NFL Rules for a Tie & Overtime

NFL games don't always end with a clear winner after the fourth quarter. The NFL uses a sudden death overtime system to give the competitors an additional chance to achieve victory. The NFL rules specify how a winner is determined, how possession is decided and how long the overtime period will last.

  1. History

    • The first NFL overtime game was a preseason game between the Rams and Giants in 1955, though sudden death overtime wasn't added to the rulebook until 1974.

    Function

    • With the exception of one less team timeout, the rules for overtime play are the same as regulation play, except that the first team to score is declared the winner and the game immediately ends.

    Time Frame

    • During preseason and regular season games, there is a 3-minute break after regulation time, followed by one 15-minute period of overtime play.

    Features

    • During the preseason and regular season, the game will end in a tie if both teams fail to score during the overtime period.

    Considerations

    • After regulation play has ended, the referee tosses a coin in the center of the field to determine which team gets the ball first in overtime.

    Expert Insight

    • The winner of the coin toss has had an advantage since 1994, when the kickoff was moved back 5 yards to the 30-yard line.