The Boston Yanks were owned by Ted Collins, who managed the career of singer Kate Smith, who sung "God Bless America. " Collins originally wanted his team to play in Yankee Stadium, but could not secure the right to play in New York and instead placed his team in Boston.

The Yanks would play their games at Fenway Park with a few games at Braves Field if there was a conflict with the Boston Red Sox. An expansion team was a surprise for the NFL with player shortages due to war, but eight years after the Redskins moved to Washington, the NFL felt Boston was an underserved market.

The Yanks coached by Herb Kopf hosted the Philadelphia Eagles in their first game on September 26th, dropping a 28-7 decision. The Yanks would lose their first four games, before earning their first win on October 29th, the Yanks would beat the Brooklyn Tigers that day 17-14 at Ebbets Field.

Following losses to the New York Giants and Chicago Bears, the Yanks would win their first home game, also beating the Tigers 13-6 at Fenway Park on November 19th. The Yanks wins over the winless Brooklyn Tigers would be the only wins for the Boston Yanks all season, as they posted a record of 2-8.