How many points is a field goal after a touchdown football?
Football fans betting on games need to understand the basic scoring rules, and one question that often comes up is about extra points after touchdowns. The answer is straightforward: a successful field goal attempt after a touchdown, commonly called an "extra point" or "point after touchdown" (PAT), is worth exactly one point.
Understanding Football's Extra Point System
After scoring a touchdown worth six points, teams get an automatic opportunity to add more points. The standard play is attempting a field goal from the 15-yard line (which puts the ball at about the 2-yard line when accounting for the snap and hold). This kick, when successful, adds one point to the team's score.
The NFL changed this rule in 2015, moving the extra point attempt from the 2-yard line to the 15-yard line to make it more challenging. Before this change, extra points were converted at a rate above 99%. Now, the success rate has dropped to around 94%, making these plays more interesting for both fans and bettors.
Two-Point Conversion Alternative
Teams can choose to skip the field goal attempt and instead try a two-point conversion. This involves running or passing the ball into the end zone from the 2-yard line. Success adds two points instead of one, but the play is significantly more difficult to complete.
Smart bettors pay attention to game situations where coaches might opt for two-point conversions. Late in games, teams trailing by specific point margins often choose this riskier option to maximize their scoring potential.
How This Impacts Your Sports Betting
Understanding these scoring rules helps when placing prop bets or analyzing point spreads. Many sportsbooks offer specific markets on whether teams will successfully convert extra points or attempt two-point conversions. Some platforms even let you bet on individual kicker performance throughout games.
When analyzing team statistics, pay attention to extra point conversion rates. Teams with struggling kickers or poor special teams units might be more likely to attempt two-point conversions, especially in crucial game moments.
Key Factors That Affect Extra Point Success
Weather conditions significantly impact field goal accuracy. Wind, rain, and cold temperatures all make kicks more challenging. Indoor stadiums provide more consistent conditions, while outdoor games in places like Green Bay or Buffalo can see dramatically different success rates.
Kicker experience and recent performance also matter. Rookie kickers or those coming off missed attempts might face pressure situations differently than veteran players with strong track records.
The quality of the snapping and holding operation affects success rates too. Teams with long snappers or holders dealing with injuries might see their extra point percentages drop temporarily.
Strategic Considerations for Different Game Situations
Coaches consider multiple factors when deciding between extra points and two-point attempts. Score differential, time remaining, and opponent strength all influence these decisions. Teams leading by large margins typically stick with the safer one-point option, while teams needing to catch up might take more risks.
Cold weather games often see more two-point attempts, especially late in contests when field goal accuracy becomes questionable. Bettors who track weather forecasts and team tendencies can find value in prop betting markets related to these decisions.
Understanding that field goals after touchdowns are worth one point gives you the foundation for making smarter football bets. Whether you're wagering on point totals, team scoring props, or individual player performance, knowing how teams typically handle these situations provides a valuable edge in your sports betting strategy.