At a glance, Canadian and American football look similar—same ball, same basic objectives, and plenty of crossover in terminology. But the CFL (Canadian Football League) and NFL (National Football League) operate under two very different sets of rules. These differences affect everything from gameplay and field size to scoring strategy and roster makeup.
Here’s a breakdown of the key distinctions that separate CFL and NFL rules.
One of the most noticeable differences is the field size. The CFL field is both longer and wider than its NFL counterpart:
CFL end zones are also deeper—20 yards compared to the NFL’s 10 yards. This additional space affects passing routes, defensive coverage, and special teams play.
The CFL also positions the goalposts on the goal line, not the back of the end zone. This placement impacts field goal strategy and kickoff returns.
A CFL team has 12 players on the field per side, while NFL teams play with 11. That extra player in the CFL typically means more motion and flexibility in offensive formations.
More importantly, the CFL only allows three downs to gain 10 yards, while the NFL gives teams four. This single change significantly alters offensive strategy—CFL offenses tend to throw the ball more often and take more risks.
In the CFL, multiple players can move toward the line of scrimmage before the snap. This rule allows for more creative pre-snap motion and faster starts from receivers. The NFL limits this to one player moving laterally or backward at the snap.
As a result, CFL receivers often have a running start, creating a faster-paced offensive rhythm and more dynamic passing plays.
The CFL uses a 20-second play clock (from when the ball is spotted), while the NFL operates on a 40-second clock (from the end of the previous play). This leads to a faster pace in the Canadian game, with fewer delays between plays.
Combined with fewer downs, the shorter play clock contributes to a more up-tempo style that emphasizes speed and quick decision-making.
Kicking rules in the CFL differ in several ways:
In the NFL, fair catches are common, and there are no single points. Touchbacks and field position are more heavily emphasized.
CFL overtime is similar to college football in the U.S. Both teams get the ball at the opponent’s 35-yard line with a chance to score. If still tied after two possessions, the CFL game can end in a tie during the regular season.
The NFL uses a modified sudden-death format, recently adjusted so that both teams are guaranteed a possession in postseason games. Regular season games can still end in a tie after one 10-minute overtime period if no team scores.
NFL rosters are larger overall, with 53 active players (46 dressed on game day), while the CFL allows for 45-man rosters with restrictions on the number of “national” (Canadian) players required to be on each team.
This difference affects roster construction, substitution patterns, and the balance between domestic and international talent in the league.
While both leagues play fundamentally the same sport, the differences in field dimensions, downs, motion rules, and pacing create two very distinct versions of football. The CFL leans into speed, space, and unpredictability, while the NFL emphasizes structure, power, and precision.
If you’re used to one version of the game, watching the other might take an adjustment—but understanding the rule differences adds context to what’s happening on the field.
