The NFL Has A One-Point Safety. It Can Only Happen On A Try
A safety is worth two points on any other play. On a try after a touchdown, it is worth one, and either team can score it.
Rule 11, Section 1 of the NFL rulebook lists the value of every score: touchdown 6 points, field goal 3, safety 2, and a try after a touchdown worth 1 point by field goal or safety, or 2 points by touchdown.
The one-point safety
Rule 11, Section 3, Article 2 says that if a try results in what would ordinarily be a safety against either team, one point is awarded to the opponent. That means a one-point safety can go to the offense or to the defense.
The try does not end on a turnover
If either team scores what would normally be a touchdown during a try, it is worth two points. Approved Ruling 11.5 describes a blocked try kick returned by the defense across the other goal line: two points for the defense.
If the play ends in a touchback, the try is unsuccessful and is not replayed.
Quick answers
- Is there a one-point safety in the NFL?
- Yes. If a try ends in what would ordinarily be a safety, one point is awarded to the opponent.
- Can the defense score on a try?
- Yes. A defensive return for what would normally be a touchdown is worth two points, and a safety against the offense on a try gives the defense one point.
- What happens if a try ends in a touchback?
- The try is unsuccessful, and there is no replay.
Sources
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