With Vince McMahon’s XFL making its return this spring, there will be a great deal of curiosity surrounding the professional football league. One of the main points of interest will inevitably be how the rules of the XFL differ from those seen in the National Football League.

1. Difference Between Xfl And Nfl Rules
2. Difference Between Xfl And Nfl Rules Printable

For more on the differences between the rules of the two leagues, visit our XFL Rules page. XFL Teams vs NFL Teams. The XFL has certainly taken the right precautionary steps in terms of team locations, as the league has established franchises in some of the country’s biggest sports media markets. The current XFL is going deeper, giving offenses the choice of going for one, two or three points, depending on if they choose to run a play from the 2-yard line, 5-yard line, or 10-yard line. Perhaps the biggest difference between the two different XFLs is shown in the leagues’ broadcast presentations. This rule was implemented with safety in mind by the XFL. Difference between XFL and NFL A professional football league, XFL initially played its debut season in 2001, when it was joint-venture between WWE chairman Vince McMahon and NBC Sport. Due to the popularity of the NFL, America's leading football league, the inaugural season was a major let down with reports suggesting the partners lost up to.

With its season kickoff on the horizon, the XFL has been proactive in emphasizing that its gameplay will feature a set of modified rules different from the more commonly known NFL regulations. The potential consequences of these rules could have a major impact on the outcome of games and the betting handle involved with that outcome.

To shine some light on these rules and their ramifications, we created this page to help fill you in. With the XFL now entering the sports world, every bit of information counts for both casual fans and passionate bettors.

Difference Between Xfl And Nfl Rules

Main Differences Between XFL Rules and NFL Rules

It’s hardly news that this league will not be able to compete with the NFL in any way in terms of overall popularity, but if these modifications in rules and style of play lead to an exciting product on the field, people will happily immerse themselves into the brand.

With inflated scores, a unique flare, and more opportunities to impress and entertain fans, the league can simultaneously serve as a football entity that can be respected but also one that doesn’t suffer from nonstop comparison to the always prevalent NFL. Below we have listed a few key difference in the rules between both leagues and included some helpful video examples of the new XFL rules.

XFL Rules vs NFL Rules

• A reception is possessed with one foot in bounds, as opposed to the NFL’s rule of both feet.
• No traditional “gunners” on punt teams as seen in the NFL, punting team must wait until the ball is kicked to release downfield.
• A three-tiered point-after system, with one point coming from a run play from the two-yard line, two points coming from a run play from the five-yard line, and three points coming from a run-play from the 10-yard line.
• If the defense returns a turnover on any of the aforementioned attempts, they receive the amount of points the offense was going for.
• The NFL employs a version of a sudden death overtime period, while the XFL plans to make OT five rounds, where each round, an offense will get one play per team starting at the opponent’s five-yard line. Whoever has the most points after five rounds wins the contest.
• A 25-second play clock as opposed to the NFL’s 40 seconds, which aims to move the game along faster.
• Also implemented to make game pace faster, the XFL will use a running game clock for the entirety of a contest other than the last two minutes of each half.
• Teams will have two timeouts per half as opposed to the NFL’s three timeouts.
• The XFL is allowing a double forward pass, where teams may attempt a second pass downfield as long as the first pass is completed behind the line of scrimmage.
• Players on XFL kickoff teams cannot advance downfield until the ball is possessed by the opposing returner.

Why Are the Rules of the XFL Structured This Way?

The NFL in recent years has become so overblown with “calls” and “no calls” that it’s become hard to truly get a gauge on what the correct rules of the game are. While it’s not feasible to expect every viewer to keep a copy of the rulebook on them, clarity on the rules is something that makes betting on football much easier to understand.

An easy approach with the new XFL rules are viewing them as more of modifications or tweaks of the NFL regulations, rather than a completely new set. While it aims to separate itself from the NFL immediately, the XFL remains a professional football league and intends to be thought of as such.

This is why the league is trying hard to make the XFL appeal as a football product rather than the circus-like, entertainment showcase it was packaged as in its original run in 2001.

By distinguishing itself as legitimate football that has modified itself from the NFL’s set of rules, the league can form a foundation that is both unique and reputable.

The attention placed on scoring and the point-after attempts that come in the wake of every touchdown highlight this, as it eradicates the PAT kick that many NFL fans often ignore entirely.

Instead, viewers will be tuning in for an additional play no matter what, and the option to go for a three-point conversion raises the stakes in that scenario in ways an NFL game doesn’t touch.

How Will XFL Rules Affect Betting?

