NFL Overtime Rules Explained Simply

By Sarah Miller · September 30, 2026

Current NFL Overtime Format

NFL overtime rules have evolved significantly. The current format ensures both teams get a possession opportunity in the playoffs, making it fairer than the original sudden-death format.

Regular Season Overtime

Duration: 10 minutes maximum
Coin toss: Visiting team captain calls the toss
First possession touchdown: Game over immediately
Field goal first: Opposing team gets one possession to match or beat it
Tied after OT: Game ends in a tie (regular season only)

Playoff Overtime

Playoff overtime has no time limit and cannot end in a tie. Both teams are guaranteed a possession regardless of what the first team scores.

Key Differences from Regular Season

No 10-minute cap — play continues until someone wins
Both teams get a possession even if the first team scores a touchdown
Additional coin tosses for subsequent overtime periods

Timeout Rules

Each team gets 2 timeouts per overtime period. Coaches challenges are NOT allowed in overtime — all reviews are initiated by the booth.

Recent Rule Changes

The 2022 rule change guaranteed both teams a playoff possession after the Bills-Chiefs Divisional Round controversy, eliminating the advantage of winning the coin toss.