Which Football League Will Prevail?

In the wake of the NFL's falling ratings, two noteworthy leagues have emerged. One is the Alliance of American Football, a league founded by Charlie Ebersol that has only two-point conversions after their touchdowns. The other is a league that's actually being revived from the ether: The XFL is returning thanks to Vince McMahon.

Both leagues have eight teams, with the AAF having their teams in southern markets, whereas the XFL has bigger markets in their league. Both leagues are also looking to provide fans with a healthy alternative to the NFL. But which one is geared towards a more successful run?

The XFL has emphasized on their website the focus on the "four areas of refresh":

• Speeding up the game
• Increasing on-field action
• Using advanced technology and insight to improve player safety
• Creating in-game rhythm and flow

There's also an obligation for players to stand for the anthem, an issue that has hammered the NFL for a couple years now. NFL minds and former players such as John Fox, Jim Caldwell, and Doug Flutie have jumped onboard for the XFL.

The AAF is different from the NFL regarding the rules. All two-point conversions, no kickoffs, and harder hits, such as this one, constitute the AAF.

The league, which was founded by television producer Charlie Ebersol and former NFL executive Bill Polian, is a spring league that plays a 12-week season. They have a television contract with CBS and Turner Sports and have territorial drafts. They also let fans interact with replay officials during reviews.

So which league is set to succeed? If the rumors of the XFL becoming a fall league are true, then the AAF will be better off. The Alliance of American Football has already posted monster ratings in its first week of action, even beating out the likes of the NBA. The fact that the AAF is already out on the field whereas the XFL is waiting until 2020 doesn't help matters for Mr. McMahon. Still, fans of a more conservative nature will appreciate the tone Mr. McMahon has set for his league, requiring players to stand for the national anthem.

Nevertheless, it's refreshing to see two leagues pop up and provide an alternative product to the NFL. Giving football fans other things to view is always good for the game of football.