While XFL betting strategies will become more refined as the inaugural season rolls on, these variations in the rules will be key in gambling XFL action in its early weeks.

Experienced bettors will be able to detect the difference in the lines and how to capitalize, so these tweaks in the traditional pro football rulebook will make for both compelling television and gambling scenarios.

Over time, the bookies will sharpen up and things will become harder to beat, but with enough early opportunities, the XFL could serve as a profitable alternative to other forms of sports betting for many people.

Breaking away from the stigma still associated with the league’s original run will be a roadblock at first, but if people warm up to the product, it could take off. Football bettors will use it as a means to stay active during the days of the NFL offseason.

You can’t expect to instantly profit from XFL games, as there is still strategy and background knowledge involved. But if the NFL betting world scares you off too much yet you still want a chance to wager some football, this league could serve as the perfect chance to do just that.

If a patron puts enough effort in, they will quickly discover why betting on the XFL can serve as a beneficial method of sports gambling at a time of year where the sports world moves a little slower in the wake of the NFL season.

Frequently Asked Questions About the XFL’s Rules

Will Differences in the XFL Rules Make the Product Harder to Understand?

No, if anything it will make it easier. Seeing how the XFL rules operate in comparison to the NFL will give the viewer a better understanding of how their league works on its own.

What Rules Will Have the Biggest Effect on the Gambling Side of the XFL?

The point-after conversions and lack of PAT kick will lead to final scores that are not as common in the NFL. This variation in differential will greatly impact spread bettors, and those with action on the total could be affected with the league’s focus on offense and scoring.

Should I Bet With the XFL Rules in Mind?

Absolutely. In fact, the rules of the XFL are one of the biggest factors to consider when you’re XFL betting, so taking them into account is definitely recommended and will ensure a safer bet.

If I Don’t Follow the NFL, Will I Be Able to Watch the XFL Without Getting Confused?

Yes, as long as you have informed yourself on the basics of American football and know the essentials. If you can watch the game and understand it, you will be just fine. Get to know the basics, and you will not experience any form of confusion.

The National Football League has become the premier sports entity in the United States, and in many cases, the entire planet. With the league permeating nearly every facet of popular culture, it’s understandable why the NFL is so synonymous with betting on football.

While there have been several attempts to create an additional pro football league, nothing has come remotely close to generating the type of traction the NFL regularly does. With the XFL set to make its debut for the second time in history, many may not expect its long-term fate to be much different than the original attempt. But one thing’s for certain—it will be available for wagering, and people will definitely get on the action.

To make things even easier, we have provided this page to fill you in on all things XFL vs NFL.

What Are the Main Differences Between the XFL and the NFL?

Football gambling is something that is viewed in the industry as bigger than the NFL itself. Even though the weekly lines are posted relative to the level of competition they exit in, there are certain do’s and don’ts of betting the sport that universally apply, regardless of what type of football it is.

If this is kept in mind, the differences and the similarities found in multiple forms of football will be far easier to comprehend for the everyday viewer and casual bettor.

Professional football is ultimately a very layered game that involves plenty of strategy, and breaking it down piece by piece is the most effective way to both compare and contrast anything that operates within its realm.

Here are a few factors to consider…

XFL Bets vs NFL Bets

Yes, the two leagues will be vastly different. But keep in mind, when it’s all said and done, football betting is football betting. The league, level, and style may vary, but the sport will always have universal principles to apply when wagering it.

The volume of plays will take longer to garner momentum, but once it catches stride the XFL will be Take a look at some of the best online sportsbooks for betting both leagueshammered relentlessly with point spread, total, moneyline, and prop bets on a weekly basis just like its contemporaries in the NFL and NCAA.

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.

Naturally, lines will be looser and easier to get a jump on as the rules affecting scoring will likely lead to higher totals. All odds posted on the board should be taken with a grain of salt, and the booking process will serve as an experiment with these early XFL matchups.

Keep in mind, that while the presentation and style of play will be different from what you see on NFL, the key gambling principles and types of wagers to be made will remain the same. It is merely the application of them that requires a tweak. The XFL will be viewed relative to its own merits, not those of the NFL.

To ensure you understand this, here are a few examples to show that you will not be looking at a different language when comparing NFL betting odds to XFL betting odds:

NFL Betting Example

XFL Betting Example

Remember, this is new to the bookies too, so setting games for action requires practice just like handicapping and playing them.

While the league has made its intentions to avoid the circus-like entertainment aspects of the original product, the XFL is instead priding itself on a modified set of rules that (in their eyes) will have direct positive results on the game and spike its viewership as it takes its first steps.

