how does nfl ot work

The NFL overtime (OT) rules for the 2025 season ensure both teams get a possession opportunity in overtime during both regular season and playoff games. Overtime consists of one 10-minute period with a coin toss to decide who receives the ball first. Each team is allowed two timeouts during OT. Both teams will have a chance to possess the ball unless the kicking team scores a safety on the initial possession. If after both possessions the score is tied, the next score wins the game. In regular season OT, if the game remains tied after 10 minutes, it ends as a tie. In playoffs, overtime continues until a winner is decided, with additional periods as needed. All reviews during OT are initiated by the replay official, without coach challenges.