footballers start their careers off at college, so it only seems logical that there should also be a video game that focuses on this level of the game.
In the past it has been controversial with a number of college players alleging their image rights were being flouted, but that all seems settled now .
The 2025 version of the game builds on the successes of what has gone before.
There are a number of modes to choose from when you play including Dynasty, Road to Glory and several more besides. With Campus IQ™ you can enjoy an authentic college football experience as you choose which of the game’s 134 teams to pit against each other.
This generation of the game is also the most realistic ever with factors to the play that include player wear and tear and home ground advantage. It’s the closest you’ll get to the real thing without qualifying for a sports scholarship yourself.
NFL 2K Playmakers Card Battler
Collecting player cards has been a hobby for millions in the past and remains very popular, and even profitable , today.
If this includes you then here’s an app from 2K that takes things to a whole other level. First you amass a great collection of player cards – there are several hundreds to collect. Then you set about building an all-conquering roster. There are numerous in-app purchases to help you along your way so building up that squad is easy.
Naturally, your ultimate aim is to make it all the way through to the Super Bowl with the team that’s being expertly coached by you. You’ll be able to make real progress when you’re in the Red Zone Drive mode and this also when you’ll be making the most important decisions as a coach.
Draft Day Sports: Pro Football
Brought to you by Wolverine Studios Draft Day Sports: Pro Football is another game that tests both your management and strategic skills as you work to build a winning team.
The level of detail for the players is what really sets this game apart, and there’s a uniquely personalized approach that you can tailor to meet your own particular preferences.
To add to the realism it offers, there’s even the chance to link to the sister game Draft Day Sports: College Football that lets you take players through from their earliest days to professional stardom.
If you’re skilful enough to get through to the playoffs you’ll find that there’s even a realistic seeding system for extra authenticity.
NFL Street 2
For our final selection, it’s time for a blast from the past, again courtesy of EA Sports. NFL Street 2 is perfect if you want to play a more rough and ready kind of game. It won’t be in grand stadia. Instead, the action takes place in back yards, parking lots and on the street.
It’s ultra fast paced and involves quite a few moves that defy physics and physical capabilities. When it released it was praised for the way that it messes with the conventions of traditional gameplay.
It might not be you’re No. 1 choice from the ones that we’ve listed, but it’s certainly worth a look.
