So just how many actual teams are in the the NFL in the USA? – There are currently 32 teams in the National Football League (NFL).
The league is divided into two conferences, the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC), each containing 16 teams. The teams are further divided into eight divisions, four in each conference, with four teams in each division. The current 32-team structure of the NFL has been in place since 2002, following the league’s realignment after the addition of the Houston Texans as an expansion team.
Here are the 32 teams that currently make up the National Football League (NFL), grouped by their respective conferences and divisions:
American Football Conference (AFC):
The American Football Conference (AFC) is one of the two conferences that make up the National Football League (NFL), the other being the National Football Conference (NFC). The AFC was created in 1970 as part of the AFL-NFL merger and currently consists of 16 teams divided into four divisions: East, North, South, and West.
The AFC and NFC have separate schedules during the regular season, with each conference’s teams playing a mix of intra-conference and inter-conference games. At the end of the regular season, the top teams from each conference advance to the playoffs, which culminates in the Super Bowl championship game between the AFC and NFC champions.
The AFC has a rich history of successful teams, with many of the NFL’s most iconic franchises, such as the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Denver Broncos, among its members. The conference also boasts some of the league’s most talented and popular players, including Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, and Lamar Jackson, among others. Learn more about the NFL season format with our guide.
- East Division: Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, New York Jets
- North Division: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers
- South Division: Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans
- West Division: Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers
The winners of each division, as well as two wild-card teams with the best records, advance to the AFC playoffs. The AFC champion then competes against the NFC champion in the Super Bowl to determine the NFL champion.
The AFC is known for its competitive matchups and has seen several dynasties emerge over the years. It has produced numerous successful teams, star players, and memorable moments in NFL history.
National Football Conference (NFC):
The National Football Conference (NFC) is one of the two conferences that make up the National Football League (NFL), the other being the American Football Conference (AFC). The NFC was created in 1970 as part of the AFL-NFL merger and currently consists of 16 teams divided into four divisions: East, North, South, and West.
The NFC and AFC have separate schedules during the regular season, with each conference’s teams playing a mix of intra-conference and inter-conference games. At the end of the regular season, the top teams from each conference advance to the playoffs, which culminates in the Super Bowl championship game between the NFC and AFC champions. Read more about Enjoy The Match with the Get Reading news resource.
The NFC has a rich history of successful teams, with many of the NFL’s most iconic franchises, such as the Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, and Green Bay Packers, among its members. The conference also boasts some of the league’s most talented and popular players, including Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, and Saquon Barkley, among others. Learn the basics of an NFL Match with our free resource. Why not read more about the latest MLB Facts or how the NFL season format works in 2023 and beyond.
- East Division: Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Football Team
- North Division: Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings
- South Division: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- West Division: Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks
The winners of each division, as well as two wild-card teams with the best records, advance to the NFC playoffs. The NFC champion then competes against the AFC champion in the Super Bowl to determine the NFL champion.
The NFC has a rich history and has been home to many successful teams, star players, and memorable moments in NFL history. It has witnessed dynasties, intense rivalries, and iconic games. The conference is known for its competitive matchups and has contributed significantly to shaping the sport of American football.
Each team plays a 16-game regular season schedule, with the top teams from each conference advancing to the playoffs, culminating in the Super Bowl championship game. Why not read more about the NFL with our Facts about the NFL reading materials.
Some Interesting NFL Team History
- Green Bay Packers: The Packers, founded in 1919, have a rich history and are known as one of the most successful franchises in NFL history. Led by legendary coach Vince Lombardi in the 1960s, the Packers won the first two Super Bowls and had a remarkable streak of five NFL Championships from 1961 to 1967. The team has also produced iconic players like Bart Starr, Brett Favre, and Aaron Rodgers.
- New England Patriots: Under the leadership of head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady, the Patriots became a dominant force in the 2000s and 2010s. They won six Super Bowl titles between 2001 and 2018, appearing in nine total Super Bowls during that span. Known for their strategic gameplay and a strong focus on team success, the Patriots are widely regarded as one of the most successful NFL franchises of all time.
- Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers have a storied history and are known for their strong defense and tough, physical style of play. With a total of six Super Bowl victories, including four in the 1970s, they have a tradition of success. The Steelers have been home to legendary players like Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, Lynn Swann, and more recently, Ben Roethlisberger.
- San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers have been a dominant team in different eras. Under head coach Bill Walsh in the 1980s, they won five Super Bowl championships, showcasing an innovative offense known as the “West Coast Offense.” Led by legendary quarterback Joe Montana and wide receiver Jerry Rice, the team achieved great success. In the 1990s, under coach George Seifert, the 49ers continued their winning ways, winning a Super Bowl with quarterback Steve Young.
- Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys, known as “America’s Team,” have had a significant impact on the NFL. Led by head coach Tom Landry and quarterback Roger Staubach in the 1970s, they won two Super Bowls. The team had another successful run in the 1990s, winning three Super Bowls under head coach Jimmy Johnson and quarterback Troy Aikman. The Cowboys have a strong fan base and a legacy of success.
- Chicago Bears: The Bears have a storied history and were one of the dominant teams in the early years of the NFL. Known for their strong defense, they won eight NFL Championships before the Super Bowl era. The 1985 Chicago Bears, led by head coach Mike Ditka and a dominant defense, are considered one of the greatest teams in NFL history. They won Super Bowl XX and showcased a memorable group of players, including Walter Payton, Jim McMahon, and the “Monsters of the Midway” defense.
These are just a few examples of great NFL teams throughout history. Many other teams have also left their mark with remarkable seasons, championship victories, and influential players.