NFL Overtime Rules Revamped: Touchdown or Bust in 2025

As of September 29th, 2025, the NFL has implemented a significant change to its overtime rules. After years of debate and experimentation, the league's teams approved a new format that guarantees both sides a possession in overtime, even if the first team scores a touchdown.

The sudden-death system, where the first team to score would win, has been retired. Now, the only way the opening drive can end the game is if the defense records a pick-six or a safety. Otherwise, the second team will get their chance to match or surpass the first team's score.

This new overtime structure applies to both regular season and playoff games, providing a more consistent experience for fans. Previously, the postseason had slightly different rules, leading to some confusion when high-stakes games went to overtime.

The league's goal with these changes is to foster more intrigue and excitement around overtime periods, ensuring both teams have an opportunity to determine the winner on the field. Coaches and players have largely welcomed the new format, acknowledging that the previous sudden-death system was not always fair.