NEW YORK (AP) — NFL games are taking 3 minutes, 40 seconds longer to play this season than last year.
A variety of factors contribute to the lengthier conclusions, including video reviews, major injuries and officiating discussions.
Through 11 weeks of this season, the average time of game has been 3 hours, 9 minutes, 26 seconds. In 2014, the average game was 3:05:46 over the same period.
Oddly, there have been fewer video reviews this season, 266 to 273 a year ago. Yet the games are taking more time. One reason: Of those 266 stoppages for officials to consult instant replay, a significant number of on-field rulings have been overturned compared to 2014.