What’s the Difference Between CFL and NFL?

If you’re a football fan, you’ve probably wondered about the difference between the CFL and NFL. Both leagues have their own unique rules and traditions, so it can be tough to keep them straight. Here’s a quick rundown of the main differences between the two leagues.

Introduction

The CFL and NFL are both professional American football leagues. However, there are several key differences between the two leagues. One of the most significant differences is that the CFL is played with 12 players on each side of the field, while the NFL is played with 11 players on each side of the field.

Another key difference is that the CFL has a larger playing field than the NFL. The CFL playing field is 110 yards long and 65 yards wide, while the NFL playing field is 100 yards long and 53.3 yards wide. This difference in field size can have a significant impact on how games are played.

Finally, the CFL uses a slightly different ball than the NFL. The CFL ball is larger and heavier than an NFL ball, making it more difficult to throw and catch. This difference can again impact how games are played.

League Structure

The NFL is made up of 32 teams divided into two conferences, the National Football Conference (NFC) and the American Football Conference (AFC). Each conference has four divisions, and each division has four teams. The NFL season is 17 weeks long, with each team playing 16 games and having one bye week. The NFL playoffs are held after the regular season, and the teams that make it to the playoffs compete for the chance to play in the Super Bowl.

CFL

The Canadian Football League (CFL) is the professional level of Canadian football. It was founded in 1958 as the Canadian Football Council (CFC) and renamed in 1959 to its current name. There are currently nine member teams, spread across Canada. The CFL is the highest level of competition in Canadian football, and is distinct from American football – though the two codes share common ancestors.

The league’s regular season runs from June to November, with each team playing 18 games. The top team from each division qualifying for the playoffs, which culminate in the Grey Cup championship game, held in November.

CFL teams are allowed a maximum of 12 import players (non-Canadians) on their rosters. In contrast, NFL teams have 53-man rosters with only 46 active for game days – and no more than 45 can be dress for a given game (including a maximum of seven imports).

NFL

The National Football League (NFL) is the top level of professional American football in the United States. It was formed in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association (APFA) before renaming itself as the National Football League for the 1922 season. The NFL agreed to merge with the American Football League (AFL) in 1966, and the first Super Bowl was held at the end of that season; the merger was completed in 1970. Today, the NFL has the highest average attendance (67,591) of any professional sports league in the world and is the most popular sports league in America.

Differences in the Game

If you’re a fan of American football, you might be wondering what the difference is between the CFL and NFL. Both leagues have their own unique rules and gameplay, so it’s important to understand the key differences before watching or attending a game. Here’s a quick rundown of the major differences between the CFL and NFL.

Field Size

The playing field for both the CFL and NFL is 100 yards long, with goal posts at each end. However, the field for CFL games is wider than the field for NFL games. The CFL field is 65 yards wide, while the NFL field is only 53.3 yards wide.

Play Clock

In the NFL, the play clock is set to 40 seconds, meaning that the offense must snap the ball within 40 seconds of the previous play. If they don’t, they are penalized 5 yards for a delay of game. In the CFL, the play clock is only 20 seconds.

Overtime

Overtime in the NFL is sudden death. The first team to score wins, regardless of what the other team does. In the CFL, each team gets one possession (unless the initial score ends the game). If the score is tied at the end of regulation, they play 10 minute periods until someone scores.

Conclusion

In short, the CFL is a faster, more wide-open game played on a bigger field with different rules. The NFL is a slower, more physical game played on a smaller field with different rules. But both are great options for football fans!