Current Regular-Season Overtime Structure Presently, regular-season OT consists of a 10-minute period where the game can end in a tie if neither team scores. The team winning the coin toss can secure victory by scoring a touchdown on the initial possession; otherwise, both teams are guaranteed at least one possession.
Postseason Overtime Format In contrast, postseason OT rules, implemented in 2023, ensure both teams have an opportunity to possess the ball, even if the first team scores a touchdown. This change was introduced to address concerns about fairness in critical playoff games.
Proposed Changes for Regular Season The proposed adjustment would extend the postseason OT format to regular-season games, guaranteeing each team a possession regardless of the initial score. This aims to provide a more equitable chance for both teams to compete for a win.
Implications of the Change Adopting this modification could lead to longer game durations and potential scheduling challenges. However, proponents argue it enhances competitive fairness and consistency across all games.
Historical Context The discussion gained momentum following the 2022 AFC Championship game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills, where the existing OT rules were scrutinized for perceived inequities.
Next Steps The NFL Competition Committee is expected to review the proposal during the offseason meetings. If approved, the new OT rules could be implemented as early as the 2025 regular season, aligning the OT format across both regular and postseason play.