Are CFL and NFL Rules the Same?

Richard Janvrin May 07, 2025, 7:18 PM

min read

(AP Photo/Larry MacDougal)

There are several differences between CFL and NFL rules regarding offence, defence, and special teams.
The CFL has 12 players on offence and defence, while the NFL has 11.
There is a fair catch rule in the NFL, while there isn’t one in the CFL. However, in the CFL, there’s a 5-yard “halo” around players to protect them.

Understanding the difference in rules between the NFL and CFL is important when making CFL picks.

Below, I’ll dig into the main rule differences between the leagues.

Football betting for the CFL and NFL can be done at the BetMGM online sportsbook.

Let’s dive in.

No, the CFL and NFL rules aren’t the same.

The differences include the field size, number of downs, number of players, play clock, scoring differences, and more.

Let’s dig into all three phases of the game below.

How Do CFL Rules Differ from the NFL?

Below are the key rule differences between the CFL’s offence, defence, and special teams, as well as the same phases of the game for the NFL.

There are 11 players on offence.
Four downs to gain 10 yards.
Field dimensions: 100 yards long, 53.3 yards wide, 10-yard end zones
Only one player can be in motion and must move laterally or away from the line at the snap.
There is no neutral zone. This makes quarterback sneaks more effective.
The 40-second play clock starts from the end of the previous play.
Hash marks are closer to the center of the field.

There are 12 players on offence.
Three downs to gain 10 yards.
Field dimensions: 110 yards long, 65 yards wide, 20-yard end zones
Multiple players can be in motion and may move toward the line of scrimmage before the play is snapped.
There is a 1-yard neutral zone between the defensive and offensive lines. This makes quarterback sneaks more difficult to execute.
The 20-second play clock starts from the referee’s whistle.
Hash marks are closer to the sidelines.

There are 12 players on defence.
Pass interference is called if a catch is prevented, regardless of whether it’s viewed as uncatchable or not.

The goalposts are in the back of the end zone.
There is no “rouge” rule like in the CFL.
Fair catch is allowed.
There are 11 players on kickoffs and punts.
Missed field goals are typically ruled dead unless short and returned from within the field of play.
No “onside punt” play.

Goalposts are in the front of the end zone.
Rouge is available. This allows a team to gain one point from a missed field goal or punt that goes into the end zone and isn’t returned.
There is no fair catch rule. However, a player gets a 5-yard “halo” to protect returners.
There are 12 players on kickoffs and punts.
Missed field goals are live and can be returned out of the end zone.
In the CFL, an onside player can recover a punt if it advances beyond the line of scrimmage to get a fresh set of downs. To be deemed onside, you must either be the punter or be a player who’s behind the ball when it’s kicked.
The “onside punt” can lead to trick plays, such as a quarterback throwing the ball to a receiver who’s considered onside; they kick the ball beyond the line of scrimmage, pick it up, and get a fresh set of downs.