NFL Overtime Rules Explained

After the postseason game between the Chiefs and Bills two seasons ago, people were begging for the overtime rules to be changed. Luckily, when it comes to postseason action, that's exactly what happened, with things coming into play last season.

While things haven't changed for the first 18 weeks of the campaign, the same can't be said for what's going down once things are cut down to 14 teams remaining in the Super Bowl hunt. So, how do the new overtime rules work? Let us explain that for you:

NFL overtime rules for the 2023 season explained

Starting off with the regular season, there is one 10-minute overtime session to be played. If the two teams are tied at the end of the action, then things will end in a tie. We saw this happen last year for the NY Giants, as Big Blue and Washington finished even at MetLife Stadium. That's why NY went 9-7-1 on the year.

In the regular season, if the first team with possession scores a touchdown, then the game is over. That's not how things are in the playoffs, though.

With the new postseason rules, even if the first team with possession in OT scores, the game wouldn't end and the other team would get the ball in their hands. Both teams are guaranteed at least one possession.

If the first team scores a field goal in the playoffs and the second team scores a TD, then that second side would get the win. If the score is tied after both teams have had one possession, then the next score would win.

These changes were necessary. While the regular season games could end with a tie, or the first team scoring a TD winning, people are thrilled with how things will be played out in the playoffs.

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