Playoff appearances by the New York Giants or the New York Jets could mean a big score for local sports bars.

Despite an economic downturn, restaurants and bars are cashing in on NFL games. Some reasons for the booming bar scenes have been a resurgence of female fans, the popularity of fantasy football and the need for camaraderie during tough times.

"You want to get your mind off things like the economy and just have a good time," Mark Nitty says.

Many New Jersey sports bars have marketed themselves as a family-oriented restaurants to attract more customers.