What Are the Differences Between the NFC and AFC? A Complete Comparison of NFL Conferences
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The NFL is split into two conferences: the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). Although both follow the same rules and playoff structure, they differ in history, team composition, divisions, scheduling, and overall style. This table provides a clear, side-by-side comparison of the key differences between the NFC and AFC.
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AFC
(American Football Conference)
(American Football Conference)
Origin & History
- Formed in 1970 during the AFL–NFL merger.
- Most AFL teams became part of the AFC.
- Considered the “newer” group at the time of the merger.
Number of Teams
16
Divisions
Divisions
Example Teams
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Buffalo Bills
- Baltimore Ravens
- Miami Dolphins
Scheduling
Mostly plays other AFC teams; inter-conference games rotate annually
Playoff Structure
7 teams qualify; conference champion goes to Super Bowl
Super Bowl
AFC champion faces NFC champion
Rule Differences
None (rules are identical today)
Style & Perception (unofficial)
Sometimes viewed as more offense-heavy in recent eras (especially with QBs like Mahomes, Allen, Burrow).
NFC
(National Football Conference)
(National Football Conference)
Origin & History
- Composed mostly of the original NFL teams prior to the merger.
- Considered the “older/legacy” conference.
Number of Teams
16
Divisions
East, North, South, West
Example Teams
- Dallas Cowboys
- Green Bay Packers
- San Francisco 49ers
- Philadelphia Eagles
Scheduling
Mostly plays other NFC teams; inter-conference games rotate annually
Playoff Structure
7 teams qualify; conference champion goes to Super Bowl
Super Bowl
NFC champion faces AFC champion
Rule Differences
None (rules are identical today)
Style & Perception (unofficial)
Historically linked to physical, defense-oriented teams (49ers, Giants, Bears).
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