What is the difference between AFC and NFC?

AFC and NFC are the two conferences in the National Football League, with the AFC containing 16 teams and the NFC containing 16 teams.

Which conference is better, AFC or NFC?

Neither conference is definitively better, as the NFC leads in total Super Bowl wins, but the AFC has won several recent championships.

What does AFC stand for in football?

AFC stands for American Football Conference, which is one of the two conferences that make up the National Football League.

What does NFC stand for in football?

NFC stands for National Football Conference, which is the other conference that, alongside the AFC, forms the National Football League.

Do AFC and NFC teams ever play each other?

Yes, AFC and NFC teams play each other during the regular season, and the conference champions meet in the Super Bowl.

What is the biggest difference between AFC and NFC rules?

The biggest difference is that both conferences use the exact same rulebook, so there are no rule differences between the AFC and NFC.

Can a team switch from the AFC to the NFC?

Yes, a team can switch conferences, but it requires approval from the league and a majority vote from the other owners.

Are AFC and NFC jerseys different?

Yes, AFC and NFC jerseys are different because each of the 32 teams has its own unique uniform design, not a conference-specific style.

What is a common mistake fans make about AFC and NFC?

A common mistake is assuming the AFC and NFC have different rules, when they actually share the identical NFL rulebook.

How does the AFC and NFC determine the Super Bowl matchup?

The Super Bowl matchup is determined by the champions of each conference, who win their respective AFC and NFC playoff brackets.

Difference Between

Difference Between Afc and Nfc

Written byNex Virox Team

Editorial Team

Reviewed byVarshal Nirbhavane

Senior SEO & Organic Growth Professional · 5+ years

Published: August 27, 202619 min read

Quick answer

The main difference between Afc and Nfc is that Afc handles audio and video playback, while Nfc handles short-range wireless data exchange. Afc is Apple’s proprietary audio and video codec for iOS devices, while Nfc is a contactless communication standard for payments and pairing.

Key takeaways

Core distinction: AFC and NFC are two American football conferences, American Football Conference and National Football Conference.
How they work: Both conferences contain 16 teams each, split into four divisions of four teams apiece.
Championship path: Each conference crowns its own champion through playoffs, then both champions meet in the Super Bowl.
Best-fit use case: Fans use conference affiliation to track division rivals, playoff seeding, and historical team rivalries.
Common decision mistake: Confusing AFC and NFC with offensive formations or technology terms like Near Field Communication.

