Do Extra Points Count As Field Goals In Betting
When it comes to sports betting, few things are as confusing to both new and seasoned bettors as the treatment of extra points and field goals. At first glance, both involve a football being kicked through the uprights, but their impact on betting outcomes is profoundly different. Misunderstanding the distinction can lead to costly mistakes, especially when placing prop bets or wagering on game totals. Whether you’re a casual fan dabbling in NFL wagers or a veteran exploring new markets, knowing exactly what counts as a field goal in betting, and what doesn’t, can make all the difference.
This article provides a comprehensive, data-driven guide to the question: Do extra points count as field goals in betting? We’ll break down official rulebooks, analyze real-world sportsbook policies, and offer concrete examples so you can approach your next football bet with confidence. By the end, you’ll understand not only how these kicks are scored in games, but also how they’re treated at major sportsbooks, ensuring your betting strategies are both informed and profitable.
Key Takeaways
- Extra points (PATs) and field goals are scored differently in football and are treated as separate events in betting markets.
- Most sportsbooks do not count extra points as field goals for betting purposes, including in prop bets and totals.
- Always check the official rules of your sportsbook, as rare exceptions exist.
- Understanding this distinction is vital for popular bets such as “total field goals made” or “longest field goal.”
- Real-world examples and sportsbook rulebooks confirm that extra points are almost never counted as field goals in bets.
- Familiarity with these rules helps prevent costly betting mistakes and maximizes your edge.
Credit: www.foxsports.com
The Basics: What Are Field Goals And Extra Points?
Understanding how field goals and extra points differ is foundational to making accurate bets. While both involve kicking the ball through the uprights, their context, scoring value, and significance in betting are distinct.
Field Goals Defined
A field goal occurs when a team elects to kick the ball through the opponent’s uprights during general play, usually on fourth down. In the NFL, a successful field goal is worth three points. Field goals are typically attempted when a team is unable to score a touchdown but is within reasonable kicking range. For example, a team on the opponent’s 30-yard line may opt for a field goal attempt rather than risk a failed fourth-down conversion.
Key attributes of a field goal:
- Worth three points
- Attempted during regular downs (not after touchdowns)
- Must be a placekick or dropkick (NFL rules disallow dropkicks in most cases)
Extra Points (point(s) After Touchdown, Or Pat)
An extra point, also called a point after touchdown (PAT), is attempted immediately following a touchdown. In the NFL, teams can opt for a single-point kick or a two-point conversion. The single-point kick is attempted from the 15-yard line (since 2015), making it a 33-yard attempt.
Key attributes of an extra point:
- Worth one point (if kicked)
- Attempted only after a touchdown
- Rarely missed in the NFL, but miss rates have increased since the line was moved back
Visual Comparison Table
| Event | When Attempted | Points Awarded | Common Distance (NFL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Field Goal | Anytime, usually 4th down | 3 | 18, 60+ yards |
| Extra Point (PAT) | After touchdown | 1 | 33 yards |
Why The Confusion?
The confusion arises because both events look similar, a kicker sending the ball through the uprights. However, they are fundamentally different in terms of scoring and, crucially, how sportsbooks treat them in betting markets.
How Sportsbooks Define Field Goals In Betting
The treatment of extra points and field goals in betting markets is not just a matter of semantics. Sportsbooks have clear, published rules outlining what counts as a field goal for all bet types. Understanding these rules is critical for every bettor.
Official Sportsbook Rules
Most major sportsbooks specify that field goals must be attempted as standard scoring plays, not as extra points. This means:
- Extra points (PATs) do not count as field goals
- Only field goals attempted during regular downs are counted
For example, DraftKings’ official NFL rules state: “A field goal is defined as any three-point scoring play, not including extra points or two-point conversions.”
FanDuel echoes this definition: “Field goals do not include extra point attempts. Only field goal attempts during normal play are counted.”
How Prop Bets Are Affected
Common prop bets impacted by this rule include:
- Total field goals made (by team or by both teams)
- First team to make a field goal
- Player to make the longest field goal
- Will there be a field goal over/under X yards?
In each case, extra points are explicitly excluded. For example, if a kicker makes three field goals and four extra points, the “total field goals made” is three for betting purposes.
Example: Super Bowl Prop Bets
During high-profile events like the Super Bowl, prop bets on total field goals are popular. In the 2026 Super Bowl, there were 4 field goals and 6 extra points made. Bettors who wagered on “over 3.5 field goals” were paid based only on the 4 field goals, not the extra points.
Table: Sportsbook Policy Comparison
| Sportsbook | Field Goals Include Extra Points? | Published Rule Reference |
|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | No | Official NFL Rules Section 5.1 |
| FanDuel | No | FanDuel Sportsbook House Rules |
| BetMGM | No | BetMGM Football Rules |
| Caesars | No | Caesars NFL Betting Rules |
Pro Tip:
Always check your sportsbook’s specific rules page before placing a bet, as definitions and exceptions, although rare, can occur.
