The NFL overtime (OT) works as a tie-breaking period played when the game is tied at the end of regulation (four quarters). In the regular season, the game goes into a 10-minute overtime period beginning with a coin toss to decide which team gets the ball first. Both teams are now guaranteed at least one possession in overtime, meaning even if the team receiving the kickoff scores a touchdown on the first possession, the other team still gets a chance to respond. If the score remains tied after each team has had a possession, then the game goes into sudden death where the next score wins. If the game is still tied at the end of the 10-minute OT period, it results in a tie. In the playoffs, overtime rules are similar but with 15-minute periods, and multiple overtime periods can be played until a winner is decided. Each team has three timeouts, and both are guaranteed at least one possession. If the tie persists after each team has possessed the ball, the next score wins, continuing sudden death. Key rules include:
- Defensive scores (like safeties or defensive touchdowns) on the first possession win the game immediately.
- If the team receiving the opening kickoff scores only a field goal, the other team gets a chance to possess the ball and can win with a touchdown, tie with a field goal leading to sudden death, or lose if they fail to score.
- No coach's challenges; replay reviews are initiated by officials.
- Regular season OT can end in a tie if no winner emerges after the 10-minute period.
This system ensures fairness by allowing both teams offensive opportunities in OT, a change that addresses past criticisms of coin toss impact on game outcomes.
