Remembering the 2023 NFL overtime rules

With the action of Week 1 of the NFL regular season comes questions about the overtime rules for the 2023 regular season. And we are here with the juicy details our readers are looking for.

Firstly, it’s important to note that the new overtime rules introduced in 2022 apply exclusively to the NFL postseason. The rules for the regular season remain unchanged from the previous year.

What are these regular season rules?

In a nutshell, here’s how they work: a coin toss determines which team gets possession, and if that team scores a touchdown during their initial possession, the game ends. However, if they only manage to score a field goal, the opposing team gets a chance to possess the ball.

If neither team scores during the initial possession, sudden death rules apply, meaning the next score of any kind will determine the winner.

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Here’s a more detailed breakdown from NFL Football Operations:

At the end of regulation, a coin toss decides which team starts with the ball in overtime, with the visiting team captain making the call.

Overtime consists of a single 10-minute period, following a three-minute intermission. Both teams must have an opportunity to possess the ball, except when the first team scores a touchdown during their opening possession.

Sudden death rules apply, where the game ends on any score (safety, field goal, or touchdown) until a winner is determined.

Each team is allotted two timeouts. And there is no point after a try is attempted if the game ends with a touchdown.

If the score remains tied at the end of the overtime period, the game will be recorded as a tie.

Instant replay coach’s challenges are not permitted; the replay official initiates all reviews.

To conclude, these rules apply solely to the regular season.