The National Football League added overtime in 1974, and since then, the rules have evolved side by side with those of the game itself.
In the 2021 divisional playoffs, the Chiefs’ exciting 42-36 overtime victory over the Bills was one of the greatest games in NFL history. Still, it was also a game that ended in a controversial and disappointing way for many fans: the Chiefs received the overtime kickoff.
They scored the game-winning touchdown on the opening possession. Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who had been brilliant during the game, never got to touch the ball in overtime.
After that incident, the League changed its playoff overtime rules in the 2022 offseasonand now postseason games cannot end with a touchdown on the opening possession of overtime. Both teams are guaranteed at least one possession in OT, and we saw it in action as the Chiefs beat the 49ers in 2023.
What are the changes to the NFL overtime rules in the postseason?
The NFL changes to overtime rules for the postseason games was to address concerns about fairness in high-stakes situations.
Equal opportunity for possession after a touchdown
If the team with the first possession of overtime scores a touchdown, they can opt to kick an extra point or attempt a two-point conversion. Afterward, they must kick off, giving the opposing team an opportunity to score their own touchdown.
If the second team also scores a touchdown, they will similarly decide between an extra point or a two-point conversion.
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A strategic twist arises here: the second team can win outright with a successful two-point conversion if the first team opted for a standard extra point.
Sudden death if scores are still tied
If both teams score touchdowns and the score remains tied, the game transitions to a sudden death format. The team that scored last will kick off, and the next score – whether a touchdown, field goal, or safety – will end the game.
-Safety on the opening possession
A unique scenario remains where only one team might possess the ball. If the receiving team on the first overtime kickoff is pinned in their own end zone and the kicking team scores a safety, the game ends immediately, with the kicking team winning.
Extended overtime format
Unlike the 10-minute overtime periods in the regular season, playoff overtime consists of full 15-minute periods, akin to starting a new game. This continues until a winner is determined.
If no winner emerges after two 15-minute periods, another kickoff initiates a third overtime period. While halftime breaks are omitted between overtime periods, this extended format ensures the postseason drama can play out fully.
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Historical context
In NFL history, a third overtime period has never been required, highlighting how rare it is for games to remain unresolved after two full periods.
These changes emphasize fairness and strategic complexity in the postseason, ensuring that the outcomes of critical games hinge less on the coin toss and more on team performance.
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