The number of NFL teams refers to the quantity of professional American football franchises that compete in the National Football League (NFL). At present, there are 32 active teams, divided into two conferences of 16 teams each: the National Football Conference (NFC) and the American Football Conference (AFC).
Knowing the number of NFL teams is essential for understanding the structure and dynamics of the league. It helps determine the number of games played during the regular season, the playoff format, and the overall competitiveness of the league. Historically, the NFL has expanded several times, with the most recent expansion occurring in 2002 when the Houston Texans joined the league as the 32nd team.