2025 NFL Overtime Rules: Key Changes and What to Know
The NFL has introduced significant changes to its overtime rules starting in the 2025 season. These modifications bring the overtime structure in line with postseason regulations established in 2022. As teams compete for vital wins, understanding these changes is crucial for fans and players alike.
Key Changes to the NFL Overtime Rules in 2025
The new overtime rules will be in effect during regular-season games. Here’s an overview of the key changes:
- Overtime Duration: Overtime periods will last for 10 minutes.
- Timeouts: Each team is allotted two timeouts during overtime.
- Review Process: All replay reviews will be initiated by the booth, not by teams.
- Possession Rules: Each team is guaranteed a chance to possess the football, unless the kicking team scores a safety on the receiving team’s first possession.
- Scoring Wins: If both teams have possessed the ball and the score remains tied, the next team to score wins the game.
- Ending in a Tie: Should the score remain tied after the 10 minutes, the game will conclude as a tie.
Recent Overtime Game Tested the New Rules
A recent matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Los Angeles Chargers highlighted these new rules. At the end of regulation, the score stood at 19-19. The game saw a dramatic finish when Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker successfully kicked a 46-yard field goal, tying the game with only eight seconds remaining.
In addition, this season has already featured a notable instance of the new overtime structure. In Week 4, a game between the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys ended in a 40-40 tie after both teams made field goals during overtime.
The adjustments to the overtime regulations aim to enhance fairness and excitement in NFL games, ensuring better competition among teams. As the league adapts to these changes, fans should familiarize themselves with the updated rules to fully enjoy the thrilling moments that overtime can bring.
