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What are the rules of American football? How do NFL rules work?
The NFL can seem extremely complicated to those who are new to the sport. But once you break down the key rules, it becomes much easier to follow.
Here, DAZN News offers an overview of the key rules you need to know.
How long is an NFL game?
An NFL game is divided into four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes. The first two quarters make up the first half, followed by a 12-minute halftime break, then the third and fourth quarters.
The clock stops in specific situations, such as when a pass is incomplete, a player goes out of bounds, a penalty is committed, or a timeout is called.
If the game is tied at the end of regulation, overtime is played to determine a winner. Click here for an explanation of how overtime rules differ in the regular season and playoffs .
How many players are on a team?
Each NFL team has a 53-man active roster during the regular season, but only 11 players from each team are playing on the field at any one time.
Teams are split into three units:
Offense
This group is trying to score points. Led by the quarterback , the offense also includes offensive linemen (left tackle, left guard, center, right guard, right tackle), wide receivers , running backs , and tight ends .
Defense
This group is trying to stop the other team from scoring. Defensive players include defensive linemen ( defensive ends or edge rushers , defensive tackles ), linebackers , safeties , and cornerbacks.
Special Teams
This unit handles kicking plays, such as punts, field goals, and kickoffs. This group includes kickers, punters , and return specialists such as kick returners or punt returners.
Players may specialise in one unit or appear on multiple. Typically, a player will not play on both offense and defense, although there are exceptions. Jacksonville Jaguars' rookie Travis Hunter is perhaps the best, most recent example. He is expected to contribute as both a wide receiver on offense and a cornerback on defense.
What are the objectives?
The main goal is simple: score more points than your opponent by the time the game ends. Teams can score in several ways, which are explained in detail below.
Touchdowns
A touchdown happens when a player has the ball in possession and either crosses into the opposing team's end zone while running or catches the ball while in the end zone. A touchdown is worth six points.
Click here for more information on touchdowns .
Field Goals
A field goal is worth three points and is scored when the kicker sends the ball through the upright posts and above the crossbar of the goal from anywhere on the field. Teams usually attempt a field goal on fourth down if they're close enough to the posts but think a touchdown is unlikely.
Extra Points
After scoring a touchdown, a team can kick the ball through the uprights from short range for one extra point.
Two-Point Conversions
Instead of kicking an extra point, the scoring team can run or pass the ball into the end zone from the 2-yard line. If successful, they earn two additional points.
Safeties
A safety occurs when the offense is tackled or commits a penalty in its own end zone. The defense earns two points, and the offense must then kick the ball to the other team.
What is a down, and how do downs work?
In the NFL, the offense is given four downs, or attempts, to move the ball at least 10 yards. If they reach that mark, they earn another set of four downs, starting again at what's usually called 1st and 10.
If theyâre already close to the end zone, the number of yards needed can be fewer. But if they fail to gain 10 yards after four tries, the ball goes to the other team.
There are other down and distances to be aware of:
- Example 1: If itâs 2nd and 6, it likely means the offense picked up four yards on 1st down and still needs six more to gain a new set of downs.
- Example 2: On 3rd and 2, theyâve already gained eight yards and now need two more to keep their drive alive.
On 4th down, teams face a crucial decision. They have one last chance to gain the remaining yards needed for a first down, but if they fail, the other team takes over possession at the spot of the ball. That risk leaves teams with one of three options.
- Punt the ball. If theyâre far from the end zone, theyâll usually punt to push the other team back and gain advantageous field position.
- Attempt a field goal: If theyâre close enough, they might try to kick for 3 points.
- Go for it. In certain situations (short yardage, late in the game, or close to the goal line), teams will run an offensive play to try to gain the required distance for a new set of downs or a touchdown.
What teams choose often depends on the score, field position, game clock, and how much they trust their offense or defense.
In 2025, the NFL will be measuring first downs using camera-based technology .
What are timeouts?
Each team gets three timeouts per half. Coaches use timeouts to stop the clock, adjust strategy, and give their players a rest.
Extra Key Rules to Know
Kickoffs and punts
A kickoff starts each half and follows any scoring play, with the kicking team sending the ball downfield to the receiving team.
A punt is made without the ball touching the ground, usually done on fourth down when the offense doesn't want to risk failing to gain yards.
Turnovers
When the ball changes hands, as can happen with an interception or a fumble recovery , the other team gains possession.
Penalties
Infractions like holding, offsides, or pass interference can move the ball forward or backward, depending on which team committed the foul. Click this link for more details about penalties .
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The offer drops ahead of what promises to be an action-packed Wild Card weekend, when the San Francisco 49ers take on the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Chicago Bears host the Green Bay Packers.
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