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NFL owners approve new overtime rules for postseason games
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The NFL owners have approved a new overtime rule that will guarantee both teams at least one possession in the extra period, according to multiple reports. The change will be implemented only for the postseason and not regular season games.
Overtime rules in the NFL have been a topic of conversation for years but proved to be extremely relevant this year. The current rules only allow both teams possession if the team receiving the kickoff in overtime is held to a field goal or less.
If the team that receives the opening kickoff scores a touchdown, the game is over. Now, both teams will get at least one opportunity to score, regardless of the receiving team’s outcome.
NFL owners have approved a rule change to guarantee a possession to both teams in overtime. The new rule is for postseason only.
— Lindsay Jones (@bylindsayhjones) March 29, 2022
Both teams now will be assured of getting the football in overtime during the postseason, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 29, 2022
The playoff game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills appeared to be the tipping point for the league and the owners. One of the greatest offensive games in the history of the NFL playoffs ended with a Chiefs victory because they scored on their opening possession of overtime.
Many complained about the ending of the game, as Josh Allen and the Buffalo offense watched Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs win the game without a chance to respond.
So, get ready, NFL fans. The NFL postseason overtimes just got even more entertaining.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB