What Are the NFL's Overtime Rules? Explaining the Nuances for Regular and Postseason Play

Regular Season

In the regular season, each team gets one possession in overtime. If the team with possession scores a touchdown, it wins the game. If the team with possession kicks a field goal, the other team gets a chance to score. The game continues in this manner until one team wins.

If both teams score a touchdown on their first possession, the game continues to sudden death. In sudden death, the first team to score wins the game.

Postseason

In the postseason, each team gets two possessions in overtime. If both teams score a touchdown on their first possession, the game continues to sudden death.

In sudden death, the first team to score wins the game. However, if the game is still tied after both teams have had two possessions, the game will go to a second overtime.

In the second overtime, each team gets one possession. If the team with possession scores a touchdown, it wins the game. If the team with possession kicks a field goal, the other team gets a chance to score. The game continues in this manner until one team wins.

Important Notes

• In the regular season, overtime is limited to 10 minutes. If the game is still tied after 10 minutes, it ends in a tie.
• In the postseason, overtime is unlimited. The game will continue until one team wins.
• The overtime rules can be different for preseason games and international games.

Conclusion

The NFL's overtime rules are designed to create excitement and ensure that every game has a winner. While the rules can be complex, they are ultimately fair and give both teams a chance to win the game.