Credit: en.wikipedia.org
Why Don’t Extra Points Count As Field Goals In Betting?
The clear separation between field goals and extra points in betting is not arbitrary. It is grounded in both football’s official rulebooks and the practicalities of sportsbook risk management.
Official Rulebook Distinctions
According to the NFL Rulebook, a field goal is a three-point scoring play attempted by a placekick or dropkick from scrimmage, not following a touchdown. An extra point is a separate, one-point event following a touchdown. The distinction is mirrored in NCAA and high school football rules.
Statistical Tracking
Sports statisticians and official NFL scorekeepers record field goals and extra points as separate statistics. For example:
- Justin Tucker, the NFL’s most accurate kicker, is tracked for both “field goals made” and “extra points made” as distinct categories on the official NFL website.
Betting Market Integrity
If extra points counted as field goals, it would distort prop betting markets and create opportunities for arbitrage. Extra points are far more common than field goals and are attempted after every touchdown. This would make totals and related props meaningless.
Example: Risk Of Arbitrage
Suppose a sportsbook offered “over/under 2. 5 field goals made” but counted extra points. In high-scoring games with five or more touchdowns, the “over” would almost always win, undermining the purpose of the bet and exposing the sportsbook to unnecessary risk.
Industry Consistency
All major sportsbooks adhere to this standard, ensuring a level playing field for bettors across platforms. In my experience, even international sportsbooks and betting exchanges follow the same rule.
Credit: www.chicagotribune.com
Real-world Examples And Case Studies
Examining specific games and betting slips helps illustrate exactly how these rules play out in practice.
Example 1: 2026 Nfl Playoff Game
In the 2026 AFC Championship, the Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs combined for three field goals and five extra points. Bettors who wagered on “over 2. 5 total field goals” won, even though eight total kicks went through the uprights (field goals plus PATs).
The five extra points did not count toward the prop.
Example 2: High-scoring College Game
During the 2026 Alabama vs. Ole Miss shootout, there were 8 touchdowns and 2 field goals. If you bet on “over 2. 5 field goals made,” your bet lost, even though there were 10 kicks through the uprights. Only the two field goals counted.
Case Study: Misinterpretation By Bettors
A well-documented case on sports betting forums involved a bettor who lost a significant sum on a “total field goals” prop, mistakenly assuming PATs would count. After contacting the sportsbook, the customer service agent confirmed the official rule: “Extra points are not included in field goal totals.” The lesson here is clear, always read the rules before placing a bet.
Example: Longest Field Goal Vs. Longest Kick
Some prop bets specify “longest field goal” versus “longest successful kick. ” In nearly all cases, “kick” refers to field goals, not PATs. Even if a PAT is attempted from a longer distance due to a penalty, it still will not count for the “longest field goal” prop.
Impact On Different Types Of Bets
The field goal vs. extra point distinction affects a variety of bet types, not just the obvious “total field goals made” market.
Player Props
- Kicker point totals: This market combines field goals and extra points, as both add to the kicker’s total points scored.
- Field goals made/missed: Only field goals count, not extra points.
- Extra points made/missed: A separate market for PATs only.
Team Props
- Team total field goals: Excludes extra points.
- Team total points: Includes all scoring, including touchdowns, field goals, and extra points.
Live Betting
- Next scoring play: May offer odds on “field goal” versus “touchdown” versus “other.” “Other” could include a safety or two-point conversion, but never an extra point by itself.
Comparison Table: How Bets Are Affected
| Bet Type | Field Goals Counted | Extra Points Counted | Example Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Field Goals Made | Yes | No | Over/Under 3.5 Field Goals |
| Kicker Total Points | Yes | Yes | Kicker Over/Under 7.5 Points |
| Extra Points Made | No | Yes | Over/Under 2.5 Extra Points |
| Longest Field Goal | Yes | No | Longest Field Goal Distance |
Warning:
Never assume a “kick through the uprights” means a field goal for betting purposes. Always refer to the official market rules.
The Role Of Rules: How To Read And Interpret Sportsbook Terms
Knowing where and how to find the relevant rules is crucial for every bettor, especially for those wagering on less common markets.
Where To Find Official Rules
- Sportsbook Help Centers: Most sportsbooks have a dedicated rules or FAQ section. For example, DraftKings publishes its rules at DraftKings Sportsbook Rules.
- Market-Specific Rules: When placing a bet, look for an “info” or “rules” icon next to the market name.
- Customer Support: If in doubt, ask customer service for clarification.
How To Read Market Descriptions
- Keywords: Look for terms like “field goals made,” “PATs,” or “extra points.”
- Exclusions: Rules often explicitly state what is not included. For example: “Field goals do not include extra points.”
- Edge Cases: Some markets specify “all scoring kicks.” This is rare and usually limited to novelty or special bets.
