AFL vs NFL

This page highlights the differences between the AFL and the NFL. These differences make the AFL a much faster paced game with generally higher scoring and keep the NFL a game dominated by strategy where defense wins championships.
Arena Football League	National Football League
The field: Width 85 feet Length 50 yards Endzones 8 yards each Total field length 198 feet Sidelines 48 inch high, foam padded barrier	The field: Width 160 feet Length 100 yards Endzones 10 yards each Total field length 360 feet Sidelines 6 foot painted border
Goal posts: Width of goal 9 feet Height of crossbar 15 feet Goalside Rebound Nets 30 feet wide on both sides of goal posts 32 feet high, bottom is 8 feet from the ground Kickoffs and passing plays may bounce off the nets and still be legally in play.	Goal posts: Width of goal 18 1/2 feet Height of crossbar 10 feet Goalside Rebound Nets None Kickoffs, punts, and passing plays out of the back of the endzone are out of play.
Scoring: Touchdown 6 points Points after Touchdown Successful place kick - 1 point Successful touchdown - 2 points Successful drop kick - 2 points Defense returns PAT attempt for touchdown 2 points for defense Field Goals By place kick - 3 points By drop kick - 4 points	Scoring: Touchdown 6 points Points after Touchdowns Successful place kick - 1 point Successful touchdown - 2 points Defense returns PAT attempt for touchdown No score - play dead at change of possession Field Goals By place kick only - 3 points
Teams and play: Size 20 man active roster 4 man inactive roster Offense 8 players on the field At least 4 men on the line Defense 8 players on the field 3 down linemen Substitution Players may only substitute once during a quarter, with exceptions Motion One offensive player may be in motion in any direction (including forward) at snap	Teams and play: Size Unlimited roster Offense 11 players on the field At least 7 men on the line Defense 11 players on the field 5 down linemen Substitution Unlimited Motion One offensive player may be in motion either parallel to the line of scrimmage or backwards at snap
Timing: Four quarters 15 minutes each Halftime 15 minutes with exceptions Time between plays 25 seconds Overtime 15 minutes with at least one guaranteed posession to each team	Timing: Four quarters 15 minutes each Halftime 12 minutes with exceptions Time between plays 40 seconds Overtime 15 minutes sudden-death