Xfl Vs Nfl Differences

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Here's how the rules of the XFL differ from the NFLPersonal IG: http://instagram.com/theflightmike#Patr.

The NFL season is over, but it doesn’t mean football fans must wait until August to watch their favorite sport. In fact, the launch of the 2020 XFL season on Feb. 8 will provide fans with a new brand of football that could be even more exciting.

Vince McMahon and XFL commissioner Oliver Luck have a vision for an innovative brand of football. Fans want more scoring, faster action and an intensity that is sometimes missing from the NFL. Now the XFL is hoping its new rules will give fans exactly that. Paired with well-known names on coaching staffs and on rosters and teams ready to compete for a title, everything else is in place for an entertaining product.

XFL kickoffs and punts are radically different. You can read about all of the specific kickoff rules on. But there are clear differences between the old XFL and new XFL, contrasting the statement McMahon wanted to make in 2001 with the different goals of the new incarnation. Begin with the ball. From All-XFL.com: “When it came time to decide what the 2001 XFL ball would look like, league officials were not going to settle on the same old. Play clock: The XFL will use a 25-second play clock rather than the NFL’s 40-second clock. Timeouts: Each team receives two timeouts per half. Main Difference in XFL Bets vs NFL Bets The main deviation though, is found with the strategy accompanying these plays. Like the differences between the betting of pro and college games, the strongest point of contrast will be how and why these games are wagered the way they are.

When fans tune in for the opening kickoff of the XFL season on Feb. 8, they’ll be treated to a game with different rules tailored to make the game more exciting. Now, let’s take a look at what makes the XFL standout from the NFL.

Rules

  • Kickoff

The game will feel different from the moment the football is kicked off for the first time. As part of the XFL’s vision to bring more excitement to the game, kickoff returns have changed to avoid touchbacks and increase returns.

  • The kicker stands from the 30-yard line and kicks the ball to the returner inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.
  • Unlike in the NFL, both coverages teams will line up five yards apart with the return team at the 30-yard line and the coverage team at the 35-yard line. It’s a measure to prevent high-speed collisions.
  • Only the kicker and returner can move at the start of the play. Once the ball is either caught or is on the ground for three seconds, all other players can move.
  • These rules are in place not only to increase player safety, but to create more chances for huge kickoff returns.
  • If the football goes into the end zone and is downed, it’s a “major” touchback with the ball placed at the 35-yard line.
  • If the football hits in play and then goes out of the end zone, it is placed at the 15-yard line.
  • Punts

Punts will be more infrequent in the XFL than the NFL, in large part thanks to rules put in place to encourage more aggressive decisions on fourth downs.

Differences
  • The punt team can’t unleash its players past the line of scrimmage until the ball is kicked.
  • If the football goes out of bounds inside the 35-yard line, it’s a major touchback and the ball goes to the 35-yard line. This eliminates coffin-corner punts, which are popular in the NFL.
  • If the ball is punted and lands in the opponent’s end zone or goes out of the end zone, it’s a major touchback.
  • Point-After Touchdown

This is one of the areas where the XFL can really stand out. The extra-point kick has become stale in the NFL. So, the XFL is bringing a new twist to the game after a touchdown.

  • Following a touchdown, the team can choose between running a one, two or three-point play. No matter what the team picks, it must run an offensive play.
  • One-point attempt: The team will run an offensive play from the two-yard line.
  • Two-point attempt: The team runs an offensive play from the five-yard line.
  • Three-point attempt: The team runs an offensive play from the 10-yard line.
  • If the defense creates a turnover and returns it to the opposite end zone, they receive points equal to the attempt by the offense.

In the XFL’s eyes, this will add greater excitement to the game and increase opportunities for comebacks.

  • Overtime

When an XFL game goes to overtime, that’s when the wild excitement starts. Instead of watching long drives unfold in the XFL with few scoring opportunities, the XFL focuses on immediate scoring chances.

  • Each team will alternate in a single-play possession from the opponent’s five-yard line and is given one play to score. Each score is worth two points and only the offense can score.
  • The single-play shootout will last for five rounds or until one of the teams is mathematically eliminated from matching the other team’s points.
  • If the score is tied after five rounds, then it will continue until a winner is decided.
  • If the defensive team commits a penalty at any point after, the offense moves to the one-yard line. If another penalty is made, the offense receives two points.
  • If the offensive team commits a pre-snap penalty, the team moves back the subsequent yardage. If a post-snap penalty occurs, the play is dead and no score is given.

Clock Rules:

  • Running game clock: Unlike the NFL, when a pass is incomplete or the play goes out of bounds, the game clock will start once the ball is spotted.
  • Comeback period: Takes place after the two-minute warning. The clock will run after incompletions and out of bounds plays.
  • Play clock: The XFL will use a 25-second play clock rather than the NFL’s 40-second clock.
  • Timeouts: Each team receives two timeouts per half.

