A touchdown on the opening drive used to be enough to end an NFL playoff game, leaving the opposing quarterback watching from the sideline. That rule has changed, but overtime still works differently depending on whether you’re watching the NFL, college football or a high school game.
NFL overtime rules
In an NFL game that’s tied after four quarters, the referee conducts a coin toss. The winner chooses whether to receive the kickoff or kick it away; teams also have options involving which end of the field to defend. The first overtime possession matters, but it no longer guarantees a quick win.
Under current NFL rules, both teams get an opportunity to possess the ball in overtime, even if the team with the opening possession scores a touchdown. If the score is still tied after both teams have had a possession, play continues under sudden-death rules: the next score wins. A defensive score that puts a team ahead can end the game immediately.
| Situation | Regular season | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|
| Length of each overtime period | 10 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Both teams get a possession? | Yes, unless a defensive score ends the game first | Yes, unless a defensive score ends the game first |
| Can the game end tied? | Yes, if the score is tied when time expires | No; additional periods are played until there is a winner |
How the opening possessions play out
Suppose the first team drives downfield and kicks a field goal. The other team gets the ball and can win with a touchdown, tie with a field goal or lose if it fails to score. If the second team ties the game, the next score wins.
If the opening team scores a touchdown, the opponent still gets the ball. A touchdown by the second team would tie the score, bringing sudden death into play; a field goal or no score would leave the opening team ahead. That guaranteed chance is a major change from the old playoff rule.
The difference became impossible to ignore after the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Buffalo Bills in a 2022 playoff game. Kansas City scored a touchdown on its first overtime possession, and Buffalo never got the ball. The NFL changed its postseason rules that offseason so both teams would have an opportunity to possess it. The guarantee was later extended to regular-season overtime as well.
How long can NFL overtime last?
Regular-season overtime is one 10-minute period. If time expires with the score tied, the game is a tie. In the playoffs, overtime periods last 15 minutes and are repeated as necessary until one team wins. There are no ties in postseason games.
That means the clock can affect strategy. A team that receives the ball late in regular-season overtime may need to move quickly, while a team in the playoffs has to plan for the possibility of another full period. Coaches also weigh whether to take a field goal or keep their offense on the field for fourth down, especially if they know the other team will get a possession.
College football overtime rules
College overtime works differently: instead of beginning with a kickoff, each team gets a possession starting at the opponent’s 25-yard line. Teams alternate possessions until one finishes an overtime period ahead. If the defense scores during a possession—for example, by returning an interception for a touchdown—the game can end right there.
- First overtime: Each team gets a possession from the opponent’s 25-yard line.
- Second overtime: Teams again get possessions from the 25, but a touchdown must be followed by a two-point conversion attempt.
- Third overtime and beyond: Teams alternate two-point conversion attempts rather than running full possessions from the 25. The team with more successful attempts after both have tried wins; if still tied, they continue.
Because there’s no kickoff and each possession starts near scoring range, college overtime can turn into a rapid exchange of touchdowns and two-point plays. That makes it feel very different from the longer field-position battle often seen in the NFL.
High school overtime
High school overtime rules depend on the state association. Many states use alternating possessions, often starting at a set yard line, but the starting spot and details can vary. If you’re following a local game, check the rules used by that state rather than assuming the NFL or NCAA format applies.
What overtime changes for teams
The coin toss can shape the first move, but it doesn’t decide the game. With both NFL teams now assured a possession, a coach can’t simply count on an opening-drive touchdown to finish things. Field position, clock management and the opponent’s likely scoring response all matter.
For an offense, fourth-down decisions can become especially sharp. If a team is close to the goal line, kicking a field goal may put points on the board but leave the opponent a clear chance to answer. Going for it risks coming away empty-handed, yet a touchdown can put real pressure on the other offense. The right call depends on the score, distance, time remaining and confidence in the defense.
For a viewer, the simplest way to follow NFL overtime is to track two things: whether both teams have had a possession, and whether the game is still tied after those possessions. In college football, watch for the starting yard line and the shift to two-point attempts in later overtimes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does an NFL touchdown on the first overtime possession end the game?
No. Under current NFL rules, the other team gets an opportunity to possess the ball. A defensive score that puts a team ahead can end the game immediately.
Can an NFL regular-season game end in a tie?
Yes. Regular-season overtime lasts 10 minutes, and a game tied when the period expires is recorded as a tie. Playoff games continue through additional periods until there’s a winner.
Where does a college overtime possession start?
Each team starts its possession at the opponent’s 25-yard line. From the second overtime onward, special conversion rules apply: teams must attempt a two-point conversion after a touchdown in the second, then alternate two-point plays from the third overtime on.
Are high school overtime rules the same everywhere?
No. Rules vary by state, including the starting yard line and how possessions are conducted. Local state association rules determine the format.
Final Thoughts
Overtime is a way to settle a tied game, but there isn’t one universal format. The NFL uses timed periods and now gives both teams an opportunity to possess the ball; college football uses alternating possessions from the 25-yard line; and high school rules vary by state. Once you know which set of rules applies, the key question is simple: has each team had its chance, and is the score still tied?
Aiden Cross is a sports writer and editor at BeliveSports, covering a broad range of sports with a focus on clear, accurate, and practical information. His work covers rules, techniques, player roles, competitions, equipment, statistics, and the details that help readers better understand how different sports are played. Aiden takes a research-driven approach to sports writing, using reliable sources and established sporting information to provide context rather than simply repeating surface-level facts. His goal is to make complex topics accessible while maintaining the accuracy and depth expected by knowledgeable sports fans. At BeliveSports, Aiden contributes to the site’s editorial standards by focusing on accuracy, clarity, useful context, and reader-first explanations.
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