How many points is a field goal after a touchdown football?
Football fans often find themselves asking basic scoring questions, especially when they're new to betting on games. One common question that pops up is about the point value of field goals after touchdowns. Let's clear this up once and for all.
Understanding the Extra Point
After a touchdown, teams don't actually kick a "field goal" in the traditional sense. What they're kicking is called an extra point or point after touchdown (PAT). This kick is worth exactly one point.
The extra point attempt happens from the 15-yard line in the NFL, making it roughly a 33-yard kick when you factor in the distance from the line of scrimmage to the goal posts. College football places the ball at the 3-yard line, creating a much shorter attempt.
Two-Point Conversion Alternative
Teams can also choose to go for a two-point conversion instead of kicking the extra point. This involves running or passing the ball into the end zone from the 2-yard line. As the name suggests, a successful two-point conversion is worth two points.
Most teams stick with the safer one-point kick, but you'll see two-point attempts when teams need to make up ground late in games or when coaches want to be aggressive.
Why This Matters for Casino Players
Understanding football scoring becomes crucial when you're placing bets on NFL or college games at legal US sportsbooks. Many casino platforms now offer comprehensive sports betting alongside traditional casino games.
Point spreads, over/under totals, and prop bets all depend on knowing exactly how teams can score. When you're betting on total points in a game, those extra points add up quickly over four quarters.
Real Game Impact
In close games, extra points can make or break both the final score and your bets. A missed extra point might seem minor, but it can swing the total points by one, potentially affecting your over/under wager.
Professional kickers make about 94% of their extra point attempts, so while they're not automatic, they're pretty reliable. This consistency makes them easier to factor into your betting strategy compared to more volatile plays.
Smart Betting Considerations
When you're analyzing games for betting purposes, pay attention to teams' red zone efficiency and their decisions on extra points versus two-point conversions. Some coaches are more aggressive than others, which can impact total scoring.
Weather conditions also affect kicking games. Wind, rain, or snow can make even "easy" extra points more challenging, potentially influencing game totals and point spreads.
Football scoring might seem straightforward, but these small details matter when real money is on the line. Whether you're enjoying casino games or placing sports bets, understanding the fundamentals helps you make smarter decisions with your bankroll.