If you’re a football fan, you know that NFL games can often go down to the wire, with thrilling finishes and unexpected comebacks. But what happens when the game is tied at the end of regulation time? That’s when the NFL overtime rules come into play, adding an extra layer of excitement and tension to the game.
In the NFL, overtime is an additional period of play used to determine the winner of a game that ends in a tie at the end of regulation. The rules for NFL overtime have evolved over the years, with the current format in place since the 2012 season.
So, how does NFL overtime work in 2020? Let’s break it down for you:
1. **Coin Toss**: The first step in NFL overtime is the coin toss. The visiting team’s captain will call the coin toss before the start of overtime. The winner of the coin toss can choose to receive the ball first or choose which end of the field to defend.
2. **Possession**: Each team is given the opportunity to possess the ball at least once in overtime, unless the team that receives the opening kickoff scores a touchdown on its first possession. If the receiving team scores a field goal on its first possession, the other team will have a chance to possess the ball. If the score remains tied after both teams have had a possession, the next score will win the game.
3. **Scoring**: If a team scores a touchdown on its first possession in overtime, the game is over, and that team is declared the winner. However, if the team that possesses the ball first kicks a field goal, the other team will have the opportunity to possess the ball. If the second team scores a touchdown, they win the game. If they kick a field goal, the game continues. If both teams kick field goals on their first possession, or if both teams fail to score, the next score wins.
4. **Game Length**: Overtime in the NFL consists of one 10-minute period, unless the team that receives the opening kickoff scores a touchdown on its first possession. In that case, the game ends immediately. If the score is tied at the end of the 10-minute period, the game is declared a tie during the regular season.
5. **Timeouts and Challenges**: Each team is allowed two timeouts during overtime, just like in regulation time. Coaches can also challenge plays, subject to the same rules as in regulation.
6. **Playoff Overtime**: In playoff games, the rules for overtime are slightly different. The game continues with 15-minute periods until a winner is determined. If the score is still tied after each team has had a possession, the next score wins the game.
Understanding the NFL overtime rules can add to your enjoyment of the game, as you follow the thrilling finishes and dramatic moments that can unfold in these high-stakes situations. So, the next time you’re watching an NFL game that goes into overtime, you’ll know exactly how it all works.