Grind of the Game
Grind of the Game is JFF’s composite mismatch scoring system. It measures the cumulative environmental, logistical, and situational disadvantages one team faces relative to their opponent going into a game. Each category below is scored and totaled into one Grind Score — a higher score means a greater disadvantage heading into kickoff.
Venue Mismatch
Dome vs. outdoor stadium mismatch, and grass vs. turf surface mismatch. Measures the difference between what each team has built their team for at home versus what they’re playing on this week.
Travel Mismatch
Total travel miles between the two teams. Measures the road burden on the visiting team relative to the home team — the greater the distance traveled, the greater the mismatch.
Time Zone & Body Clock Mismatch
Measures the difference in time zones between where each team is based and the game location, combined with any deviation from each team’s usual kickoff time. For example, a west coast team playing a 1pm ET game is operating outside their normal body clock.
International Game Mismatch
Flags whether either team is playing an international game this week, or played one last week. International games carry compounding fatigue and schedule disruption that extends beyond the game itself.
Consecutive Home/Road Game Mismatch
Tracks how many consecutive home or road games each team has played leading into this matchup. Consecutive road games compound travel fatigue; consecutive home games build familiarity and routine.
Game Day Weather & Acclimation Mismatch
Compares actual game day weather conditions to the road team’s home weather in the days leading up to the game. A team that practices in 75°F sunshine and then plays in 28°F wind and snow is at a measurable disadvantage that doesn’t show up in the box score.
Rest Mismatch
The difference in rest hours between the two teams, measured from the end of each team’s last game to kickoff of this one. Short weeks, Thursday games, and international travel all compress rest time unevenly.
Grind of the Game Chart
| Team | Venue Mismatch | Travel Mismatch | Time Zone Mismatch | International Game | Consecutive Road/Home | Weather Mismatch | Rest Hours | Total Grind Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Higher Total Grind Scores indicate greater cumulative disadvantage heading into the game.
Just Football Facts 