At the end of regulation, the referee will toss a coin to determine which team will possess the ball first in overtime. The visiting team captain will call the toss. No more than one...

Dec 9, 2025 · At the end of regulation, the referee will toss a coin to determine which team will possess the ball first in overtime. The visiting team captain will call the toss.

To decide who gets the ball in overtime, team captains meet at the center of the field for a coin toss. The team that wins the toss gets the ball and the first crack at scoring.

Nov 17, 2025 · Discover how NFL overtime rules work, from regular-season modified sudden death to playoff possessions. Learn the rules and strategies.

Jan 3, 2023 · What is sudden death overtime in the NFL? Overtime in the NFL is sudden death, meaning the first team to score wins. If neither team scores in the first possession of overtime, the …

In 2010, regular season overtime shifted to a modified sudden death format. Now, if the first possession results in a touchdown, the game ends; if it’s a field goal, the opposing team can respond.

Mar 17, 2025 · Sudden Death: The team that scores first during the overtime period wins, but the scoring sequence can vary. A touchdown or a safety wins the game outright, but a field goal gives …

Under the modified sudden-death system, the overtime period is extended if there is a field goal or touchdown on the first possession. In that case, the scoring team kicks off to the opponent for a …

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 …

Dec 8, 2025 · NFL overtime rules 2025 Overtime rules during the regular season changed for 2025 to match what's been used in the postseason since 2022.