NFL Scoring Rules
Explained
Learn exactly how points are scored in the NFL — touchdowns, field goals, safeties, extra points, and two-point conversions. Everything you need to understand every number on the scoreboard.
NFL Scoring Quick Reference
Every Way to Score in the NFL
Touchdown
6 pointsA touchdown is the most valuable single score in football. It is awarded when a player carries the ball into the opposing team's end zone, or catches/receives the ball while in the end zone. The ball must "break the plane" of the goal line — meaning any part of the ball crosses the front edge of the end zone while the ball carrier is in possession.
Key Details:
- --Rushing touchdown: Ball carrier runs into the end zone
- --Receiving touchdown: Player catches a pass in the end zone
- --Return touchdown: Player returns a kickoff or punt into the end zone
- --Defensive touchdown: Defense returns an interception or fumble for a score
- --The ball must break the goal line plane while the player has possession
Extra Point (PAT)
1 pointAfter scoring a touchdown, the scoring team has the opportunity to add 1 extra point via a place kick through the uprights from the 15-yard line (making it roughly a 33-yard kick). This is by far the most common option taken after a touchdown and is successful over 99% of the time in the NFL.
Key Details:
- --Kicked from the 15-yard line (approximately 33-yard attempt)
- --Ball must pass through the uprights and above the crossbar
- --Can be blocked and returned by the defense for 2 points
- --Success rate exceeds 99% for professional kickers
- --Must be attempted within the allotted time
Two-Point Conversion
2 pointsInstead of kicking an extra point, teams may attempt a two-point conversion after a touchdown. The team runs a play from the 2-yard line and must get the ball into the end zone — either via a run or pass — to earn 2 points. This is a riskier option with a roughly 48% success rate in the NFL but can be strategically valuable in specific score situations.
Key Details:
- --Attempted from the 2-yard line after a touchdown
- --Team runs one play to score from close range
- --Can be scored by run or reception
- --Success rate approximately 48% in NFL
- --Defense can return a failed attempt for 2 points of their own
Field Goal
3 pointsA field goal is scored when a kicker successfully boots the ball through the uprights during a scrimmage play (typically on fourth down when a team cannot convert for a first down or touchdown but is within kicking range). The ball must pass between the two vertical uprights and above the horizontal crossbar.
Key Details:
- --Kicked from the line of scrimmage on any down (usually 4th)
- --Ball must pass between the uprights and above the crossbar
- --Typical range: 20 to 60 yards for NFL kickers
- --Record longest NFL field goal: 66 yards (Matt Prater, 2013)
- --A missed field goal is a turnover (defense gets the ball at the spot or 20-yard line)
Safety
2 pointsA safety is one of the rarest scores in football but awards 2 points to the defense. It occurs when the offense is tackled (or commits a foul) in their own end zone. After a safety, the team that scored the safety also receives a free kick — typically a punt — giving them favorable field position.
Key Details:
- --Scored when offense is tackled in their own end zone
- --Also awarded if offense fumbles out of the back of their end zone
- --Quarterback sacks in the end zone are safeties
- --After a safety, the defense receives a free kick
- --Very rare — typically only a few occur per week across the whole NFL
Common NFL Scoring Scenarios
The standard scoring drive — touchdown plus a successful PAT kick.
Maximum points from one possession; used strategically to tie or take the lead.
Scored when a team cannot convert on fourth down but is within kicking range.
When the extra point or conversion attempt fails, the team gets only the touchdown.
Rare score where defense tackles the ball carrier in the offensive end zone.
After a pick-six or fumble return TD, the defense's team can still kick the extra point.
Overtime Scoring Rules
NFL overtime uses modified rules designed to ensure both teams have an opportunity to possess the ball. In regular season overtime, each team gets at least one possession unless the first team scores a touchdown on their opening drive.
Regular Season Overtime: A 10-minute overtime period is played. If the first team scores a touchdown, the game ends. If the first team scores a field goal, the opposing team gets a possession to tie or win. If the score remains tied after the full 10-minute period, the game ends in a tie.
Playoff Overtime: The NFL switched to a new rule starting in 2022 where both teams are guaranteed a possession in playoff overtime regardless of what the first team scores. If still tied after both possessions, it becomes sudden death — next score wins. There is no game-ending tie in the playoffs.
Scoring types and point values are identical in overtime. A touchdown still ends the game (in regular season) or scores 6 points; a field goal scores 3 points; a safety scores 2 points for the defense.
NFL Scoring FAQ
How many points is a touchdown?
A touchdown is worth 6 points. After scoring, the team can attempt an extra point kick for 1 additional point or a two-point conversion for 2 additional points, making the total score from the possession either 6, 7, or 8 points.
How many points is a field goal in football?
A field goal is worth 3 points. A kicker must send the ball through the uprights — between the two vertical posts and above the horizontal crossbar — during a live scrimmage play.
What is a safety in football and how many points is it?
A safety is 2 points scored by the defense. It happens when the offensive ball carrier is tackled in their own end zone, fumbles out of the back of the end zone, or when the offense commits a penalty in their own end zone. The defense also receives a free kick after scoring a safety.
What is the two-point conversion in the NFL?
After scoring a touchdown, an NFL team can attempt a two-point conversion instead of kicking an extra point. The team runs one play from the 2-yard line; if they cross the goal line, they earn 2 points instead of 1. The NFL success rate for two-point conversions is approximately 48%.
Can the defense score on an extra point attempt?
Yes. If the defense blocks a PAT kick and returns it for a score, or if the offense fumbles or throws an interception during a two-point conversion attempt and the defense returns it to the other end zone, the defense scores 2 points.
What is the most points ever scored in an NFL game?
The highest-scoring NFL game was the Washington Redskins vs. New York Giants on November 27, 1966, which ended 72-41 for a combined 113 points. In the modern era, the highest-scoring game was Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Rams (54-51) in 2018.