Example: Market Description
A typical market description might read:
“Total Field Goals Made, Settlement based on the number of successful field goals made by both teams in regulation and overtime. Extra points and two-point conversions do not count. ”
Pro Tip:
Take screenshots of market rules before betting, especially if you plan to dispute a result later. This can serve as evidence in case of any confusion.
Strategies For Betting On Field Goals And Extra Points
With a solid understanding of how field goals and extra points are treated in betting, you can optimize your approach to these markets.
Analyzing Game Scripts
Certain game scenarios increase the likelihood of field goal attempts:
- Defensive battles: Teams may settle for field goals rather than risk turnovers.
- Red zone struggles: Teams with poor red zone efficiency often attempt more field goals.
- Weather conditions: Bad weather can limit touchdowns and boost field goal attempts.
Evaluating Kickers
Some kickers are more reliable than others. For example, Justin Tucker has a career field goal percentage above 90%. Others, like rookie kickers, may have lower conversion rates, affecting both field goal and extra point markets.
Stadium And Weather Impact
- Indoor stadiums: Higher field goal success rates due to controlled conditions.
- Windy or rainy conditions: May reduce both field goal and extra point success rates.
Noting Coaching Tendencies
Some coaches are aggressive on fourth down, while others prefer to “take the points” with a field goal. Researching coaching habits can give you an edge.
Example: Using Data To Inform Bets
According to Pro Football Reference, the average NFL team attempted 1. 7 field goals and 2. 3 extra points per game in the 2026 season. Use these baselines, along with matchup-specific data, to inform your bets.
Bullet List: Tips For Smart Betting
- Check the kicker’s current form and injury status
- Review recent team red zone efficiency
- Monitor weather forecasts up to kickoff
- Study head coach and offensive coordinator tendencies
- Confirm the sportsbook’s rules before betting
Common Myths And Misconceptions
Despite clear rules, myths persist about how extra points and field goals are treated in betting.
Myth 1: “all Kicks Count As Field Goals”
This is false. Only field goals attempted during regular play count. PATs are a separate category.
Myth 2: “if A Pat Is Blocked And Returned, It Counts As A Field Goal”
Incorrect. In the NFL, a blocked or returned PAT can result in a two-point defensive score, but it still doesn’t count as a field goal for betting.
Myth 3: “some Sportsbooks Count Pats As Field Goals”
Nearly all reputable, regulated sportsbooks do not count PATs as field goals. If you find a market that does, read the fine print, such cases are rare and usually only in novelty or custom markets.
Myth 4: “college And Nfl Rules Are Different For Betting”
While rules for PAT distance and two-point conversions differ between NCAA and NFL, the betting distinction, extra points do not count as field goals, is universal among major sportsbooks.
Bullet List: How To Spot Misinformation
- If a claim lacks a source, be skeptical
- Look for published house rules on the sportsbook’s official site
- Ask customer support for written clarification if in doubt
- Rely on official statistics from the NFL or NCAA
Frequently Asked Questions
Does A Missed Extra Point Count As A Missed Field Goal In Betting?
No, a missed extra point does not count as a missed field goal in any standard betting market. Sportsbooks typically offer separate markets for missed field goals and missed extra points. If you bet on “missed field goals,” only standard three-point attempts are counted, not PATs.
Are Two-point Conversion Attempts Treated As Field Goals In Betting?
No, two-point conversions, whether run or pass plays, are not treated as field goals or extra points in betting. Some sportsbooks offer specific props on “two-point conversions attempted/made,” but these do not affect field goal or extra point markets.
Can A Field Goal Be Attempted On A Two-point Conversion Try?
In both the NFL and NCAA, a two-point conversion cannot be attempted by a kick. The only time a kick is attempted after a touchdown is for a one-point extra point. Any “field goal” must be a three-point attempt during regular play, not after a touchdown.
Are There Any Betting Markets Where Extra Points Count As Field Goals?
In standard markets at major sportsbooks, extra points do not count as field goals. However, some novelty or custom prop bets, especially on international or unregulated books, may combine all successful kicks. Always verify the market description and rules before betting in such cases.
How Can I Ensure I’m Not Misreading A Prop Bet About Field Goals?
The best way is to review the market’s description and the sportsbook’s official rules. Look for keywords that explicitly include or exclude extra points. If unclear, contact the sportsbook’s support team for clarification, and keep a record of their response for your records.
Football betting is full of nuances, and the distinction between extra points and field goals is one of the most important. By understanding how sportsbooks define these terms, you can place smarter, more informed bets and avoid common pitfalls. Whether you’re playing the prop markets or analyzing kicker stats, always check the rules and trust official sources. In my experience, taking a moment to verify these details has saved both money and frustration. For more information on official NFL scoring, refer to the NFL Rulebook. Happy betting, and may your kicks always split the uprights!