Table of Contents18 sections

Difference Between Afc and Nfc: Comparison Table

Aspect	Afc	Nfc
Definition	Afc is a payment card network that processes transactions using magnetic-stripe or chip data.	Nfc is a short-range wireless technology enabling contactless data exchange between devices.
Primary Purpose	Facilitates secure financial transactions between cardholders, merchants, and issuing banks.	Enables tap-to-pay, file sharing, and device pairing over a 4-centimeter or shorter range.
Core Mechanism	Transmits card credentials through a magnetic stripe or EMV chip reader at point-of-sale terminals.	Uses radio-frequency identification at 13.56 MHz to power passive tags or exchange data actively.
Operating Range	Requires physical contact or a very close swipe within 1-2 centimeters of the reader.	Works at distances up to 10 centimeters, but typically functions best under 4 centimeters.
Data Transfer Speed	Processes a transaction in 2-5 seconds, depending on chip authentication and network approval.	Transfers small data packets at up to 424 kilobits per second, near-instant for payments.
Transaction Type	Handles debit, credit, and prepaid card payments with online or offline authorization options.	Supports contactless payments, ticketing, access control, and peer-to-peer data sharing.
Security Layer	Uses EMV chip encryption, tokenization, and cardholder verification methods like PIN or signature.	Employs short-range signals, secure elements, and cryptographic authentication to prevent interception.
Authentication	Requires card presence plus optional PIN, signature, or biometric verification at the terminal.	Needs device unlock or wallet authentication before a payment or data transfer executes.
Hardware Requirement	Needs a magnetic stripe reader or EMV chip terminal connected to a payment processor.	Requires an NFC chip, antenna, and compatible reader built into phones, cards, or terminals.
Power Source	Card itself is passive, drawing power from the terminal reader during the transaction.	Active NFC devices use their battery, while passive tags harvest power from the reader field.
Transaction Speed	Completes a chip transaction in roughly 3-10 seconds including approval and receipt printing.	Executes a contactless payment in under 500 milliseconds after the terminal reads the signal.
Error Rate	Magnetic stripes fail from wear or demagnetization, causing read errors in roughly 1-2% of swipes.	NFC fails mainly from misalignment or interference, with a lower error rate under proper placement.
Durability	Magnetic stripe degrades with use, typically lasting 2-3 years before read failures increase.	NFC chips have no moving parts and survive years of use without mechanical wear or tear.
Scalability	Scales globally through established acquiring banks, processors, and existing merchant infrastructure.	Scales easily across consumer devices, but terminal adoption varies by market and merchant category.
Infrastructure Cost	Existing magnetic and chip terminals are already deployed, so upgrade costs are minimal for merchants.	Requires new NFC-enabled terminals, costing merchants roughly $100-$500 per checkout station.
Maintenance	Card readers need regular cleaning and firmware updates to handle new chip standards and fraud tactics.	NFC hardware is largely maintenance-free, but software and security patches require periodic updates.
Fraud Resistance	EMV chips generate unique cryptograms per transaction, making counterfeiting significantly harder than swipes.	NFC uses dynamic data and tokenization, preventing card skimming and replay attacks effectively.
Compatibility	Works with virtually all point-of-sale systems, ATMs, and card networks globally.	Works with modern smartphones, contactless cards, and NFC readers, but not older terminals.
User Convenience	Requires inserting or swiping the card, then waiting for authorization and removing the card.	Allows a single tap without removing a wallet or phone, reducing checkout time noticeably.
Contact Requirement	Demands physical contact between the card and reader for the entire transaction duration.	Needs only proximity within 4 centimeters, with no physical contact required for data exchange.
Data Capacity	Stores limited cardholder data like account number, expiry, and service code on the stripe or chip.	Stores or accesses up to a few kilobytes on tags, or unlimited data via connected device memory.
Use Case	Used for everyday retail purchases, ATM withdrawals, and recurring bill payments at physical terminals.	Used for transit fare gates, loyalty cards, smart posters, and mobile wallet payments.
Typical Users	Adopted by consumers, retailers, and banks in regions with established card payment infrastructure.	Preferred by tech-savvy users, transit agencies, and businesses targeting faster checkout experiences.
Adoption Rate	Dominates global card payments, with billions of cards issued across all major networks.	Grows steadily, with NFC-enabled phones exceeding half of all smartphones shipped in recent years.
Transaction Limit	No inherent limit, but banks may set contactless caps while chip transactions allow any amount.	Often capped at $50-$100 per tap without PIN, with higher amounts requiring additional verification.
Latency	Incurs 1-3 seconds of network round-trip time for online authorization from the terminal.	Delivers near-zero latency for local data exchange, though payment authorization still takes seconds.
Interference	Unaffected by radio signals, but magnetic fields from motors or speakers can corrupt stripe data.	Susceptible to metal objects, liquids, and other radio-frequency devices operating nearby.
Standard Body	Governed by EMVCo specifications and individual card network rules like Visa and Mastercard.	Regulated by ISO/IEC 14443 and the NFC Forum for interoperability across devices and tags.
Best-Fit Scenario	Ideal for high-value purchases, ATM cash access, and regions lacking contactless terminal coverage.	Best for quick low-value payments, transit boarding, and environments prioritizing speed and hygiene.

What Is Afc?

Afc is a payment network that enables card-based transactions without requiring a live connection to the card issuer at the moment of purchase. It exists to speed up checkout and reduce fraud by verifying card data through an on-device security chip rather than a real-time server call.

Definition of Afc

Afc is an offline-capable card authentication framework that validates a payment card's cryptographic credentials locally using a secure element embedded in the terminal. It approves transactions based on risk parameters stored in the chip, then batches the data for settlement later when connectivity becomes available.

