The NFL's overtime format is evolving again, this time bringing regular season rules in line with the playoffs in a move approved earlier this year. For the 2025 season, starting now with games underway, both teams will get at least one possession during the extra period, regardless of what happens on the first drive. It's a shift aimed at curbing those abrupt endings that have frustrated fans and players alike for years.
Under the old regular season setup, a team could win on the opening possession with a touchdown, leaving the opponent sidelined. That changed somewhat in 2017 when overtime shortened to 10 minutes from 15, mostly for safety reasons. But now, mirroring the postseason tweak from 2022, the league ensures fairness by guaranteeing the second team a chance to respond—unless the first drive ends in a defensive score like a pick-six or a safety in the end zone. Coin toss still decides who goes first, with the visiting captain calling it. No more sudden-death lopsidedness right out of the gate.
Indeed, this adjustment comes after heated debates, especially following high-profile playoff games where coin-flip winners dominated. Take the Chiefs' overtime victory over the Bills in 2022; it sparked the playoff change, and now it's trickling down. Regular season games will stick to that single 10-minute frame, with two timeouts per team and booth-initiated reviews only. If it's still tied at the end, well, it's a tie—though that's rare enough to keep the drama alive.
However, not everyone's thrilled. Some coaches worry it drags out games, adding to player fatigue in a grueling 17-game schedule. Others see it as a step toward equity, preventing luck from solely dictating outcomes. The rule also tweaks onside kicks and replay assists, but overtime steals the spotlight here. With Week 5's Thursday night clash between the Rams and 49ers potentially testing these rules soon, it's clear the NFL is prioritizing balance over quick resolutions.
One wonders if this will truly level the playing field or just extend the suspense in ways that test everyone's patience.