How Does NFL Overtime Work? NFL Overtime Rules Explained

If you've ever asked, how does NFL overtime work, you're not alone. The NFL has updated its overtime format several times over the years, and the latest rules guarantee both teams an opportunity to possess the football before sudden death begins.

Whether you're a football fan, fantasy player, or sports bettor, understanding the current overtime format is important. For the latest NFL odds, player props, and betting insights, check out our sports betting app.

How Does Overtime Work in the NFL?

The NFL uses a 10-minute overtime period during the regular season when a game is tied after four quarters.

Before overtime begins:

• The referee conducts a coin toss.
• The visiting team captain calls the toss.
• The winner chooses whether to receive the kickoff, kick, or select which goal to defend.

Under the current rules, both teams are guaranteed one offensive possession, even if the first team scores a touchdown.

NFL Regular Season Overtime Rules

Here are the current NFL overtime rules for the regular season:

• One 10-minute overtime period is played.
• Both teams receive an opportunity to possess the football.
• If one team leads after both teams have had a possession, that team wins.
• If the game remains tied after each team's first possession, the next score wins.
• If neither team leads when overtime expires, the game ends in a tie.
• Each team receives two timeouts.
• Coach's challenges are not permitted; replay reviews are handled by the replay official.

What Happens if the First Team Scores a Touchdown?

One of the biggest recent rule changes is that an opening-possession touchdown does not automatically end the game.

Instead:

1. Team A scores a touchdown.
2. Team B receives its own offensive possession.
3. If Team B scores a touchdown, the game continues.
4. After both teams have possessed the ball, the next score wins.

The only exception is if the team kicking off scores a safety on the receiving team's opening possession.

How Does NFL Playoff Overtime Work?

Playoff overtime follows many of the same principles but cannot end in a tie.

NFL Playoff Overtime Rules:

• Each team is guaranteed one possession.
• Overtime periods last 15 minutes.
• If the score remains tied, another overtime period begins.
• Teams continue playing until a winner is determined.
• There is a two-minute intermission between overtime periods.
• Each team receives three timeouts per half.

Unlike the regular season, there is no limit on the number of overtime periods played in the postseason.

Why Did the NFL Change the Overtime Rules?

The NFL modified its overtime format after several memorable playoff games raised concerns that both offenses should have an opportunity to possess the football.

The most notable example came during the 2022 AFC Divisional Round, when the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Buffalo Bills in overtime without Buffalo's offense taking the field. The league first changed the postseason format before later adopting a similar possession rule for the regular season.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is NFL overtime?

Regular-season overtime lasts 10 minutes, while playoff games use 15-minute overtime periods until a winner is decided.

Can NFL games end in a tie?

Yes. Regular-season games can end in a tie if neither team leads after the 10-minute overtime period.

Do both teams get the ball in overtime?

Yes. Under the current rules, each team is guaranteed one offensive possession unless the kicking team scores a safety on the opening possession.

How many timeouts does each team get?

• Regular season: Two timeouts per team.
• Playoffs: Three timeouts per team per half.

Final Thoughts

If you're wondering how does NFL overtime work, the answer is much simpler than it used to be. Both teams now receive a chance to possess the football before overtime becomes sudden death, creating a fairer format in both the regular season and the playoffs.

Knowing the latest NFL overtime rules can help you better understand late-game strategy, fantasy football decisions, and NFL betting throughout the season.