Key Characteristics of Afc

Characteristic	What It Means in Practice
Offline approval	Transactions get approved instantly even when the terminal has zero internet or cellular connectivity.
On-chip risk logic	The card itself decides whether a low-value payment is safe to accept without contacting the bank.
Batch settlement	Approved transactions are stored locally and uploaded to the network later for clearing and funds transfer.
Cryptographic validation	Each transaction uses a unique dynamic code generated by the chip, which prevents replay attacks and cloning.
Lower transaction cost	No per-transaction network call means reduced data usage and cheaper processing fees for merchants.
Speed of checkout	Customers complete a purchase in under two seconds because the terminal does not wait for a remote response.
Offline spending limits	Banks set a maximum amount per transaction and a cumulative cap before online authorization becomes mandatory.
Risk parameter storage	Merchant category codes, currency types and spending patterns are stored on the card to guide approval logic.
Terminal compatibility	Works with standard EMV chip readers that support the offline data authentication protocol.
Fraud liability shift	If the terminal approves a risky offline transaction, the merchant rather than the issuer may absorb the loss.

Common Examples of Afc

Visa Smart Debit – widely used in transit systems where gates must open instantly without a network round-trip.
Mastercard M/Chip Advance – deployed on prepaid cards for vending machines and unattended kiosks in remote locations.
EMV Contactless Transit Cards – used by metro networks in London and New York for fast tap-and-go entry.
Closed-loop Campus Cards – issued by universities for dorm laundry, cafeteria purchases and library fees offline.
Fleet Fuel Cards – allow truck drivers to refuel at isolated highway stops where cellular coverage is unreliable.
Airline In-Flight Payments – enable duty-free purchases at 35,000 feet where no ground network is reachable.
Offline Gift Cards – store a prepaid balance on the chip so stores can redeem them during network outages.
Event Venue Wristbands – used at festivals and stadiums for food and merch purchases with dense crowds.
Rural Retail Terminals – power card acceptance in small villages where broadband and mobile data are absent.
Military Base Commissaries – operate in secure zones where external network connections are restricted for safety.

Advantages and Limitations of Afc

Advantages	Limitations
Works in basements, tunnels, planes and remote areas where connectivity is completely absent.	Offline approval limits are low, so large purchases still fail without a network connection.
Transaction speed is dramatically faster because the terminal skips the online authorization wait.	Fraud liability often shifts to the merchant, creating real financial risk for careless operators.
Reduces dependence on telecom infrastructure, making the payment system more resilient overall.	Stolen cards can be used offline repeatedly until the cumulative cap is hit, enabling fraud.
Lowers processing costs by eliminating the data and time cost of a per-transaction network call.	Batch settlement delays mean the merchant does not receive funds until connectivity is restored.
Provides a seamless customer experience with no declined transactions due to temporary signal loss.	Terminal software must be carefully configured with correct risk parameters or legitimate sales get rejected.
Supports high-volume environments like transit gates where per-second throughput is critical.	Offline transactions are more vulnerable to card cloning if the chip's cryptographic keys are compromised.
Keeps payment services running during regional internet outages or natural disasters.	Reconciliation is more complex because offline batches must be matched against the central ledger later.
Enables card acceptance in developing regions where banking networks are sparse and unreliable.	Merchants need specialized training to understand which transactions are approved offline and why.
Reduces abandoned checkouts at kiosks and vending machines that previously required a live connection.	Chargebacks are harder to dispute because the offline approval lacks a real-time authorization code.
Improves privacy by not transmitting every small purchase to the bank in real time.	If the cardholder exceeds the offline limit, the terminal rejects the sale and the customer walks away.

What Is Nfc?

Nfc is a short-range wireless technology that lets two devices exchange data when they touch or come within a few centimeters. It exists to make secure, tap-based actions like contactless payments, access keys, and instant pairing simple and fast.

Definition of Nfc

Near Field Communication (Nfc) is a standards-based wireless protocol operating at 13.56 MHz that enables bidirectional data transfer between devices within roughly 4 centimeters. It establishes a connection through magnetic field induction, requiring no manual pairing or configuration to initiate a transaction.

Key Characteristics of Nfc

Characteristic	What It Means in Practice
Ultra-short range	Devices must be within 4 cm, which prevents accidental connections from nearby gadgets.
Tap-to-initiate	Simply touching a terminal starts the action, eliminating menus, pairing codes, or app switching.
Two-way communication	Both devices can send and receive data, unlike a one-way radio frequency identification tag.
Low power draw	Passive tags draw power from the reader, so they operate without a battery for years.
Instant handshake	Connection setup completes in under 0.1 seconds, making it faster than Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Secure element support	Payment credentials live in dedicated hardware, isolating them from the main operating system.
No pairing required	Unlike Bluetooth, there is no discovery process or passkey entry before data flows.
Read-only mode	Many tags are locked at manufacture, preventing unauthorized overwriting of stored data.
Peer-to-peer mode	Two powered devices can exchange files, contacts, or links directly through a tap.
Card emulation	A phone mimics a contactless smart card, so it works with existing payment and transit readers.

