Football fans in North America have two choices when it comes to watching and betting on football. In Canada, there is the CFL (Canadian Football League,) and in the United States, there is the NFL (National Football League.) Football is a globally favorite sport with a fan base in the multi-millions. Betting on football is legal in both countries. As of August 2022, Canadian Football betting can now be done on a single-game basis legally. Using online services to place bets is the most convenient and popular way to wager. Esports Canada has more than 23 million followers, alone. This is due to high-speed internet and apps that let people access their favorite sportsbooks and casino sites via their smartphone or computer. While these games are similar, there are significant differences. Below, we will explain some of the basic differences between the two.
The size of the field
- The NFL field is 100 yards by 53 ⅓ yards. The midfield line is at 50 yards.
- The CFL players play on a field that is 110 yards by 65 yards. Their midfield line is at 55 yards.
The end zones on each field are 10 yards deep. This configures to a field of 120 yards for the NFL and a field of 150 yards for the CFL.
The team members
- There are 11 players for each team on the field, for a total of 22 players in the NFL.
- The CFL has 12 players for each team for a total of 24 players on the field.
- Both leagues require seven (offense) players to be on the scrimmage line. Because of this rule, the 12th player in the CFL leagues is usually in a backfield position.
- On the defense side, the NFL has a free safety position and a strong safety position.
- The CFL defense consists of a safety and two half-backs.
Downs
In the early days of football, there were three downs. The CFL still uses three downs. Fans have expressed it makes for a more exciting game. However, the NFL offers four downs for a team to move the ball 10-yards. This started in the American games in 1912. Before World War I, Canada was considering adding a fourth down. But, the war halted the games for two years. When the games began again, Canada opted to keep the game to original standards.
Time
In the NFL, each team has three timeouts for each half. They also provide a two-minute warning at the end of each half. Canadian football gives each team two timeouts, and they offer a three-minute warning. But, the team can only use one timeout during the warning.
Another difference is in the play clock. In the Canadian football game, the referee whistles after the play is over, and the offense has 20 seconds to get the football. The American version allows a 40-second frame to run an offensive play after the whistle sounds.
Field Goal Position
Due to the difference in the size of the field, adjustments are made in the location of the field goal posts. In the NFL the field goal post is at the rear of the end zone. The field goal posts are located at the front of the end zone in the CFL games.
Scoring
Scoring in each league is primarily the same. However, there are a couple of differences. A point is awarded to the kicking team when they miss a field goal or punt the football in the Canadian game, and the receiving team doesn’t get the ball out of their end zone. They also award a single point if the kicking team misses a field goal or punts the football through the end zone (and out of bounds) without touching the ball.
Fair Catches and Punt Returns
The CFL has no fair catch rule. The punting team must give about five yards to let a punt returner catch the football (in mid-air), catch the football after it bounces, or grab the football and run with it after the ball has stopped bouncing. If the kicking team doesn’t give the five-yard space, the punt return team gets a 10-yard penalty.
The NFL has several options they can use after the kicking team punts the football. They can:
- Catch the ball and run until the runner is tackled, scores, or is pushed out of bounds.
- Wave his hand to signal a fair catch,” and the opposing team cannot tackle the punter. The punter returns the catch, but the returner cannot advance the ball.
- Let the ball bounce where the kicking team cannot get the ball and let the ball bounce out of bounds.
There are other differences between these two leagues. One of the most glaring differences is the major difference in the amount of money paid to the players. The NFL pays its players an average of 2.7 million USD per year. The CFL pays their players an average of 96,857 CAN per year. Other than that, it all comes down to the preference of the fans. The games are equally exciting and equally fun. Placing wagers on the games will always be a global attraction. No matter which team makes the most points in a game, the fans are always the winners.
