For soccer lovers everywhere, video games based on the beautiful game are hard to ignore. Likewise, basketball fans always shoot hoops in a virtual environment when there’s a break in play in the real world. For many NFL fans who are watching the playoffs and plan to take in the main event, the Super Bowl, dipping in and out of some football-themed smartphone games, is always on the agenda.

After all, the fact that football fanatics can house an array of enticing titles on the phones they carry around with them means they always have access to a fun football-themed gaming product. Alongside listening to podcasts, watching viral clips from the best games so far, and assessing any Super Bowl odds before a bet on the action, NFL enthusiasts can easily enjoy a variety of football-themed favorites.

Playing a football-themed favorite is definitely worth doing, be it in a bar during half-time or at home while a world-famous music star is singing at the Super Bowl. So, with that in mind, below are some of the best football smartphone games to play during the NFL playoffs. Unless stated otherwise, All featured games are available on iOS and Android devices.

Football Dash

Kicking things off with a simple football game to explore a few minutes at a time when the playoffs are on hold, Football Dash is an arcade-style gem where players have to charge through defenses and score as many touchdowns as possible. It’s easy to grasp, incredibly fun to play, and there are leaderboards to top. While the game’s power-up feature doesn’t make for the most authentic offering, Football Dash certainly delivers in terms of its entertainment aspect.

Retro Bowl

One of the most popular football games available to session on a modern-day mobile phone right now, Retro Bowl is a bit of a throwback, thanks to its retro style. It is a roster management game where the players become the coaches they know and love in the NFL. This game aims to uncover a winning formula while representing the team in the best way possible. You have press conferences to conduct, egos to manage, various tactics to consider employing, and big prizes to challenge for. Overall, Retro Bowl is excellent.

Madden NFL 25

If a nostalgic dive back in time doesn’t appeal to you in Retro Bowl, then Madden NFL 25 is the modern-day product you deserve. With new inclusions, such as season team training and fresh playbooks to consider, this leading football-themed game on mobile is challenging to improve. Whether you build your ultimate team or embark on some beneficial training sessions, the game’s immaculate graphics and impressive sound effects will keep you entertained.

NFL Rivals

(Image via https://x.com/PlayNFLRivals)

Free-to-play favorite fans everywhere enjoy, NFL Rivals offers a charming arcade style with a strong team management element. Alongside performing on the pitch with your team, players must execute winning strategies and build a formidable lineup that ultimately reigns supreme. You can also experience the game from an owner’s perspective while participating in epic multiplayer battles and unlocking various rewards.

Touchdown Manager

One for any aspiring coaches among us, Touchdown Manager is a football sim with so much to offer. In the game, the players you take under your wing and the teams you lead are fictional, but that doesn’t detract from what is a genuinely brilliant smartphone game to sample. You have teams to construct, a training system to master, winning strategies to implement, and championships to triumph. Touchdown Manager is superb.

By Chris Bates