NFL overtime rules can get confusing if you’re not paying close attention.
Overtime rules in the NFL have evolved a lot over the years. So, what do they look like today? Are regular-season rules the same as playoff rules? And is it still sudden death?
In Week 2, the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys played the first overtime game of the season, with the Cowboys winning 40-37 on a walk-off field goal by Brandon Aubrey.
Confused about what happened and how the rules apply? Let’s break it down.
What are the NFL overtime rules?
In the regular season, overtime consists of a single 10-minute period. Each team is guaranteed an opportunity to possess the ball.
Even if the team that receives the ball first scores a touchdown or a field goal, the game isn’t over like it used to be. The opposing team still gets a chance to match the score.
The only exception is if the team kicking off scores a safety on the receiving team’s initial possession—then the kicking team wins immediately.
After both teams have had a possession, the team with more points is the winner. If the score is still tied, then it turns into sudden death and the next team to score—by any method—wins the game.
Each team gets two timeouts during overtime. If the score remains tied at the end of the period, the game is officially recorded as a tie.
There are no coach’s challenges in overtime; all replay reviews are initiated by the replay official.
The overtime rules have changed a lot over the yearsGettyAre the NFL overtime rules the same in the postseason?
Postseason games can’t end in a tie, so the overtime rules are slightly different in the playoffs.
Overtime periods in the playoffs are 15 minutes, and both teams are guaranteed at least one possession. If the score is still tied at the end of a period—or if the second team hasn’t finished its initial possession—another overtime period begins.
Play continues until a winner is determined, no matter how many overtime periods it takes.
The most famous example of the new postseason overtime rules came in Super Bowl LIV, when the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers went the distance in overtime.
The 49ers had the ball first and kicked a field goal. Patrick Mahomes then led the Chiefs down the field and threw a game-winning touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman, to win the Super Bowl.
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Chiefs won Super Bowl LIV in overtimeGettyHence then, the article about what are the nfl overtime rules is it still sudden death was published today ( ) and is available on talksport ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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