Rules Unique to the XFL

A tweaking of the conventional NFL rules will allow the XFL to more easily establish its own identity. Getting rid of PAT’s and adding concepts like three-point conversions will greatly impact final scores and deficits between two opposing teams.

Additionally, rules geared towards the pacing of the game and offensive-based plays (such as only having to keep one foot in bounds on a reception) will increase the chances of teams finding the endzone more quickly and more often.

Because of this, books can expect a rise in action on overs and favorites, and final scores will differ greatly from their NFL counterparts with games now not as likely to land on the key numbers of 3 and 7, as seen in so many point spreads.

If the XFL makes it to its second season, markets and bettors are sure to adapt and tweak their booking process. But for the time being, customers have a window of time to gain a slight edge in a period where the brand is still trying to create a name for itself.

For more on the differences between the rules of the two leagues, visit our XFL Rules page.

XFL Teams vs NFL Teams

The XFL has certainly taken the right precautionary steps in terms of team locations, as the league has established franchises in some of the country’s biggest sports media markets.

Of the seven biggest, the XFL has clubs ready to go in five of them for their return season. Organizations representing New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, and Washington DC will all take the field in 2020 for this follow-up attempt.

With team brands established in these markets, it will be easier to pick up traction and create a unique reputation that’s separate from anything else in the football world. If these locations prove to be a success, then it practically green lights more to come in the form of added cities or expansion teams down the road.

But to get the ball rolling, the XFL certainly has put its trust into these locations, and for good reason. All popular sports towns with dedicated fan bases, the decision to focus on these markets at a time of year where the NFL is nonexistent is very well scouted by McMahon and company. There will be less conflicting local headlines emerging and more of a concentrated focus on the new league and its teams.

Difference Between Xfl And Nfl Rules Printable

The NFL has operated in markets found in all shapes and sizes now for a century. In many ways, NFL organizations have become as synonymous with their respective locations in the same way pieces of history, art, cinema, theatre, music, literature, and television have for centuries. In some instances, the NFL has given international fame to destinations that would otherwise be unknown to the masses, as seen with the NFL’s Green Bay Packers.

This is why the NFL can afford to move the needle in practically all of its locations as the league and teams themselves are solidified enough to where revenue and betting interest will inevitably follow.

For projects like the XFL, that luxury is not available, so choosing the markets that give these teams the best chance of garnering attention and money is the best move possible. Any in-city competition between the two leagues will of course be in the NFL’s favor, but with the variation in rules and promotion in the XFL, the returning brand has made it clear it is not offering the same product as seen on Sundays, despite existing as the same sport on the surface.

XFL Players

Star power is one of the biggest advantages the NFL has over most of the sports world, as the celebrity status of so many pro football players seems to grow every single year.

Due to the caliber of talent coming out of the college ranks, and the way the NFL is consumed as a product, it’s obvious that these names and faces are going to generate interest.

This will be one of the XFL’s biggest initial roadblocks, as the influx of talent will ultimately determine the viewing quality and the overall success of the league.

Having the benefit of utilizing household names as part of their business certainly gives the NFL the edge over practically any sports league, let alone the XFL.

Yet, the lack of star power could in turn be something that adds to the novelty and appeal of the new league as it tries to establish an identity. Over time, more well-known players like former NFL athletes or college stars will enter the mix once the foundation of the brand is more solidified.

XFL and NFL Online Betting Sites

The following XFL betting sites have been tested and verified as trustworthy and ethical and will offer the same functions on the XFL front as they do for NFL betting action. Take a look at some of the best online sites for betting on the XFL and NFL:

Frequently Asked Questions About the XFL

If I Am a Longtime NFL Bettor, Will Betting on the XFL Come Easy to Me?

It does not guarantee betting success, but anybody who knows the NFL will be able to check out the XFL and follow along smoothly.

Will There Be Betting Trends in the XFL I Can Study Beforehand?

Initially no, as the league will be in its infancy. But over time, there will be enough archived information for patrons to utilize in their betting process, trends included.

Will I Find Something to Interest Me in XFL That I Won’t Get With the NFL?

A fresh brand with fresh names. To some this may not spark any interest, but many people will watch the XFL simply to see a different version of pro football with new elements added in.

Should I Avoid Betting on the XFL With Other Sports in Season Like Basketball or Hockey?

If you have effectively figured out your XFL betting strategy, there is no reason to prevent yourself from finding other opportunities for profit. But until you get it figured out, bet on the XFL separately for a more concentrated focus.