NFL vs XFL: What rules are different?

The XFL has launched Week 1 of the 2023 season, and they are trying to show football fans that they offer something a little different from what they are used to in the NFL. One way they are doing this is by enforcing their own set of rules. The changes are meant to make the game more interesting, and to offer a distinct experience for the viewer.

Here are some of the rules that are worthy of note.

PAT attempts

First off, the XFL rulebook does not include extra point kicks after touchdowns. Instead, teams will be given three options to choose from for a point after touchdown attempt. They could try for a PAT from two yards to earn one point, from five yards to gain two, or aim to get three points from 10 yards. This practice gives teams some wiggle room when determining their end game.

READ ALSO:

Coaches can challenge

One intriguing rule that the XFL is implementing is that they are giving coaches one chance per game to challenge any element of play, including judging penalties. Fans would be interested to find out the choices that coaches would make in deciding which plays to challenge.

4th-and-15 onside kick

Onside kicks will also be different in the new league, with teams being given the chance to convert a fourth-and-15 play in the fourth quarter from their own 25-yard line. A successful conversion enables them to keep the ball. This onside kick rule has gotten football fans talking, and wondering if the NFL could or should adopt it.

The kickoff

As for kickoff, the league does not allow players other than the kicker and the returner to move, until someone catches the ball or after the ball has been on the ground for three seconds or more. The XFL system also mandates that the two teams line up five yards apart.

Feet on the ground

Another difference between the two leagues is the rule on catches. In the NFL, a player must have both feet on the ground as well as possession of the ball for a catch to be completed. In the XFL, a player can complete the catch with only one foot inbounds for the catch to be considered successful.