All of these rules are meant to increase the speed of the game and help the XFL achieve its goal of games being under three hours. Stopping the clock in the comeback period also allows coaches to save their timeouts. Overall, the focus is on a quicker game with more speed and better decisions.

Instant Replay:

  • Coaches’ challenge: No challenges will be allowed for coaches. All replay decisions are determined by officials.
  • Replay official: The XFL sky judge watches over the game and can correct any egregious and obvious error that may have a significant impact on the game’s outcome in the last five minutes of the fourth quarter or in overtime.

The XFL’s goal is to have coaches focus on the game entirely and not become distracted by a referee’s mistake.

Gameplay Rules:

  • Double-forward pass: A team can complete a forward pass behind the line of scrimmage then throw a second forward pass, barring the football not crossing the LOS before.
  • Sideline catches: If a player secures control of the football and gets one foot in bounds, it will be considered a catch.

These rules are meant to not only make the game simpler and to allow players to make more incredible catches, but to also open up more creativity in playbooks.

Are you interested in learning about the difference between the NFL and XFL? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve designed this page to equip you with all the information you need to know. In the guide below, we’ve included sections about rules, salaries, betting, and so much more.

Before we dive into things, we wanted to provide you with a quick look at all the topics we’ll cover in this guide about the XFL vs NFL. If you’d like to get the most out of this page, be sure to keep scrolling below to review everything we’ve included. However, you can click on any one of the subjects below if you’d prefer to jump ahead to it immediately.

XFL and NFL Rulebook Differences

You might be wondering about the NFL and XFL differences when it comes to the rules of the gameplay. In this section, we’re going to kick things off by discussing what’s similar between the two. Then, after that, we’ll move into talking about some of the ways the rules of the XFL and NFL vary. As you’ll see, some rulebook differences are quite significant.

Xfl

Similarities Between XFL and NFL Rules

Up first, we wanted to include some of the primary ways in which the rules of the XFL and NFL are similar. Check out the details below to learn more.

  • Field Size
  • Both the XFL and NFL will use the same 100-yard field.

  • Four Downs
  • Both leagues utilize the same four downs to move the ball rule.

  • Positions
  • The NFL and the XFL both have the same positions and number of players of offense and defense.

Differences Between XFL and NFL Rules

Now that we’ve talked about some of the significant similarities between the XFL rules vs NFL, we wanted to feature some of the main differences between the two. Check out the breakdowns below about the difference between the NFL and XFL.

Running Clock

With the XFL, the clock will run unless there’s a timeout or the two-minute warning. This is different from the NFL, where many things, including first downs, can stop the clock. The reason behind this is one of the XFL’s main goals was to ensure the game moved along much faster than a typical NFL game.

Timeouts

With the NFL, teams receive a total of three time outs for each half of the game. However, in the XFL, there are only two timeouts for each team per half.

Point After Plays

If you’re used to the NFL, then you’re familiar with the idea of kicked extra points after a touchdown. But, with the XFL, there are no kicked extra points. Instead, teams can try to earn between one and three extra points by making a play from the two, five, or 10-yard line.

Forward Passes

With the NFL, there can only be one forward pass each play. However, in the XFL, as long as the first forward pass is caught behind the line of scrimmage, another forward pass can be made. In total, this provides teams the chance to make two forward passes in the XFL.

Overtime Penalties

In the XFL, earning penalties during overtime will cost the teams more severely than if they occurred during regular play. With the NFL, there aren’t distinguishing penalties depending on when they happen.

Challenges

Xfl Vs Nfl Differences

Coaches in the XFL won’t have the ability to make any coach’s challenges. This differs from the NFL, which does allow this option.

Kickoffs

Kickoffs in the XFL will vary quite a bit from what folks are used to with the NFL. Some of the major differences include where each of the teams can start, who can move and when, and what happens with touchbacks. The overall goal of these rule changes is to help make kickoffs safer for the players and to increase the number of returns compared to the NFL.

Catches

In the NFL, a catch requires that a player has both of their feet in bounds. However, with the XFL, a play can be ruled a catch as long as at least one foot or another portion of the player’s body makes contact with the field of play.

Punting

Punting rules also has some significant differences for the NFL vs XFL. For starters, with the XFL, the team that’s punting can’t cross the line of scrimmage until the ball is punted. In addition, XFL punts that go out of bounds or are touchbacks will be placed on the 35-yard line of the receiving team.