Common Examples of Nfc

Apple Pay – uses Nfc to transmit encrypted payment credentials when the iPhone taps a contactless terminal.
Google Wallet – relies on Nfc for tap-to-pay transactions at millions of retail point-of-sale systems.
London Underground – accepts Nfc-enabled phones and cards at its yellow contactless readers for fare payment.
Samsung SmartThings Tags – Nfc tags automate home scenes when tapped by a compatible smartphone.
Nintendo Amiibo – figurines embed Nfc chips that unlock in-game content when touched to a console.
AirDrop on iPhone – uses Nfc to initiate the peer-to-peer handshake before transferring files over Wi-Fi.
Hotel key cards – many modern door locks read Nfc credentials from phones or cards for room access.
Passport e-gates – biometric passports contain Nfc chips that border control reads to verify identity.
Nike shoes – select models embed Nfc tags that link to product authentication and care instructions.
Car keys – several automakers let drivers unlock and start vehicles by tapping an Nfc phone to the door handle.

Advantages and Limitations of Nfc

Advantages	Limitations
Transaction completes in under a second, making it faster than chip insertion or cash handling.	Range is capped at roughly 4 cm, so the reader must be physically close to the device.
Short range inherently blocks remote eavesdropping, reducing the risk of wireless interception.	Data transfer speed tops out near 424 kbit/s, far too slow for large files or media.
Works without battery on passive tags, enabling cheap, disposable labels for products and posters.	Older budget smartphones lack Nfc hardware, creating compatibility gaps across user bases.
No user-facing setup or pairing menu means almost zero learning curve for first-time users.	A stolen unlocked phone can authorize payments, so device-level biometric locks are mandatory.
Standards are governed by ISO and NFC Forum, ensuring cross-brand interoperability between devices.	Reader infrastructure is not universal; many small merchants still lack contactless terminals.
Card emulation lets phones replace physical credit cards, transit passes, and access badges.	Duplicate or cloned tags are possible on writable chips, undermining authentication in low-security uses.
Connection is immune to interference from walls or other wireless devices because of proximity.	Metal surfaces and thick cases can detune the antenna, causing failed reads or dropped taps.
Peer-to-peer mode enables instant sharing of contacts, URLs, or Wi-Fi credentials between devices.	Only one active transaction occurs at a time; simultaneous multi-tag reading is not supported.
Hardware cost is minimal, with passive tags costing only a few cents in bulk production.	Encryption is not built into the basic standard, so sensitive data needs an extra security layer.
Works offline without internet connectivity, unlike QR codes that often require a network connection.	Apple restricts third-party access to the secure element, limiting full Nfc functionality on iOS.

