ESPN.com · Sep 4, 2025
What are NFL overtime rules for regular and postseason play?
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While extra football is always fun, even die-hard fans can have a hard time keeping up with the NFL's evolving overtime rules.
From 1974 to 2010, tie games were decided with a 15-minute sudden-death period. In 2010, the NFL implemented a "modified sudden death," where a first-possession touchdown would end the game but, after a first-possession field goal, the opposing team would also get an opportunity to possess the ball. In 2017, the NFL shortened the overtime period to 10 minutes.