Overtime Format

One last way the rules of the XFL vs NFL differ relates to the format of overtime. If you’re familiar with soccer, things operate similar to a soccer shootout. In XFL overtime, each team will have five tries to score from the five-yard line. After all five attempts, the team with the most number of successful tries will win the game.

For a more in-depth look at XFL rules, don’t miss the link included below. Here, you’ll be able to gain additional insight into everything you need to know about the league’s rules.

The XFL as a Business

In this next section, we’re going to get you up to speed on the XFL as a business. Here, you’ll be able to learn about things like player and coach salaries as well as ticket prices. We’ll also stack things up between the XFL vs NFL to help you get an idea of how the two football leagues compare.

XFL Coach Salaries

To get this section started, we’re first going to present you with salary information for XFL coaches. After that, we’ve also added in details on how the XFL coaches fair in relation to NFL coaches.

With the return of the XFL being so fresh, there isn’t a ton of detailed data yet relating to the specifics of XFL coach salaries. However, the commissioner of the XFL, Oliver Luck, stated in a late 2019 interview that coaches in the XFL would have a salary amounting to around $500,000 per season. We expect former Oklahoma Sooners coach Bob Stoops will make more than all the other coaches, as he’s the most famous coach out of the eight head coaches.

So, how does the estimate of $500,000 per season for XFL coaches stack up against NFL coaches? Well, as you probably expected, it’s quite a bit different. Some of the highest-paid coaches in the NFL, like Bill Belichick, earn more than $10,000,000 per season. However, the overall average across all NFL head coaches is around $6,000,000, according to Forbes. In turn, it means XFL coaches make, on average, less than 10% of what NFL coaches do.

Despite the large current gap in the pay for coaches between the NFL vs XFL, we expect the gap between the two should get smaller with time if the XFL can gain popularity. As the league generates more revenue, coaches should have the ability to earn significantly more.

XFL Player Salaries

Now that you’ve gotten a look at information relating to the XFL coaches’ salaries, we didn’t want to leave you without details about how the players themselves are doing. In this section, we’re going to stack up how the salaries for players in the XFL are compared to their NFL counterparts.

We’ll be honest, the salaries for XFL players aren’t all too exciting. According to Pro Football Talk, the XFL told player agents before the 2020 season that the average player salary would be around a mere $55,000 per season. No, that’s not a typo, you read that right.

The $55,000 figure is comprised of a base salary, bonuses for being active players on game day, and bonuses for being on a team that wins. However, it’s worth noting while we’re here, there have been some reported potential disputes relating to the pay players were actually seeing.

All of that said, Oliver Luck estimated top players within the XFL would be able to make upwards of $250,000. While this is a decent sum of money for the best players in the league, the overall player average is a figure which isn’t overly exciting for most.

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to guess players in the NFL make more, on average, than XFL players. However, how much more do NFL players make each season? First up, let’s talk about what the top players in the NFL football league can make. For the 2019 season, the top 20 highest paid NFL players all made more than $20,000,000. That’s a stark difference from the estimate of $250,000 for the best players in the XFL.

However, the $20,000,000 figure is what the top players in the NFL make, not the average. For the NFL, the average player makes about $2,700,000 each season. When comparing that to the average XFL salary of just $55,000, it means NFL players make almost 50 times as much per year over XFL players.

As with the coach’s salaries, we don’t expect the XFL average salary will be low forever if the league can gain popularity. We hope to see player salaries rise as the league’s revenue climbs. In turn, the XFL could hope to attract more players when it becomes more attractive to play in the league.

XFL Ticket Prices

Finally, one last thing we wanted to provide you with in this portion of our XFL vs NFL page is how ticket prices differ. For most XFL teams, tickets start as low as $20 for the 2020 season. At the high end of things, prices tend to top out right around the $100 mark. On average, it seems most folks are paying somewhere around $30 to $40 to see a game this season.

Once again, things are much higher when it comes to ticket prices for an NFL game. On average, game tickets for the NFL come in around $102, according to Statista. In turn, this means average ticket prices for the NFL come in more than double that of the XFL league.

Will Betting on the XFL be Different Too?

Up next, we wanted to provide you with some color on how betting might differ between the XFL vs NFL. If you’re a seasoned NFL bettor, there are some things you’ll want to be aware of when betting on the XFL.

  • Scoring Implications
  • If you’re a fan of betting on totals, you’ll want to take into account that scores from the XFL games will most likely be much higher than your typical NFL games. This is due to the changes the XFL made to help keep the game moving quickly and allowing players more time to score.

  • Announcers
  • If you’ve never watched an XFL game before, one of the things which might surprise you is that the announcers will talk about the game’s spread and over/under as the match happens. It’s even shown on the screen. This is something you’ll never see from NFL announcers. In addition, since the coaches and players are aware this information is displayed, there’s a chance they might work harder to try and beat the spread to become a crowd favorite.