Similarities Between Afc and Nfc

Shared Aspect	How Afc and Nfc Are Alike
Core purpose	Both Afc and Nfc serve as conference groupings within the same professional American football league.
League membership	Every team in both Afc and Nfc holds membership in the identical overarching National Football League organization.
Team count	Afc and Nfc each contain exactly sixteen professional franchises competing annually for their conference title.
Division structure	Both Afc and Nfc split their sixteen teams into four separate divisions with four teams per division.
Season format	Afc and Nfc clubs play the same seventeen-game regular season schedule across eighteen weeks.
Playoff path	Both Afc and Nfc send seven qualifying teams into their respective conference playoff brackets each season.
Championship goal	Afc and Nfc winners each earn a conference championship trophy before advancing to the Super Bowl.
Super Bowl berth	The champion from Afc and the champion from Nfc meet annually in the league's final championship game.
Game rules	Afc and Nfc teams play under the exact same rulebook covering scoring, penalties, and player conduct.
Field dimensions	Both Afc and Nfc compete on identical regulation fields measuring one hundred yards in playing length.
Roster limits	Afc and Nfc franchises maintain the same fifty-three player active roster maximums during the regular season.
Draft access	Both Afc and Nfc teams participate equally in the same annual player selection draft process.
Salary cap	Afc and Nfc clubs operate under the identical league-wide salary cap for player compensation each year.
Revenue sharing	Both Afc and Nfc teams receive equal shares from the league's national television and merchandise contracts.
Referee crews	Afc and Nfc games use officials drawn from the same unified pool of league referees.
Player eligibility	Both Afc and Nfc rosters follow the same eligibility rules regarding age, college status, and experience.
Injury protocols	Afc and Nfc teams follow identical league-mandated concussion and injury reporting procedures.
Practice rules	Both Afc and Nfc franchises adhere to the same offseason workout and practice session limitations.
Uniform standards	Afc and Nfc teams comply with the same league regulations governing jersey colors and equipment specifications.
Broadcast coverage	Both Afc and Nfc games receive equal national television distribution through the league's media partners.
Fan engagement	Afc and Nfc teams share the same digital platforms, mobile apps, and official league content channels.
Merchandise licensing	Both Afc and Nfc team logos and trademarks are licensed through the league's central retail operation.
Coaching standards	Afc and Nfc teams hire coaches who meet the same league certification and background requirements.
Scouting systems	Both Afc and Nfc franchises use the same league-approved scouting combine and evaluation events.
Player safety	Afc and Nfc teams follow identical equipment safety standards and helmet certification requirements.
Disciplinary rules	Both Afc and Nfc players face the same league conduct policy and fine structure for violations.
Historical legacy	Afc and Nfc both trace their origins back to the same 1970 AFL-NFL merger agreement.
Statistical tracking	Both Afc and Nfc use the same official league statisticians and player performance measurement systems.
Pro Bowl access	Afc and Nfc players are selected equally to the league's annual all-star exhibition game.
Long-term stability	Both Afc and Nfc operate as permanent conference structures with no planned expansion or contraction.

Afc or Nfc: Which Should You Choose?

Your decision hinges on one variable: whether you need physical distance or physical contact. If your goal requires wireless power or data transfer across a gap, choose Afc. If you need a secure, tap-to-pair connection, choose Nfc.

When to Use Afc

Choose Afc when charging or communicating across a distance is your priority. This technology suits wireless charging pads, electric vehicle charging, and industrial power transfer. It also fits budgets for larger infrastructure projects where a few centimeters of separation between the Afc coil and receiver matters more than ultra-fast pairing.

When to Use Nfc

Choose Nfc when proximity under 4 centimeters is acceptable and security is critical. This works best for contactless payments, access badges, and public transit cards. Nfc also fits low-power devices like smart posters or pairing Bluetooth speakers, where the tap action itself confirms the user's intent and prevents accidental triggers.

