How does overtime work in the NFL?
Overtime Format
NFL overtime consists of a 10-minute extra period. A coin toss determines possession. The game ends as soon as one team scores, except if the first team scores a field goal, the other team gets one possession to try to tie or win.
If the score remains tied after the 10 minutes, the game ends in a tie for regular-season games. In the playoffs, overtime periods are 15 minutes and are repeated until a winner is determined.
Possession and Scoring Rules
If the team that receives the ball first scores a touchdown, the game is over. If they kick a field goal, the opposing team gets a chance to possess the ball. If they score a touchdown, they win; if they kick a field goal, the game continues in sudden death.
If the defense scores a touchdown on the first possession (e.g., interception return), the game ends immediately. If the first team turns the ball over, the next team to score wins.
- First possession touchdown wins the game.
- First possession field goal allows the other team a possession.
- If the other team ties with a field goal, sudden death continues.
- Regular-season ties are possible after 10 minutes.
Playoff Overtime
In the playoffs, overtime periods are 15 minutes long, and multiple overtime periods can be played. The same scoring rules apply: a touchdown on the first possession wins, but a field goal gives the opponent a chance.
If the game is still tied after one overtime period, another 15-minute period begins. There is no limit to the number of overtime periods in the playoffs.
Common mistakes
- Many think any score on the first possession wins, but a field goal gives the other team a possession.
- Some believe regular-season games cannot end in a tie, but they can if no one scores in the 10-minute overtime.
- Others assume playoff overtime is sudden death for any score, but the same field-goal exception applies.