  • Available Information
  • When betting on the XFL, there’s much less available information. For starters, many of the players on the teams are relatively unknown. This is in stark contrast to the NFL, where there are stats galore on each player. Also, with the shorter season for the NFL vs XFL, there’s less time for sports bettors to study the teams and players.

  • Fewer Teams
  • With only eight teams in the XFL, it’s easier to study up on each team when compared to the 32 teams within the NFL.

  • Kickoff and Punt Rules
  • With the XFL rules relating to punts and kickoffs, the goal is to drive more returns by players. In turn, XFL teams with better special teams and return units might have a more significant edge in the XFL than they would if they were in the NFL.

XFL Betting Sites vs NFL Betting Sites

The last section of our guide about the XFL vs NFL is centered around the topic of their respective betting sites. Even if you’ve got an existing NFL betting website, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s where you should do your XFL betting online. Keep reading below to make sure you end up working with a quality XFL betting site for your online wagers.

What You Should Look for in an XFL Betting Site

To kick this section off, we first wanted to educate you about what you should be looking for in an online XFL betting website. Below, we’ve provided a summary of some of the core things we think you’ll want to ensure an XFL betting site brings to the table.

Broad XFL Betting Options

One of the first things you should seek in an online XFL betting site is a comprehensive collection of XFL wagers. Here, you’re searching for a sports betting website with lots of options for betting on the XFL. Look for a variety of bet types to ensure everything you want is included.

Leading XFL Odds

Something else you should look for in an XFL betting websi te is competitive odds on the XFL league. If you’re new to online sports betting, you might not be aware of how much difference the lines can be between competing online sportsbooks.

Your goal should be to locate an XFL betting site that’s offering leading odds on the league, ensuring you always get the best bang for your betting dollar.

Live XFL Betting

Next up, another vital aspect of a top XFL betting site is live betting. Otherwise known as in-play wagers, live betting allows you the chance to bet on the games as they happen, as opposed to just before the game starts. Using this type of bet can make betting on the XFL even more fun and entertaining.

XFL Bonuses

Lastly, one other important thing for you to look for when searching for an XFL betting site is bonuses applicable to XFL wagers. Seek online betting websites offering welcome and additional bonuses relevant to action on the XFL.

To view an expanded list of things to look for in an ideal XFL betting site, be sure to visit our primary online XFL betting websites page linked below.
XFL Betting Sites

What’s Different From NFL Betting Sites?

You might be wondering what’s different between an online XFL betting site and an NFL one. While many NFL betting websites might offer action on the XFL, not all of them will. And, even if XFL wagers are included, you still want to ensure all our suggested criteria above are met. By looking for all these critical features, you’ll be sure you’ll have a quality XFL betting online experience as opposed to a subpar one.

Best Betting Sites for XFL and NFL Action

If you’re interested in betting on the NFL or XFL, check out the chart included below. Here, we’ve added a collection of trusted betting websites offering odds on both football leagues. Our team has analyzed each website to ensure these are the top options if you’re looking for online XFL or NFL betting sites. Each one of these suggestions meets all our suggested criteria from the start of this section, so we’re sure you’ll be pleased with your online betting experience.

Betting Site
BonusBet Now
1 up to €30 Free BetGo to Site
2
22Bet
100% up to €122Go to Site
3100% up to €200Go to Site
4
10Bet
100% up to €50Go to Site
5 100% up to €50Go to Site

XFL vs NFL FAQ

Before we wrap things up, we wanted to add in some frequently asked questions about the XFL vs NFL. If you’re still in search of some details, we hope this section can help you find the information you’re looking for.

We certainly hope so. With the recent news that the XFL has filed bankruptcy, the status of the next season of the XFL is certainly in question.
Nothing is stopping XFL players from joining the NFL. Ideally, an XFL player might stand out in the league and get on the radar for NFL scouts.
The XFL regular season lasts for a total of 10 weeks. During that time, each of the teams will host five home games and attend five away games. After the regular season, there’s another two-week period for the postseason.
No. For the 2020 season, there are no bye weeks for any of the XFL’s teams.

Final Words on XFL vs NFL

Xfl Vs Nfl Rule Differences

Nfl

Differences Between Nfl And Xfl

We hope you found all the information on this page about the NFL vs XFL helpful. If you enjoyed the details included here, you might also want to check out some of our other excellent guides relating to the XFL and the NFL. You can use the main website menu to explore everything we have to offer. Thanks for visiting our site, and best of luck with all your future XFL and NFL wagers!

Xfl Vs Nfl Differences

[ Back to Top ↑ ]