Common Misconceptions About Afc and Nfc

Common Myth	The Reality
Afc and Nfc are the same technology with different names.	Afc and Nfc are distinct systems; Afc handles fare collection while Nfc enables contactless data exchange between devices.
Nfc only works for mobile payments like Apple Pay.	Nfc powers many uses beyond payments, including file sharing, smart posters, access keys, and device pairing.
Afc requires physical tickets or paper passes to function.	Modern Afc systems accept contactless cards and mobile wallets, reducing reliance on paper tickets entirely.
Nfc has a range of several meters like Bluetooth.	Nfc operates within roughly 4 centimeters, making it short-range and inherently more secure than Bluetooth.
Afc is only used in subway systems worldwide.	Afc also manages fares for buses, trains, ferries, parking garages, and toll roads across many cities.
Nfc and radio-frequency identification are exactly the same thing.	Nfc is a subset of RFID operating at 13.56 MHz, but Nfc adds two-way communication and stricter proximity rules.
You need an internet connection for Nfc to work.	Nfc transfers data locally between two devices without Wi-Fi or cellular, though some apps require internet later.
Afc automatically deducts the cheapest fare for every trip.	Afc deducts based on zone, distance, or time rules set by the transit operator, not automatically the lowest price.
Nfc is completely secure and cannot be hacked.	Nfc reduces risk with short range and encryption, but relay attacks and skimming remain possible if devices are close.
Afc and Nfc are competitors vying for the same market.	Afc and Nfc complement each other; many Afc systems use Nfc technology for contactless fare payment.
Nfc drains your phone battery quickly when enabled.	Nfc consumes negligible power because it activates only when two devices are within a few centimeters of each other.
Afc only works with proprietary cards issued by the transit agency.	Modern Afc accepts open-loop bank cards and mobile wallets, not just agency-issued proprietary cards.
Nfc cannot transmit data larger than a text message.	Nfc transfers small payloads like URLs or contacts, but it can trigger larger transfers via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Afc is a single standardized global system used everywhere.	Afc varies by city and operator, with different hardware, software, fare rules, and card formats across regions.
Nfc requires both devices to have batteries and power.	Nfc tags are passive and draw power from the reader, so they work without any battery of their own.
Afc is only relevant for large cities with heavy transit use.	Afc scales down effectively for small bus networks and regional transit, improving speed and reducing cash handling.
Nfc is only found in smartphones and credit cards.	Nfc appears in passports, key fobs, game consoles, smartwatches, and many other everyday objects beyond phones.
Afc stores all your travel history on the physical card itself.	Afc often stores transaction records on central servers, with the card holding only a secure identifier or balance.
Nfc is too slow for any practical real-world application.	Nfc transfers data at up to 424 kbps, which is ample for payments, ticketing, and small file exchanges.
Afc is the same as electronic toll collection on highways.	Afc covers transit fares broadly, while electronic toll collection is a specific Afc application for road usage fees.
Nfc only works between two phones placed back to back.	Nfc works between any reader and tag, including phones, terminals, posters, and embedded chips in various objects.
Afc is a recent invention from the last decade.	Afc has existed since the 1960s with magnetic stripe tickets, evolving through smart cards to mobile payments.
Nfc is a proprietary technology owned by one company.	Nfc is an open standard governed by the NFC Forum, with contributions from many companies worldwide.
Afc always requires a smartphone app to function.	Afc works with physical cards, paper tickets with barcodes, and bank cards, so apps are optional not mandatory.
Nfc cannot work through cases, wallets, or other materials.	Nfc works through thin non-metallic materials like plastic cases, but thick metal or excessive distance blocks the signal.
Afc is only about collecting money from passengers.	Afc also provides data on ridership, route demand, and travel patterns, which helps agencies plan better service.
Nfc and Bluetooth serve identical purposes with different names.	Nfc offers faster pairing and shorter range, while Bluetooth supports longer distances and higher data rates for streaming.
Afc is a single piece of hardware installed at station gates.	Afc is a full ecosystem including validators, gates, backend servers, card issuance systems, and mobile apps.
Nfc is unsafe for payments because data can be intercepted easily.	Nfc payments use tokenization and dynamic codes, making interception far harder than with magnetic stripe swipes.
Afc and Nfc are interchangeable terms in transit discussions.	Afc is the fare collection framework, while Nfc is one communication method that enables contactless payments within that framework.

Conclusion

Difference Between Afc and Nfc comes down to card communication: Afc uses contactless radio waves, while Nfc enables two-way data exchange. Choose Afc for simple, secure payments. Choose Nfc for broader tasks like pairing devices, sharing files, or reading smart tags.

FAQs on Difference Between Afc and Nfc

What is the difference between AFC and NFC?: AFC and NFC are the two conferences in the National Football League, with the AFC containing 16 teams and the NFC containing 16 teams.
Which conference is better, AFC or NFC?: Neither conference is definitively better, as the NFC leads in total Super Bowl wins, but the AFC has won several recent championships.
What does AFC stand for in football?: AFC stands for American Football Conference, which is one of the two conferences that make up the National Football League.
What does NFC stand for in football?: NFC stands for National Football Conference, which is the other conference that, alongside the AFC, forms the National Football League.
Do AFC and NFC teams ever play each other?: Yes, AFC and NFC teams play each other during the regular season, and the conference champions meet in the Super Bowl.
What is the biggest difference between AFC and NFC rules?: The biggest difference is that both conferences use the exact same rulebook, so there are no rule differences between the AFC and NFC.
Can a team switch from the AFC to the NFC?: Yes, a team can switch conferences, but it requires approval from the league and a majority vote from the other owners.
Are AFC and NFC jerseys different?: Yes, AFC and NFC jerseys are different because each of the 32 teams has its own unique uniform design, not a conference-specific style.
What is a common mistake fans make about AFC and NFC?: A common mistake is assuming the AFC and NFC have different rules, when they actually share the identical NFL rulebook.
How does the AFC and NFC determine the Super Bowl matchup?: The Super Bowl matchup is determined by the champions of each conference, who win their respective AFC and NFC playoff brackets.