nfl overtime rules

Updated

The NFL overtime rules are divided into two categories: the regular season and the postseason.

Regular Season Overtime Rules

  • Duration: The overtime period lasts 10 minutes.
  • Possessions: Both teams are guaranteed the opportunity to possess the ball at least once, even if the team that receives the opening kickoff scores a touchdown.

* The only exception is if the team that receives the kickoff commits a safety on their opening possession, in which case the game ends and the other team wins.

  • Sudden Death: After both teams have had a possession, the game enters "sudden death," where the next score (touchdown, field goal, or safety) wins the game.
  • Ties: If the score remains tied at the end of the 10-minute period, the game ends in a tie.
  • Timeouts: Each team is granted two timeouts.

Postseason Overtime Rules

  • Duration: Overtime consists of 15-minute periods that are played until a winner is determined.
  • Possessions: Similar to the regular season, both teams are guaranteed at least one possession. If the score is still tied after each team has had a possession, the game continues until a winner is found.
  • No Ties: Playoff games cannot end in a tie; periods will continue indefinitely until a winner is declared.
  • Timeouts: Each team is granted three timeouts per half (two overtime periods).

General Rules (Both Regular and Postseason)

  • Coin Toss: A coin toss is held at the start of overtime to determine which team receives the ball first.
  • Challenges: Coaches cannot initiate instant replay challenges; all reviews are initiated by the replay booth.