NFL games are competitive and unpredictable. During the 2022 season, 25 games were decided by a game-winning score on the final play, including the Minnesota Vikings' Week 15 victory when they overcame a 33-point deficit, the largest comeback in NFL history. Inevitably, with so many games so close, some will end with a tie score at the end of regulation.
The 2022 season featured 20 games that required overtime, compared to 21 during the 2021 season. Since the NFL added an overtime period in 1974 to resolve regular season games that end regulation time with a tie score, 647 games (1974–2022) have been decided in overtime.
As with manyNFL rules, the rules governing overtime have evolved over time.
The league installed a modified sudden-death overtime system to help determine a winner in a tie game for the 2010 postseason. Two seasons later, the league expanded those rules to cover all NFL games.
The current rules give both teams the opportunity to possess the ball at least once in overtime. Although, during the regular season, if the team that gets the ball first scores a touchdown on the opening possession, they win.
In 2017, NFL clubs approved shortening overtime in the regular season to 10 minutes from 15. The rule change was aimed at improving player safety.
In 2022, NFL clubs approved a rule that allows both teams to possess the ball in overtime in the postseason.
OVERTIME RULES FOR NFL REGULAR SEASON
- At the end of regulation, the referee will toss a coin to determine which team will possess the ball first in overtime. The visiting team captain will call the toss.
- No more than one 10-minute period will follow a three-minute intermission. Each team must possess, or have the opportunity to possess, the ball. The exception: if the team that gets the ball first scores a touchdown on the opening possession.
- Sudden death play — where the game ends on any score (safety, field goal or touchdown) — continues until a winner is determined.
- Each team gets two timeouts.
- The point after try is not attempted if the game ends on a touchdown.
- If the score is still tied at the end of the overtime period, the result of the game will be recorded as a tie.
- There are no instant replay coach’s challenges; all reviews will be initiated by the replay official.
OVERTIME RULES FOR NFL POSTSEASON GAMES
Unlike regular season games, postseason games cannot end in a tie, so the overtime rules change slightly for the playoffs.
- If the score is still tied at the end of an overtime period — or if the second team’s initial possession has not ended — the teams will play another overtime period. Play will continue regardless of how many overtime periods are needed for a winner to be determined.
- There will be a two-minute intermission between each overtime period. There will not be a halftime intermission after the second period.
- The captain who lost the first overtime coin toss will either choose to possess the ball or select which goal his team will defend, unless the team that won the coin toss deferred that choice.
- Each team will have an opportunity to possess the ball in overtime.
- Each team gets three timeouts during a half.
- The same timing rules that apply at the end of the second and fourth regulation periods also apply at the end of a second or fourth overtime period.
- If there is still no winner at the end of a fourth overtime period, there will be another coin toss, and play will continue until a winner is declared.
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NFL Football Operations’ mission is to establish a culture of clarity, consistency and credibility in all aspects of the greatest game. Football is an essential piece of America’s fabric, uniting fans, players and communities with a simple yet powerful bond. We honor the game’s history while continuing to innovate and preserve the sport for future generations of fans, players, coaches, teams and officials.
© 2023 National Football League. All rights reserved.
As a seasoned enthusiast deeply immersed in the intricate realm of the National Football League (NFL), I bring forth a wealth of knowledge and firsthand expertise that extends beyond the surface of casual fandom. In the dynamic landscape of NFL games, where unpredictability reigns supreme, I've closely followed the evolution of the rules and regulations that govern this fiercely competitive sport.
Now, delving into the specifics of the article, the 2023 NFL Rulebook stands as the authoritative guide, meticulously crafted to ensure the integrity, fairness, and entertainment value of NFL games. This rulebook, a compendium of standards and procedures, is the bedrock upon which the league builds its framework.
One pivotal aspect explored in the article is the evolution of the rules, a testament to the NFL's commitment to adapting and refining its regulations. From the humble beginnings of sudden-death overtime in 1974 to the modified system introduced for the 2010 postseason and subsequently expanded to cover all NFL games, the league has continually sought ways to enhance the resolution of tie games.
The article underscores the impact of the NFL Competition Committee, the custodians of football, who not only safeguard the game's integrity but also actively revise rules to prioritize player safety and maintain fairness, ensuring an entertaining experience for fans.
The focal point of the article revolves around the NFL overtime rules, a domain where precision and clarity are paramount. In the regular season, the coin toss determines the team with the initial possession, and a 10-minute sudden-death period ensues. Crucially, if the team possessing the ball first scores a touchdown, they secure victory. The 2017 rule change reducing regular-season overtime from 15 to 10 minutes reflects the league's dedication to player safety.
For postseason games, the stakes are higher. No ties are permitted, necessitating a modified set of overtime rules. If the score remains tied after an overtime period, play continues with two-minute intermissions until a winner emerges. Each team has an opportunity to possess the ball, and the drama unfolds until a decisive outcome is reached.
To bolster understanding, the article points to additional resources such as the official 2023 NFL rulebook and the NFL Video Rulebook. The former serves as a comprehensive reference, while the latter employs video examples to elucidate the intricacies of NFL rules.
In conclusion, the NFL, through its meticulous rulebook and adaptive mindset, not only preserves the essence of the game but also seeks to elevate it for future generations. As we navigate the complexities of NFL regulations, it becomes evident that the league's commitment to clarity, consistency, and credibility remains unwavering.
