NFL Overtime Rules Undergo Major Overhaul for 2025 Season

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the league has implemented a major overhaul to its overtime rules. The changes, which went into effect this year, aim to bring more fairness and excitement to the extra period.

The most significant update is that both teams will now have a chance to possess the ball in overtime. Previously, the sudden-death format meant the first team to score would win, often leading to frustration. Now, a coin toss will determine which team gets the ball first, and the game will continue until one team scores more points than the other.

Additionally, the overtime period has been extended from 5 minutes to 10 minutes, giving teams more time to mount a comeback. Each team will also have two timeouts to use during the extra period, adding further strategic elements.

These rule changes come after years of debate and experimentation, with the league seeking to create a more equitable and thrilling overtime experience for players and fans alike.